SOUTHWEST PILGRIMAGE: BOQUILLAS, MEXICO
While visiting Big Bend, we were told about the newly re-opened Mexican border crossing into Boquillas del Carmen. This tiny Mexican village on the edge of the Rio Grande had been shut off from border crossing over the past several years since 911. With the US tourism no longer feeding their economy, the town was almost to ghost town status until it recently re-opened a few weeks before our arrival.
The town survives on Big Bend tourism with Americans crossing over and supporting their economy thru buying food from the two locals who make it out of their kitchen, stopping by the one bar and having a few drinks, and shopping at the one store that has Mexican goods. When I say this is a tiny town, I mean its real tiny.
The first part of this fun day trip was walking across the Rio Grande into Mexico. How often do you get to say that you did that? From there, we rented donkeys/horses to take us into town for the day. Here is a peek into this special little place and our adventure.
Photo by @lohdy
The scene on the other side of the Rio Grande
Donkeys for rent
Our transportation for the day
The views from Mexico
The scene in the town was minimal and so beautiful set against the backdrop of mountains and clouds.
The town has a small number of inhabitants and they all sell their handmade goods out front of their homes
Best denim ad photo ever
Photo by @lohdy
A stop for a delicious lunch made by this sweet lady in her family kitchen.
The kitchen shot by @lohdy
An extension of the kitchen with random things for sale..
Amazing horse whips made by their family members that were for sale
A stop at the one local bar is a necessity and such a classic experience. They offer beer and tequila only, what else does one need anyhow?
Our cowboy friend, Jimmy in front of the one bar in town
Photo by @lohdy
The selection
Pouring it up
These pool tables have seen some good times
Pictures of their local prophet hero hang on the wall
Love this guy
A sampling of the clothing we bought from the market store..
@lohdy and Jessica Lutz
This was such an adventure for the day and topped off our experience in Big Bend. If you go down to this part of the county, visiting Boquillas is a must. It felt really great to support this super small community and help them get back on their feet after almost becoming a ghost town these past several years. I’ll be back in September and plan on buying a few more of these embroidered dresses as well as a few of those horse whips! Go ahead and put your order in now….
