Boquillas, Mexico: A One-Day Guided Adventure

Your Boquillas Adventure Begins!

Step into another world on this unforgettable guided tour to Boquillas, Mexico! Your journey begins with a scenic drive through Big Bend National Park, where rugged desert landscapes and towering mountains set the stage for an adventure like no other.

At the Rio Grande, you’ll cross the international border by foot or small boat, a thrilling moment that marks your passage into the vibrant culture of Boquillas del Carmen. From there, choose your ride—a charming donkey, a spirited horse, or a local pickup truck—to take you into town, where the warm hospitality of Boquillas awaits.

Once in Boquillas, immerse yourself in the rich Spanish and Mexican heritage. Stroll through the village, shop for handcrafted goods, and enjoy a delicious, leisurely lunch with stunning views of the Rio Grande and surrounding desert cliffs. Savor authentic Mexican cuisine while taking in the relaxed pace of this remote and welcoming community.

This is more than just a trip—it’s an experience you’ll never forget. From the scenic beauty of Big Bend to the cultural charm of Boquillas, this adventure offers a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and discovery.

Book now-limited spots!

Additional information

Our journey begins at the parking area directly across from the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. Check-in is at 8:00 AM, and we depart at 8:30 AM sharp! After a scenic one-hour and fifteen-minute drive down Hwy 385, we’ll make a quick stop at Panther Junction Visitor Center, Big Bend National Park. Here, you can grab a souvenir, check out maps and books, and use the restrooms before continuing to the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry.

Important: A valid passport is required to cross into Mexico.

Once cleared, you’ll cross the Rio Grande in one of two ways:
Take a small boat ride ($5 per person round trip) for a relaxed crossing, or...
Walk across the river if you're feeling adventurous!

From there, hop on a horse ($15.00), donkey ($10.00), or pickup truck ($10.00 per person) for a quick ride into Boquillas del Carmen—a charming town of about 200 residents, where tourism is the heart of the community. Prefer to walk? You can do that too! The town is approximately 3/4 of a mile. Gratuities for good service are always appreciated.

Explore Boquillas!

Boquillas offers a rich cultural experience with plenty to see and do:
Dine at one of two restaurants—José Falcon’s & Boquillas Restaurant—both serving simple, fresh, and delicious food.
Visit the local bar, which features pool tables and games.
Shop for handcrafted souvenirs, including wire sculptures, embroidered textiles, walking sticks, and other locally made goods.
Take a walking tour of the village with a local guide.

Know Before You Go!

Bring Cash!

Boquillas' shops and restaurants only accept cash (U.S. currency is accepted).
Smaller bills are recommended for easier transactions.
Access bracelet fee: $7 per person (for protected area conservation)

What NOT to Bring Back:

No food, alcohol, vanilla, or restaurant leftovers can be brought back into the U.S.
Firearms are strictly prohibited in Mexico.

Maderas del Carmen Protected Area

Boquillas is located within the Maderas del Carmen Flora and Fauna Protection Area, a designated Mexican conservation zone managed by CONAMP.

Please follow these guidelines:
Register and pay for your access bracelet ($7)
Use Authorized Guides only
Respect all rules & keep the area clean
Respect private property
Do not collect, damage, or purchase plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, or fossils

In total, we recommend bringing $50.00 minimum in small bills for your trip. Marathon Mountain Adventures will provide a $25.00 voucher for lunch once we arrive at the restaurant.

Don't miss this unforgettable adventure—reserve your spot today!