Reynosa

Reynosa, a city of 612,000 (2012) people in Tamaulipas, Mexico, lies directly across the Rio Grande from US border city McAllen, Texas. Despite its reputation, Reynosa is an industrial hub for Northern Tamaulipas and the Rio Grande Valley: its maquiladora companies directly employ over 110,000 people, ranging from direct labor to specialized engineering. The majority of the industries are related to electronics or automotive manufacturing.

History
Reynosa has a long history of being unnoticed. It was just a part of land that many people in the past had fought for. Reynosa was first noticed on 6 July 1686, a long exploring expedition was held by Mr. Agustin Echeverz and Zuvízar, Governor of Nuevo Reino de León and is commanded by Captain Alonso, and they camped on the hills where Reynosa is located today. In December 1748, an expedition led by Colonel Jose de Escandon wanted to establish a new province plan to create 14 villages, including that of Reynosa. The convoy consisted of 1500 settlers and 755 soldiers. In September 1800, a flood occurred that literally swept people off the land; people were saved in canoes and rafts, taking refuge in the hills of El Morrillo. Then, later in 1802, the people in Reynosa relocated. By November 24, 1926, Reynosa is finally elevated back to the way the city was and prospering since.

Get in
You can get to Reynosa by plane, car, or bus.

By plane

 * Aeromexico/Aeromexico Connect (Mexico City)
 * Viva Aerobus (Cancún, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Mexico City–AIFA, Veracruz)
 * Viva Aerobus (Cancún, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Mexico City–AIFA, Veracruz)

Travelers from the U.S. can fly into neighboring McAllen International Airport, which is served by Allegiant, Delta, United, and American, and then take a taxi, Greyhound bus, or a shuttle through the Hidalgo border crossing to get to the Reynosa Airport. Aeromexico also offer direct flights into McAllen from Mexico City AIFA while Volaris plans to begin service to McAllen from Cancun in Mexico July 2024. The next nearest major (Mexican) airport is Monterrey International Airport  another 215 km (2.5 hr) southwest of Reynosa via MX-400 for additional flights with Aeromexico, Areus, TAR, Volaris, VivaAerobus to more cities in Mexico and international flights to Atlanta (Delta), Madrid (Aeromexico), Seoul (Aeromexico), Panama City (Copa), and Toronto (Air Canada).

By car
From points in south Texas, take U.S. 83 to McAllen and then exit at 23rd Street (route 115) and head south about 10 km (6 miles) to the international bridge checkpoint at Hidalgo.

From points in Mexico:
 * Mexico Highway 2 runs parallel to the border and can be used to reach Reynosa from other border cities. Traveler warning: this highway is not patrolled by the Federal government and is extremely dangerous during the day, and impassable after dark due to Mexican drug cartel "ownership" of the route. It is in the interest of your best safety to entirely avoid this area and the very small, mostly deserted towns and crossings along it. The crossings are not always open. For example, the crossing at Falcon Lake (which should be avoided at all costs, anyway) closes at 21:00 or earlier.
 * Mexico Highway 40 (toll road) can be used to reach Reynosa via Monterrey. The toll is M$270.

The Aduana office to get car import permits is on Alvaro Obregon, just a few blocks to the left as you cross into Reynosa (go left on Miguel Aleman -- it turns into Obregon -- the office is on your left just after you round the bend).

By bus
It takes about 6 minutes to get from McAllen, Texas, to Reynosa, Tamaulipas using the city bus.

Get around
There are many things to do around Reynosa, including going to church, swimming in the public pool, going out to eat the best fresh tamales... but in order to get to all these fun places you could either: walk (many people don't have a car), drive, take the bus, or bike. It is said to be that in some parts of Mexico like Reynosa, they don't respect bicyclers or walkers that are on the street. That is why the choices for most people really narrow down to: drive or take the bus. Of course many people risk their lives and still walk or bike in the streets, but majority do not.

See
There are not that many historical things in Reynosa to see. However, there are a few historical monuments like A Juárez, Hidalgo and Morelos. Also, there is an Architectural monument, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which was built in 1810; it has a neoclassical style.

Another thing that tourists could look forward to are the popular festivities: Harvest Fair each year in August. The feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe starts on March 5th. During that time tourists can see several groups of dancers perform their dances as they wear very colorful outfits.

Do

 * Streets and shops- most tourists roam around in Reynosa to enjoy the small shops to buy things and practice their negotiating skills with prices.
 * Border crossing- people cross the U.S./Mexican border to enjoy vice versa. Due to the fact that Reynosa is practically on the border, Texas is well visited as well, keeping in mind about abiding with the state laws of course.

Buy
There are a wide range of shops in Reynosa, varying from supermarkets, to crafts markets selling little nik-naks for tourists. Reynosa is near the pedestrian-only Hidalgo shopping street connecting Plaza Principal to Zaragoza Market. This bazaar is filled with Mexican handcrafts, from colorful woven blankets and baskets to kitschy sombreros and miniature guitars. Many tourists are attracted to shops such as this because tourists wherever they go, they want to purchase something to remember the place by, or as gifts for friends and family.

Eat
Reynosa is a city that is not distant from the U.S. border; so although, there are many Mexican authentic restaurants and chain fast foods found in the U.S. as well.

Drink
Reynosa is known to be "Boys' Town", an area where prostitution is legal and where they can go to bars and nightclubs.



Stay safe

 * Wear a condom
 * Stay hydrated

Go next

 * Monterrey