For guests in the Los Angeles area, we recommend driving to Mexicali via Interstate 10 and CA-86 South. Or, flying into Imperial Valley Airport (USA small airport 20 mins from Mexicali) via LAX. For guests in the Orange County and San Diego Areas, we recommend driving to Mexicali via Interstate 5 South and Interstate 8 East. For guests outside the Southern California area, we recommend flying into San Diego and driving to Mexicali via Interstate 8 East. Or, flying into Imperial Valley Airport (USA airport 20mins from Mexicali) via LAX. Feeling adventurous?? Forget the flights, pack the cooler and drive down stopping in either Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree or San Diego for an extra special extended weekend. We do these drives often from SF to LA, LA to Joshua Tree/Palm Springs, or LA to Mexicali, and enjoy them immensely! Please call or text us for help planning any part of your itinerary! Chris: (925) 354-0221 Alex: (213) 800-5518
Yes, a passport card or book is required upon re-entry into the United States. Please ensure every person in your party has the necessary documentation.
Crossing the border is a simple and safe process. There are two ports of entry in the Calexico/Mexicali area, Calexico - East, and Calexico - West. We recommend entering Mexicali through the Calexico - West Port of Entry via HWY 111, as it leads directly to Hotel Araiza in Downtown Mexicali. We recommend either of the East or West Ports of Entry when leaving Mexicali. You can check the wait times at each Port of Entry on the CBP website (https://bwt.cbp.gov/index.html) Time: Expect it to take 45 min to 2 hrs to cross the border back into the United States. Please give yourself ample time to cross to ensure you make your departing flight. Documents: A Passport Book, Passport Card, Green Card, Travel Visa are required for re-entry into the United States. Please ensure you have valid travel documentation.
It’s a 10 minute drive from the Calexico, CA - Mexicali border to Hotel Araiza. Feel free to call Chris or Alex from Calexico, CA for directions or any assistance you may need before crossing. Calexico, CA is a small border city with an Outlet Mall, Starbucks, gas stations, fast food restaurants, Wal-Mart, and Target. It’s a great place to stop before crossing to fill up on gas, buy last minute toiletries, make phone calls or texts, and set up navigation to Hotel Araiza.
Yes, Mexicali is safe. Mexicali is Alex's Mom's hometown, where she has over 100 family and friends all working, living, and playing within the city limits. Their professions range from police officers, lawyers, teachers, dentists, hair dressers, business owners, engineers and more. If you need any help during your stay, please let Chris or Alex know right away. There is a large network of support in Mexicali!
Yes. We encourage everyone to carry small amounts of pesos for gifts and street food while in Mexico. You can buy pesos from any US bank, exchange house, or simply withdraw pesos from any ATM in Mexicali. Mexicali is a border city, and American dollars are happily accepted everywhere. Please be sure to check the US Dollar to Mexican Peso exchange rate as it varies daily.
Please be mindful that Mexicali is like any other large city at night. Try and stay close to the hotel and general strip of bars and restaurants when venturing out at night.
Welcome Drinks & Bites - Casual Attire. Ceremony & Reception - Formal Attire. Farewell Brunch - Casual Attire.
Yes! Mexicali is a proud supporter of Uber Mexico. No need to do anything, once you're in Mexico, your Uber app should switch over and be able to locate a car for you. In addition to driving your rental, we 100% recommend using Uber Mexico to get around.
Yes! Please take and share pictures of the wedding celebration while using our wedding hashtag #VivaLosBarrys ***We kindly ask you keep your phones off and take no pictures or video during the wedding ceremony.***
Yes, Tom Barry! Starbucks is in Mexicali, with multiple locations including many drive-thrus, and is ready to serve you!