Maps, Climate, Travel Tips

This is the Map, Climate and Travel Tips Link from the Paquime Connection. This site contains pictures and specific information on climate and travel tips for the Southwest New Mexico and the Northwest Chihuahua, Mexico regions, as well as area maps.

















Travel Tips

As with most border crossings from one country to another, carrying the proper paperwork can save time and headaches for travelers. For US citizens traveling into Mexico, a passport or notarized birth certificate must be presented at the offices in Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico at the border. If you are driving, the proper ownership (showing explicitly that the driver of the vehicle is the owner of the vehicle) and insurance papers are necessary. Additional insurance should be purchased for your trip. (Keep checking this spot for providers of this insurance in the area.) If you are traveling with children, make sure you have all of the proper paperwork for them as well. If both natural (or adoptive) parents are not traveling with the child a notarized letter of consent to travel from the absent parent is necessary. At this point, a knowledge of Spanish is not necessary, but helpful. Some days travelers should be prepared to wait; other days, the check-in process is very quick.

If carrying any medication make sure the person carrying the prescription is the person whose name is on the container. Do not carry weapons. If traveling with expensive equipment (archaeologists, photographers) carry all paperwork containing authorization to carry the equipment.

Occasionally, as in the US, military maneuvers are conducted. Should you be stopped, allow the soldiers access to your vehicle (sorry, no search and seizure laws in Mexico). And as a novice traveler with our group discovered-do not photograph the military.

Do not carry excess food, materials, or clothing unless you have the proper merchant paperwork.



Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico
The Casas Grandes district expands for 1592 km2. The older part of this historic town was founded around 1600. Some buildings from the late XIX century are still preserved. Nearby attractions include the San Antonio Convent, the ceramic community of Mata Ortiz, the Colonia Juarez, El Refugio Hacienda, and San Diego Hacienda. The archaeological site of Pacquime is located here. At the Culturas del Norte Museum, visitors can learn about the early people whose decendents still inhabit the area.

Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico
A relatively young city, Neuvo Casas Grandes was founded in 1897 with the introduction of the railway that joined Cuidad Juarez and Madera during wood and mining boom times. It is located 8 km from Casas Grandes and currently has an economy based on agriculture, commerce and tourism. .

Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico
The beautifully scenic drive to this mountain town makes this an excursion that no visitor will want to miss. Still an active logging community, the small town is a pleasant stop-off before exploring nearby archaeological ruins. Be prepared for warm hospitality! Really the end of the trail, the more adventurous can tour the surrounding mountains which are host to numerous hikers and annual mountainbike races.

Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico
Palomas was founded in pre-revolutionary times to establish a border liason with Columbus, New Mexico, USA. It is historically recognized as the crossing for General Francisco "Pancho" Villa during the Columbus attack. .

Columbus, New Mexico, USA
Founded along the US-Mexico border in 1891, the current settlement was established in 1902 when the depot was built as a part of the El Paso and Southern Depot. Later, Camp Furlong was built there. The attack on Columbus by General "Pancho" Villa marked an important era in American history. Visitors can learn more about the area at the Historic Center. .

Deming, New Mexico, USA
Historically significant as the location of the placement of the Silver Spike. This marked the second transcontinental railroad to the outposts along the Butterfield Trail. This area is also considered important for the military which has occurred at Camp Copy and the Deming Air Force Base. Closely related to many natural and cultural attractions, it offers an extensive Information Center and interesting museums.

Lordsburg, New Mexico, USA
The Lordsburg area has been inhabited since before the Spaniards arrived. In later times, gold was the draw for settlers. The town of Lordsburg was established in 1880 and boasts a continual draw for nature lovers ever since. It is a natural attraction because of the nearby Chirichua Mountains. Bird watching, hiking, rock hunting, and mountain biking are favorites among visitors to the area.

Silver City, New Mexico, USA
As with any settlement in the southwest area, Silver City boasts an early influence of a mix of numerous cultures that are still present even today. Mexican and Apache settlers were drawn to the pleasant climate and abundant water and wildlife for their existence. The summer of 1870 witnessed the early beginnings of a tent town housing thousands of miner drawn to the area by the discovery of silver. The boom passed, but the people remained. The optimism of the era is reflected in the houses built by the early miners, which stand today. Walking tours of the Victorian Homes are a favorite of visitors.

CLIMATE

Medical Facilities

• Gila Regional Medical Center, Silver City, NM - (505) 538-4000
• Ft. Bayard Medical Center, Ft. Bayard, NM - (505) 537-3302
• Mimbres Memorial Hospital, Deming, NM - (505) 546-2761
  

• For Comments or Questions Contact:
  
  mimbres@silver.wnmu.edu