COVID-19 updates + safety protocol

Nearly 20 months after the global onset of COVID-19, on November 8, 2021, the U.S.-Mexico land border reopened to non-essential travel, including tourism.

Nevertheless, Turista Libre will continue to postpone all tours in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico City and surrounding regions until further notice. This will allow us time to reassess the areas in which we operate and the types of tours we offer, too, after nearly two years of hiatus during the pandemic.

We thank you for your patience, understanding and support as we strive to move forward after such a lengthy pause caused by unparalleled circumstances.

In lieu of refunds for tours cancelled because of the pandemic, we’re offering credit equal to the value of your ticket price. This credit may be used for any of our public or private tour offerings in both Tijuana, Baja California, and the greater Mexico City metropolitan area. Credits issued during the pandemic have no expiration date and are transferable from person to person, if you ultimately decide that you would rather gift or resell to a friend or loved one. As the prices vary for each of the different tours that we offer, you're welcome to use your credit all at once or to spread it out over the course of several tours.

Where do Turista Libre's Tijuana and Baja California tours meet?

Unless otherwise noted, Turista Libre treks in Tijuana and Baja California meet their guide on the U.S. side of the Pedwest pedestrian border crossing at the Virginia Avenue Transit Center (499 Virginia Avenue, San Ysidro, CA 92173). The nearest pay parking lot on the U.S. side of the border is on the opposite side of Virginia Avenue's cross street, 4570 Camino de la Plaza, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Please note there are two pedestrian border crossings in San Ysidro, one adjacent to the San Ysidro trolley stop and Pedwest, which is adjacent to Outlets at the Border. Turista Libre meets at Pedwest, which is the larger of the two crossings.

Where do Turista Libre's Mexico City/CDMX tours meet?

Unless otherwise noted, Turista Libre treks in Ciudad de México meet their guide on the steps of Palacio Bellas Artes. The physical address is Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas and Avenida Juárez, Centro Histórico, CDMX 06050. The nearest metro stations are Metro Bellas Artes on Línea 8 or Metro Hidalgo on Línea 3.

Do I need a passport and visa to visit Mexico?

As of August 2015, current and valid passports are mandatory for all foreigners entering Mexico via its pedestrian border crossings. Sentri/Global Entry participants must also present a valid passport book or passport card when entering Mexico.

All foreigners with a valid passport — regardless of age — may stay in Tijuana and the surrounding region for up one week at no cost but must register with Mexico's immigration authorities by completing a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) just after crossing the border. Stays lasting longer than 72 hours require a fee of 500 pesos (approximately $27 USD).

All persons regardless of nationality must present a valid passport or Sentri/Global Entry card when returning to the U.S. from Mexico.

Turista Libre assumes no responsibility for anyone denied entry to Mexico or reentry to the United States nor provides refunds due to unexpected or unforeseen complications with passports, visas or any other migratory procedures. For more information regarding passports and visas, please refer to the official website of your country's embassy in Mexico or the United States.

How do I get to the border?

We strongly recommend taking the San Diego trolley, Uber or Lyft, as parking lots at the border are costly – on average up to $25 USD for eight hours – and often full, or reserving a parking spot ahead of time via SpotHero. 

The blue line trolley runs directly from downtown San Diego to the San Ysidro Transit Center, approximately .7 miles from Turista Libre's meeting spot at the Virginia Avenue Transit Center. Buses run between the two transit centers approximately every 15 minutes. On weekends the last downtown-bound trolley departs San Ysidro at 12:58 a.m. More info at sdmts.com.

If driving, take either Interstate 5 or 805 south and exit at Camino de La Plaza, but be careful not to miss that last exit and actually cross into Mexico. Park at any of the lots with space available, but we recommend giving yourself 20-30 minutes because, again, they're often full. 

How does Turista Libre cross the border?

Because our vehicles for group tours in Tijuana and Baja California are licensed for operation in Mexico only, we cross in and out of Mexico via the pedestrian lanes. This often makes for a faster return to the U.S., too.

Major construction is currently taking place immediately south of the pedestrian border crossing, but our bus meets us as close to the meeting spot as possible. Getting there involves a short walk once having entered Mexico, which provides an opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the busiest land border crossing in the world.

What if I'm already in Mexico?

If you happen to be joining a Turista Libre tour in Tijuana but you're already south of the border, you're welcome to meet us in Mexico. Just let us know ahead of time via email or via our Contact page.

How long do Turista Libre tours usually last?

Private treks are bookable in increments of four to eight hours. Public treks usually last between six and eight hours, and we stick to the schedule as best as possible. If you need to be back in the U.S. by a certain time please let us know as soon as possible; we'll do our best to accommodate your return journey if we happen to be running a bit behind. Otherwise, sit back, relax and remember: the journey is the destination. 

Is Turista Libre family-friendly?

In short, ¡sí! Save for our winery treks, brewery tours and bar hops — which have a minimum age requirement of 18, the legal drinking age in Mexico — Turista Libre makes for a memorable family-friendly experience, and we're happy to receive and accommodate guests of all ages. Children 17 and younger receive a 50-percent discount off private tour prices, too.

Should I bring pesos, dollars or plastic?

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Tijuana and Baja California but small bills – $20 and under – are a must; making change can often be an ordeal. Credit cards are becoming increasingly acceptable among businesses in Mexico and ATMs are readily available but it's best to stick to cash just to be safe.

How long does it take to cross the border?

Border waits – both entering Mexico and re-entering the United States – can range from less than two minutes to more than two hours, and there is essentially no way to predict the length of the pedestrian line. We are able to check wait times throughout the day via multiple apps, however, so if you're curious just ask. Northbound waits on weekend evenings, when our treks usually conclude, often tend to be minimal however.

Turista Libre assumes no responsibility for delays in planned tour itineraries or delayed entrance to Mexico or return to the U.S. due to border waits.

How do I organize a private tour?

For private group tours of seven people or more we ask that total payment be made in one installment rather than each person paying for his or her individual spot, as we do for our outings that are open to the general public. For groups of seven or more, a $200 USD nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit is required to reserve your tour date. Final payment must be made in full 48 hours before the start time of your tour. Tours for which payment has not been received 48 hours beforehand are subject to cancellation.

What about cancellations and refunds? 

Public tours are nonrefundable regardless of notice. Tickets are transferrable from person to person, however. Private tour cancellations for groups of six or fewer people made within 24 hours beforehand require a 30 percent service charge of the total cost of your tour or $150 USD, whichever is greater. Private tours valued at $150 USD or less are non-refundable regardless of notice. Private tours valued at $150 USD or more may be rescheduled, depending on availability but no later than 24 hours before the originally scheduled start time, for $50 USD. We reserve the right to refuse full or partial refunds at any time, be it before, during or after a tour.

Anything we missed? 

Email us here or message us via our Contact page.