Snowbird 101: Mexico Border Towns and Medical Toursim

Yuma is right on the way to the best Snowbirding destination or as a entry to Mexico.  The city itself is worth several days exploring for its history, proximity to Mexican medical tourism and just laid-back winter relaxation at any one of more than 45 RV resorts/campgrounds and three major Indian casinos (with free or inexpensive) camping.

Yuma historically was all about the Colorado River.  Before the river was tamed by the string of up-river dams, spring floods deposited rich silt making the Yuma area extremely fertile farmland.  Yuma was also the end of the line for bringing supplies up-river, creating a long running connection with a military supply depot and eventually Army and Marine training bases.

We like to stay at the Riverfront RV park on Water Street.  It is affordable ($26/day full hook ups), backs up to the river, connects to bike trails that run for miles along the river and convenient to trips to the Dentist in Algodones.

Riverfront hosts a mix of short term transients like us and year round Snowbirds.

It's not like having a remote campsite all to yourself...

But then it's not like one of the many "mega" RV Resorts that go on for miles.

So if you need dental work, or eye glasses or to fill RX prescriptions, you've come to the right place.

They say there are over 300 dentists in a five block square area...and lots of other services, reasonably good food, cheap liquor, meds...whatever you need, you can probably find here.

Cross the border the first time and you are hit with a confusing blitz of ads, touts, ropers and some occasionally  funny little kids trying to sell you chicle.

We had the purple pharmacy described to us as the half-finished Walmat...It is one of the first things you see when you enter Algodones.  It has good prices on medicines and next door the purple liquor store has every libation you could want.

Dental prices are very reasonable.  I have had some work done at prices 80% less than my Penn Valley dentist charges and I have no complaints.

Prices are definitely lower in Mexico.  Finding someone you feel comfortable with, can trust is the biggest concern.  I can recommend a couple of dentists if you are in need.

When you are done at the Dentist or the Optometrist, join the crowd getting back across the border.  Be sure to bring your passport or it could be an even longer wait to get home.