I just moved to the RGV (Rio Grande Valley) from Austin, Texas. It came to my attention that there's a crossing into Mexico about 5 miles from my property at "Los Ebanos" (the ebony trees) and I rode down to check it out........Cool!!!! It's the last hand pulled car ferry on the Rio Grande. There is talk of closing it. Lots of local opposition to that. It's very nostalgic in this day and age. The ferry only holds two cars. Three guys pull the rope. They will glady let you pull if you want to. If you are on a motorcycle, you go to the head of the line as there is always room for bikes, but only two cars at a time. It only takes about 7 minutes to cross. The ferry operates daily from 0800 to 1600. The fee for you and your bike is a wopping $1.75 US. Ouch!!! My god, can I fit that in my budget??? The town on the "Otra Lado" is Diaz Ordaz. It's about 2 or 3 miles up the road. They say you can get your paperwork done there. If not, continue east on the road and you will wind up in Reynosa. The "Migra" there is fast and easy and you're on your way. The crossing is operated by the State of Texas and it has quite a history to it. I hope it stays open. Check out the website:


Los Ebanos Texas, the last hand-operated ferry on the Rio Grande, and area hotels.

i suave viaje ! Smitty