You are right about the El, Almatillo border crossing being a mess. I did it in Jan. 2009 on my trip to Ushhuaia. It was only my 3rd crossing after the US?Mex. crossing at Columbus, New Mexico & it turned into a learning experience. There were agressive so called helpers, fees & copy charges. I made the mistake of letting the helper hold my paper work & some advanced money & I just followed around like a puppy. Next thing I knew the helper wanted more money saying there was another fee to pay & some copies. I protested, but he had me. I probable got ripped off for $20US. After this incedent I only used helpers that could speak at least a little English & told them they would not hold any paper work or money, their job was only to take me to each station & talk to the Customs staff. They would protest at first, but I would say it's that way or I get someone else. They usually gave in. This crossing was also long. At one point the helper said I was done I could leave, but just a little way down the road at a check point I was sent back to a different building because something wasn't stamped. It was getting dark as I left & asked about a hotel, but was told there wasn't one & would need to go to the next town. I went about 5 miles down the road in the dark, not a good thing & almost hit a donkey & then a pig. I asked some people near a house about hotels ahead & they said I'd be better going back & that there was a hotel at the border. I went back & sure enough was lead to a hotel, but it was a real dump & they wanted $20. I took it any way as it was late. It was a bad looking town. I was able to cable lock my moto to the bars on my rooms window. The good thing there was a guard walking around with a sawed off shotgun & I gave him a couple of dollars to watch my moto,for all that my have been worth. Any way it was all part of the adventure.

I did my trip on a Yamaha XT225. I am writing it up now & even though it has been almost a year since the complition I'd like to put the stry on this site.

Pete Chester