It's an easy walk across the bridge from San Agustin Plaza in Laredo to the typical Mexican border town of NUEVO LAREDO ; so easy that this is the most popular crossing along the entire frontier, with most visitors coming simply for evening meals and weekend shopping. There is a lively atmosphere, with all the tourist shops and restaurants concentrated near the bridge, on "the strip," Avenida Guerrero. Most take American dollars, and bargaining is acceptable at some.

Seven blocks down Avenida Guerrero, the main plaza is the social center of town. Hotels include the good-value Nuevo Romano , at Doctor Mier 800 (tel 871/12-26-94; up to $35), with rooms for around US$15, while the Reforma , on Avenida Guerrero at Calle Canales (tel 871/12-26-50; up to $35) is cleaner and better, but you'll still get change from thirty bucks. The El Dorado Bar , at Avenida Ocampo and Belden (tel 871/12-00-15), was the first of the town's bars and restaurants to encourage tourism here, serving drinks to Texans escaping Prohibition. It's a bit tacky now; better to head for El Rancho , 2124 Avenida Guerrero (tel 871/14-87-53), for cabrito (barbecued goat), guacamole and cold beer. For a more expensive treat, try the patio at Victoria 3020 , 3020 Victoria St (tel 871/13-30-20). As a whole, though, Nuevo Laredo lacks real charm, and can be particularly depressing after dark; have a meal but give the nightlife a miss.

As with all border crossings, expect to undergo full immigration procedures when you re-enter the United States

Nuevo Laredo

• Nuevo Laredo

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