RIO GRANDE VILLAGE

This area, although out of the way, is a wealth of activities. There is a very short trail, the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, which allows you to observe a large number of birds over one kilometer. It takes about 30 minutes to walk. Boquillas Canyon, the longest canyon in the park, is located on the edge of Rio Grande Village. The road that leads to it is magnificent. To discover also: the small thermal baths of the park, the hot springs. These cement baths are remnants of the Langford Bathhouse foundation which operated more than 100 years ago. Access is only allowed during the day. To get to these natural hot springs, you must follow a 2-mile trail, the entrance to which is about 3 miles before you reach Rio Grande Village from Panther Junction (you can also start this trail from Daniel's Ranch). This area has been further developed with the reopening of the border at Boquillas, Mexico. Trips are organized to the village of Boquillas on the Mexican side. The US dollar is allowed there. After crossing the port of entry, visitors are transported across the Rio Grande on a small boat for a modest fee of US$5 round trip. Once across the river, you have the option of walking to the village, 1/2 mile away, or paying an additional fee to ride a donkey, or by car. Don't forget your passport if you're excited about this Mexican excursion. A fun way to cross the border.