Reynosa

Reynosa is one of the most important industrial cities on the border between Mexico and the United States, directly across from McAllen, Texas. As a vacation destination, this city in Tamaulipas hardly registers; if you come here for business or are just passing through, you'll find a small historic core and hearty border cuisine – and you'll need to take the tense security situation seriously.

History of a Border City

Reynosa was founded in 1749 by José de Escandón as Villa de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Reynosa, making it one of the oldest settlements on the lower Río Bravo. After floods, the settlement was moved in the 19th century to its present, higher-lying site. With the war of 1846 to 1848, the river became the border, and Reynosa became a border town. In the 20th century, oil and natural gas discoveries brought the state-owned Pemex to the region, and later numerous maquiladoras moved in, producing electronics, auto parts, and medical technology for the U.S. market. Neighborhoods such as Residencial Loma Bonita reflect the rapid growth of recent decades.

Sights in Reynosa

The center around the Plaza Principal with the Church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is the historic core. City Hall and several older commercial buildings are also located here. The Zona Rosa near the border bridge used to be a magnet for visitors from Texas who came across to shop and eat. The Parque Cultural Reynosa is a modern cultural center with a theater, exhibitions, and events. Along the Río Bravo, the riverbanks are a reminder that the river is both lifeline and border. A stroll through the markets in the center turns up handicrafts, leather boots, and hats. In the evening, the plazas downtown become gathering places for families who eat ice cream, listen to musicians, or simply enjoy the cooler air.

Eating in Reynosa

As throughout the Northeast, meat takes center stage: carne asada, fajitas, cabrito, and arrachera with flour tortillas. Many restaurants serve Tex-Mex dishes that are equally popular on both sides of the border. Breakfast brings machacado con huevo and barbacoa, while lunch means tacos and gorditas. Street stands sell elotes and raspados, and the panaderías offer empanadas filled with pumpkin or cajeta. In the evening, locals gather at grill restaurants along the major boulevards, such as Bulevar Hidalgo, where shopping centers, cafés, and bars are also concentrated. Many establishments have menus in Spanish and English, since guests from Texas have been a routine sight here for generations.

Getting Around, Safety, and When to Go

General Lucio Blanco Airport (REX) has connections to Mexico City; many travelers use McAllen Airport (MFE) on the U.S. side. Several international bridges connect Reynosa with Texas. Many countries have issued travel advisories for Tamaulipas; Reynosa is particularly affected by cartel violence, including shootouts and kidnappings. If you have to travel here, stick to busy areas during the day, don't attempt overland drives on your own, use company shuttle services or registered taxis, and heed current advisories. The best time to visit is between November and April, since summers are very hot and in the fall hurricanes from the Gulf can bring rain.