Laredo Travel Information
Known as the “Gateway to Mexico,” Laredo is on the banks of the Rio
Grande River, across from its sister town of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
Like many Texas border towns, it's a blend of Mexican and Texan
cultures. You can park at the International Bridge and walk across to
Nuevo Laredo, where you can shop for Mexican handicrafts at the
outdoor shopping strip of El Mercado or visit the city's Cultural
Center. Walking is also the best and easiest way to
fully enjoy the historic districts of downtown Laredo. The city's
Chamber of Commerce provides an excellent map if you want to explore
on your own, and free guided historic walking tours are available on
Fridays and Saturdays. Laredo's neighborhoods, or barrios,
reflect a blend of Mexican and American styles. Small business
districts are located in many of the barrios, and include grocery
stores, tortillerias, barbershops and more. El Azteca is one of the
oldest barrios, with over 140 buildings eligible for the National
Register. Because of its semi-tropical climate, Laredo is the
northernmost point in the range of tropical birds. A convergence of
flyways brings another wide variety of birds to the area. It's also on
the 100th meridian, a common division marker for "Eastern Birds" and
"Western Birds." All these combine to make Laredo an important and
popular spot for birders. 150 miles south of San Antonio, Laredo
is on I-35 and east along US 59.
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