Hospital De Las Americas
Hospital de las Americas is located in the city of Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico; approximately 15-20 miles southeast of the border from the Pharr International Bridge (border crossing). It is about a 30 minute drive from Mcallen, TX, (the major airport used by patients) in the Rio Grande Valley, and approximately 1 hour drive from Harlingen, TX (another major airport used by many patients). It is an agricultural community, with a population of about 85,000.
While the city is 'near' the border, it is not considered a border town or a major tourist center. It is a thriving community where the people are warm, friendly and hard-working.
While the city is 'near' the border, it is not considered a border town or a major tourist center. It is a thriving community where the people are warm, friendly and hard-working.
Flying Information
Flying: More patients prefer fly - the shuttle will transport you to and from the hospital.
McAllen, TX - (airport code MFE) appx 30 min from hospital (not including time spent at border crossing/ traffic delays). More airlines fly into McAllen, and more patients use this airport.
Harlingen, TX (airport code HRL) appx 60 min from hospital (not including time spent at border crossing/ traffic delays). Fewer airlines fly into Harlingen but often less expensive airfare.
Please plan your flights with regard to your surgery/hospital stay. There are mandatory post op in hospital recuperation times. Each surgery is different, so be sure to find out your check in / release time prior to scheduling your flight.
Driving Information
Note: It is not recommended that you drive for your surgery. Some patients have done so without incident, but most of them even recommended use of the shuttle or extreme caution after doing so. For those who choose to drive, we offer a list of driving tips for your convenience. Please do your research to make sure all requirements are met.
- Driving Tips
- Get directions from your location
- Mexico Insurance purchase online
Directions: To Pharr International Bridge (your crossing point) from
- North: Follow Hwy 281 South. It will become Cage Blvd and will lead directly to Pharr International Bridge
- West (Mcallen): Follow Hwy 83 East to 281 South. Take Pharr Int. Bridge Exit (this is the SECOND Pharr Int. Bridge exit if coming from McAllen).
- East (Harlingen): Follow Hwy 83 West to 281 South. Take the Pharr Int. Bridge Exit (use first Pharr Int. Exit if coming from Harlingen)
When you reach Rio Bravo, STAY ON THE HIGHWAY as it veers to the right. Continue on Hwy 2 to the 4th red-light. Turn left at the 4th light. The track/sports field will be on your immediate right after you turn off the hwy and go down a little slope into the town. Turn left on Morelos (2nd block down). The hospital is 2 blocks down on the corner of Guerrero and Morelos Street.
Returning to the US: (drive through like a toll booth - waits are often much longer, random inspections may occur.). The fee is approximately $2.50. US border patrol will: ask for a passport, want to know what the nature of your visit to Mexico, and may want to do a simple inspection of your vehicle. This is done randomly, so there is no reason to be alarmed if asked to pull over. They need to make sure you do not have anything in your vehicle that cannot be brought into the US (food/fruit, non-prescribed drugs, contraband, etc). If you DO have something inappropriate, they will throw away or confiscate it..
Have surgery papers and ID ready to show - your hospital paperwork will be needed to verify your medications (antibiotics/pain meds) are prescribed. Keep luggage simple. No large duffel bags, boxes, grocery bags, etc. This would likely cause a search your vehicle (even if you are using the shuttle) and the delay could cause you to miss your return flight.
Make sure you have a passport. Have at least one form of photo with ID. If recently married, a copy of your marriage certificate will be necessary if your license is still in your maiden name.