Dave's Guide to Nogales Especially for first timers.
To start off I only know about two Mexican words...casa and no espanual
sp?.. But that wasn't a major problem at least with the handlers or others.
They understand English better than in Thailand where I got along fine. The
girls are sometimes another story. Many speak no English others a little.
Tony was the only dancer quite fluent in English.
Follow the Interstate all the way to "International Border Crossing" don't
get off on the truck route or other streets. At first I was concerned I would
wide up in the border crossing line with no escape since I wanted to park
on the U.S. side and walk across (avoid having to have Mexican insurance and
car is much safer on U.S. side). But after a series of sort of S curves you
will see a huge McDonalds in the distance and look to your left and you will
find a $4 UETA parking lot which is to the rear of the Greyhound bus station.
This lot has been recommended in many reviews. If you go beyond McDonalds
you have one last right turn to get out of the International border crossing
line. The "$4 UETA parking lot back side takes you out to almost in front
of the pedestrian crossing thing... to walk into Mexico.
Besides having to have Mexican insurance for a car, someone reported, " you
DEFINITELY don't want to drive into Mexico... ...all the time I was there,
it was like being at a demolition derby waiting to happen... ...the vehicles
I saw there all indicate that this isn't unusual... ...so unless you've got
an old junker, if I were you I'd DEFINITELY keep my vehicle on the US side
of the border."
I suggest having lots of smaller denomination bills $1's, 5's and 10's. Some
postings have suggested if you have larger bills often the handlers/arrangers
don't have change so you get shorted. I did not find that a problem. All the
handlers in the bars/clubs were honest and provided correct change. (If someone
knows a better word for the "handlers" let me know... other than pimps!
To get more small bills I asked the nice fat Mexican guy at the parking lot
entrance if had change for $20, which he did with no problem. You park your
own car and lock it. The lot is open 24 hours.
When you get across the border you realize you are in a very poor country.
Everything is dingy and dirty with tons of cabs and hawkers lined up to take
you, get you drugs, girls, or girls. Actually other than the Rio hawkers,
I experienced fewer maggots trying to have me buy something than I expected
based on other reports. I was there on a Thursday night May 23rd arrived about
8PM and left a bit after midnight.
At this point it is fairly easy to get confused where to go if its your first
trip. I had a map, but hard to follow where you are at the pedestrian entrance,
but helped me once I got my bearings...and found those railroad tracks. I
highly recommend you take MrBill's Nogales Map at
http://nogales.clubhombre.com/mrbill/nogiemap-clubs.html.
Club Hombre http://www.clubhombre.com
and World Sex Guide at http://www.wsgforum.com
has some of the most useful accurate information on their discussion boards,
for most of the world, including lots of Nogales discussions. You have to
register but the information is very useful (similar to TSM I found so helpful
in Thailand but it is also a pay site). Club Hombre seems to be a better alternative
to TSM. Here is a good new website found December 2002:
I easily found the Obsessions/Rio block but as I approached Rio the swam of
maggots (hawkers) pounced trying to get me to let them take me in so they
could get a fee to feed their children or something. I was so turned off by
it I walked in the street to go around them and bypassed the club, continued
around the block and found Obsessions. After Obsession, I tried approaching
Rio from the other direction but was met by more hawkers, so I never made
it to the club (you couldn't even get in the door without pushing through
all the hawkers trying to let them take you in!). In Thailand you have all
the Welcome Girls with the constant harrang of "Hi sexy guy" but you get use
to it and they aren't nearly as aggressive. Rio was the only club I experienced
this at. Some other clubs had "doormen" usually nicely dressed, outside encouraging
you to come in but they were far more polite and less desperate than all the
hounds around Rio which looked more like street urchins.!
The Game
The game is the same at all the clubs I visited. Most had no cover charge
but Obsessions charges $3 but that includes your first drink. The routine
differs from what we are used to on the American side. Girls do not generally
approach customers for dances. Instead, male handlers, who often speak far
better English than the dancers themselves, sell tickets for either table
dances or private shows.
The game is the nice handler/arranger guys after they seat you try and sell
you lap dance tickets ($7-10) or private room tickets ($20-22). The idea is
either the handler will introduce you to a girl, you tell the handler what
girl you want, or at a few clubs the girl may come sit with you and wine till
you buy her a lap dance or private dance.
The goal of the lap dance is to get you to buy a private room session with
the girl. I was only in one private room (Lipsticks) but from what I've read
they are all the same. Very tiny closet like with a chair and nothing else.
You pay $20-22 for the room for about 6-10 minutes and you tip the room guard
$1 or so. For $30-50 for the girl you get a blowjob or for $40-$100 get a
fast fuck. All rates negotiable except the fee for the room. The rooms besides
being tiny are mostly very dirty and dingy. Since that wasn't my interest
I never did any private rooms except with Tony at Lipsticks but she liked
me so much from the dance my only cost was the room fee.
The Environment
Why don't they have these places where you can SEE the girls on stage? Most
had very dark stages, some had strobe lights blinding you but no light on
the stage so very hard to see the girl, unless old Dave is just going blind!
As expected the music was loud and blaring so any attempt at any conversation
even without the different language problem was almost impossible. But that
is typical of most all strip clubs including in the U.S.
Drinks
If you have read my other trip reports you know I don't like beer...or any
"drink". I just don't like the taste,I never have. In Thailand, Philippines,
Canada and Calf clubs always order diet Coke or Pepsi. In Nogales they didn't
seem to understand "diet" so at first too clubs at regular Cokes and a Sprite.
But then I was a bit worried about the ice cubes in the glasses they brought.
In Philippines and Thailand you were warned not to use ice but soft drinks
fine even if from a dispenser machine. And of course no problem if in a can.
Knowing I was definitely not used to foreign bacteria and how many folks get
sick from Mexican water, I switched to bottled water which to my surprise
the clubs had.
Specific Club Overview
Obsessions
More modern than some. Long dance stage in 2 sections. "Girls in waiting"
sit in elevated area and can order them by number. Better lighting than some
clubs but still not enough on stage. I always have a hard time trying to select
girls just by looks. I much prefer when they come over to you and introduce
themselves so you can judge their attitude, etc better. Or, I figure if the
girl comes over at least she isn't totally turned off by older men like Old
Dave. Obsessions was not very busy and girls were not circulating so finally
wanting to experience my first lap dances in Mexico I selected two taller
slender gals.
Both were very mechanical non-intimate lots of covered crotch in your face
and didn't even take their tops off (were in bikinis). Lots more contact and
my allowable touch than in the U.S. but very mechanical non-responders. Both
tried to get me to private room but I had zero interest since I am turned
on more by physical intimacy during dance than just nice body. As in all clubs
dances were very hard fast grind - not my type. Tony was the only great responder
(later report from Lipstick which other than Tony was probably worst club).
Find Those Railroad Tracks
After Obsessions walked around the block again to try Rios, but the hawkers
again were just too aggressive for me. And I was getting dizzy walking around
the block :) Now...where are those famous railroad tracks that get you to
the other clubs. Some reports will say you can't miss these clubs since they
are immediately to your left as you enter Mexico. But this must be if your
driving. They aren't "immediate" if you using the walk in entrance which confused
old Dave.
I at least knew I had to go Left to find and sure enough after you carefully
cross the oncoming auto traffic leaving the border crossing, you stumble on
to the railroad tracks (very rough walk across at least where I crossed).
Now you are on the main strip club area with Placers, Lord Black and Cherry's
(closes at 9pm so I was too late), on first street and on next street over
you have Lipstick and Ferni's.
Placers
Larger a bit more modern but very dark. Wanted to try a lap so bought ticket
from handler and said surprise me with someone since I hadn't really seen
anyone of particular interest but most were OK. Did usual mechanical lap and
was disappointed I wasn't interested in private room. Kept asking why in limited
English, hard to explain I just wasn't into hot fast mechanical sucks or fucks
in a closet.
It was so dark it was very hard to see the girls especially on stage. They
had a 2 for 1 private dance special and had all the girls come on the stage
and the handlers running around selling private dance tickets. But it was
so dark all you could see is their outline! Flashing strobes were in my eyes,
but not on the girls so you can see them well. I would have been willing to
do a 2-1 private if that is all but not the expensive fast extras that as
I understand are usually expected if you do a private room gig. But if I can't
talk to them first, I would at least like to see them in the light to make
such a decision!
Lord Blacks
Big gray building with pink neon. A bit more modern and nice, more like U.S.
"Gentleman Clubs", good seating for a girl to come sit in your lap and talk
and for much of the times more light but only when no girls on stage. But
at least enough like you could see the girls on the floor. When did stage
dancing dimmed lights to dark. I had two lap dances from quite attractive
gals, neither spoke any English. They take your hand and lead you to a more
private area. In both cases, they unbuttoned by shirt licked my nipples (sorry
not sensitive), and unzipped my pants getting access to and stroking you know
what. That was OK, I am not shy! They had me rub them all over and got in
various fucking positions and simulated fast hard thrusting - not for me.
Of course their main goal was to get me to private room. But was very mechanical
not the sweat Asian or Canadian type interaction so I passed. They were disappointed
but nice about it. 2nd gal took me to the upstairs area which was nice and
a bit more private...actually we were only ones up there!
I understand there is a nice bedroom with a bed at Lord Blacks for about
$200/hour with no knocks. But then pay the girl and you are paying way
more than for many FS escorts in the U.S.
Lipsticks
Worst of the clubs for seating and lighting. I was 10 feet from stage and
couldn't even see face of dancer so dark. Like to see if they smile at least!
Seated on elevated area on edge of drop off, table, cheap chairs. The "available
girls" were in elevated area but was so silly. Background area about 4 feet
high had red lights to you could see the their legs, but absolutely impossible
to see faces or most of top half of their bodies it was so dark. From what
little I could see, seemed to have the least attractive girls..maybe that
is why such bad lighting!
Not seeing anyone that interested me (actually hardly seeing fully any gals
in the dark) I was just about to leave when out of nowhere Tony sits on the
chair next to me. She says something like I hope you don't kick my ass for
sitting next to you... I really have a nice ass...feel it (as she takes my
hand to her rear). She spoke very good English and we started talking. She
was first to cuddle up next to me like I like. She is from Baja California
and was quite sweet as well as good salesmanship and nice body.
I did a lap dance with her, as she led me by the hand up the stairs to more
private area. As some others did, she took my hand and placed it on bare vagina,
breasts etc. About half way into lap, doing as I usually do, including the
nice breast massage I enjoy giving, she started responding wonderfully to
my more slow gentle caressing touch as many dancers do in Canada etc. I sort
of "tamed" her from the wild sexy fast ride, to enjoying a much more intimate
connecting experience. She said as most "responders" do, "gee you have nice
touch...and such smooth hands". She said how much she wanted to give me a
hj with lotion she carries if I would do a private room with her. But than
she took me totally by surprise and said she enjoyed me so much I wouldn't
have to pay her anything just the $20 room fee and $1 for the room guard.
Well, that was an offer I couldn't refuse and was interested in seeing what
these closet rooms I'd read about were like. So off we went. The room was
small and dingy with only a chair. She got naked quickly and kneeled on floor
doing a fairly decent hj with lotion she had. After the allotted maybe 10
minutes the light flashed, she said ignore it and soon someone was pounding
on the door. The hj was OK but actually I preferred the more full contact
intimacy of the lap dance. Very nice hug at end and to my surprise she told
me when she worked, but would be off for a week, but looked me in the eye
and said how she wanted to see me again if I was in town. Obviously she was
sincere in her appreciation for the type of intimate touch I enjoy sharing,
but didn't find from my brief experiences at other clubs.
After that good ending and having been to all the open clubs other than Rio
with the hawkers or Ferni's which has been reviewed as a "dive" next to Lipstick
I decided to head back to Phoenix. As soon as started towards the track this
little guy started yelling at me... "Going back so soon...how come?... I have
really nice girls for you...I take you to Rio....you enjoy....ever been to
Rio?" Sigh...another Rio hawker and we are about two blocks away. He kept
hounding me about how he had another beautiful girls he could take me to,
as I try to ignore him and walk fast (almost tumbling over the rough ground
getting across the railroad tracks). I finally escape him and Mexico.
The street pimps for private girls
In other reports some say these pimps for girls actually do have nice girls
they can set you up with privately. But I wasn't that brave. One report said
he was approached by a guy outside of ... where else...Rio who worked out
a deal for $50 for a girl and then mentioned he expected a $30 commission
on top of the $50 for full service. The guy offered him $10 and he tried to
steal the guys wallet. Before going to Nogales I read many reviews. It seems
if you stay close to the border, you are usually quite safe, much more safe
than in TJ. Other guys report they have had very good experience with these
arranged dates by the pimps on the street.
Another public report:
I have been going to Nogales to sample the "mexican fare" for over several
years now.. over 100 visits and have never been assaulted, mugged or otherwise
hurt or put in trouble in any way. And this includes day and night. But it
does happen. and I've heard 1st hand accounts and they all begin with a "middleman"
taking some horny bastard to a house/apt/room for a chica. There are plenty
of places like this, make no mistake, but in more than one occasion are tourists
mugged or robbed and are too embarrassed to report it.
There is not as much street action in Nogales as , lets say TJ, but any girl
you pickup there is concerned with her safety as well, even with gringoes.
She might bring you back to her room, but will have someone look out for her.
If you are concerned with safety there are a few chica-freindly motels in
Nogales, that are safe and clean and if they are a legit provider they will
be more than happy to go to a motel room.
By the way, the strip club scene has really cranked it up down there with
school started. All thos UofA students (and their money) have attracted a
lot more chicas. The unfortunate side effect is that they generally don't
bargain well and seem to jack up the price for everyone. You always get your
best deal if you negotiate before you go for your "privado".
Rio's - Based on other reports
Not the best looking place, and during the summer they sometimes didn't turn
on the AC until late. Opens in the afternoon, closes about 3:00am. Some reports
are great selection and attitude others say terrible. One says never had to
pay more than $40 for FS in the closet.
Brothels vs Strip Clubs.
As in most mexican cities, especially border towns, there is a red light district
where prostitution is legal. In Nogales there is an old, red light district
a few miles from the border. The brothels are small bars with a few back rooms
for sex. The largest of these is the Congo (La Conga Club). Some reports are
very favorable and others say the girls are much less attractive in general
than in the strip clubs.
The strip clubs are in the tourist district and not the red light district
so prostitution may not technically be legal but its just accepted since it
brings in lots of $US. Unlike in the legal brothels you don't have back rooms
for sex or upstairs hotels like you do in TJ etc. Instead you have locked
tiny cubicles in the strip clubs.
La Conga Club
I didn't visit but reports are this is a bit more laid back brothel in the
Hills about a mile from the border. Cab is $5. It reportedly is more friendly
and the prices are more reasonable, you're getting more for your money-no
rushing or filthy closet rooms. You can walk it without any problems, but
it's a bit of a walk; you have to know where you're going. Someone reported
"For those who like some cuddling and a bed and more time at $65.00 there
is La Conga. A true Mexican brothel."
Copa
Another bar/brothel is Copa. Someone reports, "I usually take a cab from the
border to a bar called The Copa, I have only been there in daylight but usually
there about 6 women to choose from who range from a 4 to 8, there has always
been that one 8 there whenever I have showed up. Prices are good at around
$40-60 depending on the girl and the service requested. In my opinion the
area isn't the safest and that is why I always go during the day, the cab
will cost about 5-10$ but is worth it, all the taxi drivers know the place
so just tell them "Copa" if you don't know Spanish and they will get you there.
Leaving Mexico
You leave via a walkway closer to the "left side across the railroad tracks"
bars. There are signs in English. The customs/border patrol guy just asked
my citizenship and after saying U.S. I easily got back into the U.S.
There was a much more extensive checkpoint on I-19 heading back to Tucson.
About the first exit N of Nogales the Interstate is totally blocked and all
traffic has to exit and go through a check point with heavily armed military
looking agents. They asked my citizenship, look in the car...asked what was
under my jacket in the back seat (a Wall Street Journal) and wished me a safe
trip. Old Dave hardly looks like a terrorist or smuggler. I do like the idea
of the check points at least one attempt to keep America secure!
I might return to Nogales since I may go to Tucson more often but hope to
find more gals like Tony or nicer places to have more intimate sex.
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