Los Algodones
Los Algodones is a small town in the Mexicali Municipality of Baja California, Mexico. It is the northernmost town in Mexico, right at the US border, near Andrade, California, and about five miles west of downtown Yuma, Arizona. The population was 5,474 in 2010. The town is also known as Vincente Guerrero. Los Algodones translates to “the cotton plants,” though the origin of the name is unclear.
The area is famous for dentistry and is nicknamed “Molar City” because hundreds of dentists serve Americans who want affordable dental care. Since the 1980s, many pharmacies, opticians, and medical clinics have opened, shifting the town’s focus toward medicine. About 600 dentists serve uninsured American and Canadian visitors who save 40–60% on dental services. There are still shops and restaurants, and the town hosts festivals, especially around Christmas.
Geography and travel: the town sits about 110 feet (33.5 meters) above sea level. You can travel north, south, east, or west to reach the US border. From the US, it’s easiest to reach via Interstate 8, then south a short distance on State Route 186 to the border at Andrade, where you can walk or drive across. Transportes Miguel Siga operates private buses between Mexicali and Los Algodones, and Yuma County Area Transit runs from Andrade to Yuma.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 01:35 (CET).