SONORA: The Desert Meets the Sea on Mexico's West
Coast The state of Sonora is located in northwest
Mexico, bordered by Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Arizona to the north and the
Gulf of California to the west. Its unique landscape consists of
stunning beaches, lush valleys, majestic mountains and arid deserts,
all part of the Sierra Madre Occidental.
The land that comprises Sonora is currently inhabited by numerous
native groups, including the Yaquis, Mayos, Primas, Pápagos, Opatos,
Seris and Guarijíos, who still preserve their ancestors' folkloric
customs and traditions found throughout the state. Spanish colonial
presence, on the other hand, is now very limited to the Jesuit missions
and towns located around the mines.
The state of Sonora offers a wide range of attractions for every type
of traveler. It houses wonderful cave paintings, spectacular natural
scenery ideal for ecotourism and adventure sports, regulated hunting
parks and long beaches and bays perfect for water activities and sport
fishing.
Handicraft shopping is also very
characteristic of Sonora. The village of Kino Viejo, 65 miles outside
the capital city of Hermosillo, is legendary for its Seri work - also
showcased at The Museum of the Seri - while gastronomy is well-known
for its varied local menus including chimichangas, camarones costa
brava, shrimps prepared with Chihuahua cheese and bacon, the popular
mochomos and the sweet coyotas for dessert.
The capital city of Hermosillo was founded in 1700 where the Sonora and
San Miguel rivers meet - north of a semi-arid zone and just 65 miles
away from the Sea of Cortez. The city's unique location makes its
surrounding landscape incredibly varied, offering everything from
desert and jagged sierra to crystalline rivers and lush valleys.
As the capital of Sonora State, the city offers a variety of options
for travelers. The downtown area includes a Historic Center, featuring
wonderful architectural structures, colorful plazas, informative
museums and local craftwork. Among the city's must-sees is Nuestra
Señora de la Asunción Cathedral, constructed from 1877 to 1908 in
Neoclassic and Baroque styles. Take a guided tour of Sonora's
Government Palace, which houses artistic murals illustrating
significant historical events and an original copy of the State
Constitution of Sonora. Another worthwhile stop in Hermosillo is the
Museum of Sonora, which boasts 18 permanent exhibition halls.
Guaymas-San Carlos, located on Sonora's southern coast, is a popular
stop for visitors who want to experience a unique desert-beach
destination offering many activities. Adventure lovers can hike up the
symbol of San Carlos, 600-foot Tetakawi Hill, while the less daring may
want to view the hill as they drive along the scenic corridor of
Highway 15, an international highway which reaches Arizona. Sea lovers
will enjoy Marina Real, located on Sonora Bay and beautiful San Carlos
Marina, the largest port in Mexico. Another popular spot is Playa
Algodones (Cotton Beach), so named because its white sand dunes
resemble cotton. Visitors to this beach can snorkel, windsurf and fish
in its transparent waters.
The colonial town of Alamos, located in the southern part of state's
mountain range, is also sure to please. The "City of Gates"
was born as a silver mine town back in the 1680s; it is considered a
colonial jewel because of its unspoiled architecture and the rich
history it represents. A tour of Alamos would not be complete without
stops at the church in the town's center plaza, the Chapel of Zapopan,
the city government palace, the old jail, and the main square. Shopping
enthusiasts will appreciate Alamos' unique hand-carved wooden furniture
and numerous articles crafted in tin glass or silver.
Travel to Sonora and travel within the state has never been easier.
Sonora has a 17,858-mile highway network with a four-lane route running
up and down the state. Sonora's five airports, located in Hermosillo,
Guaymas, Nogales, Ciudad Obregon and Puerto Peñasco, receive both
national and international flights. The state also boasts six ports,
Guaymas, Puerto Peñasco, Puerto Libertad and P.I.P. Rodolfo Sánchez
Taboada, Santa Clara and Yavaros.
From delicious cuisine to abundant natural reserves, no other place
combines the beauty of native cultures with modern state-of-the-art
infrastructures like Sonora. It is a place of traditions perfect for
travelers looking to explore the colorful folklore and stunning
historic cities that are characteristic of Mexico.
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