Hermosillo

Hermosillo is the capital of the State of Sonora and welcomes all visitors to this beautiful land located in the middle of the desert; Hermosillo is better known as the “sun city” and is one of the most important cities in the north part of Mexico. It is located just 250km from the border with Arizona and is with no doubt an excellent place to visit for vacations or business.
With a friendly population that welcomes the tourist, the capital of Sonora offers its visitors the best restaurants, first class hotels, amusement parks, cultural centers, theaters, museums, interesting places to visit, and a modern network of avenues connecting the whole city.

Located at the center of the state, it provides  easy access to every major tourist destinations,  such as  the peaceful beach of Kino Bay, archeological zone of “La Pintada”,  The Rio Sonora Route, the colorful city of Alamos and the beach of San Carlos.

Inside the city you can find several attractions for children’s and adults, here are some of the most importants:

Asuncion Cathedral Considered the most important religious construction of the city; is a place you certainly must not miss to visit while staying in Hermosillo; this majestic cathedral initiated its construction in 1877 and since then it’s an icon of the city. The Zaragoza plaza where this cathedral is located, offers a beautiful kiosco and a place to walk, where you can have a pleasant moment of tranquility while enjoying this beautiful city.

Government Palace Its construction began in 1881 and ended in 1906. It offers beautiful mural paintings  for visitor to admire.

Ecological Center Located on the south of the city; this botanic garden and zoo offers 300 different plant categories and more than 200 different animal species, with periodical film exhibitions for children and adults.

Del Carmen Chapel Exactly where No Reeleccion Avenue comes to its end stands the grandiose chapel of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, one of the most ancient and important constructions in Hermosillo, witness of the history and dreams of the people in Hermosillo.

Cerro de la Campana This place is without any doubt the traditional spot to visit; on top of the hill the visitor will be able to appreciate a full panoramic view of the city.

“Cultura Popular” Museum Also known as the Hoeffer house, was originally owned by Dr. Alberto Hoeffer, who build it during 1904 reflecting the French influence of the Porfiriato era; today works as a museum, holding tons of historic richness of the State and the ethnic groups that first populated Sonora.

Culture House Opened to the public since 1980; it’s a place dedicated to promote, preserve and rescue the artistic and cultural manifestations of the people of Sonora.

Sonora Museum Located in an old building that used to be the state penitentiary; displays the history of the State in a very particular way.

Museum Library of the University of Sonora Located on one of the buildings that better identifies the city of Hermosillo. It lodges the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History, the Museum of Archaeology, the Emiliana de Zubeldía Theater, library, bookstore, and gallery of plastic arts, radio and television of the university.

La Sauceda This amusement park is the most visited in the state; here every member of the family can find something interesting and fun to do at any of the attractions offered, like go-karts, pools, mini golf and many more. Inside this park is located La Burbuja Children Museum, an extraordinary building where children discover a world of new things; has over 90 games and exhibitions distributed in two levels.

Golf For the lover of this sport, Hermosillo counts with an 18 hole golf course, with artificial lakes and a great environment, as well as restaurant, tennis courts, swimming pool and much more.

Ures

It is located at the center of the state of Sonora, neighboring with Aconchi to the north, to the East with Villa Pesqueira, to the South with Mazatán, to the West with Hermosillo and San Miguel de Horcacitas, to the Norwest with Baviácora and to the Nor east with Rayón.
The municipality of Ures has a territory extension of 2,618.56 square kilometers that represent about 1.41 % of the total state of Sonora’s surface and 0.13 % of the national territory. The population density is 27 persons for square kilometer. The most important towns in this jurisdiction, other than the municipality of Ures, are Guadalupe de Ures, San Pedro, Pueblo de Álamos and El Sauz.
Principal Tourist Attractions
During your next visit to Ures do not forget to visit the armed plaza, the mission and the church of San Ángel, the national independence arch and the home of the general Ignacio Pesqueira.
You may also take the road to El Gavilán, or Mateboca and enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the Sonora river.
On the main road you will be offered with exquisite candies and a variety of milky sweets, which are now traditionally made in the region.
In a former sugar crane mill, you may learn about the p

History

Ures is one of the oldest towns in the state of Sonora, dating from 1736 the mission of San Miguel Arcángel.

Founded on 1644 with a category of mission by the same Jesuit priest Francisco Paris, the town was laterr known as San Miguel de Ures.
By the end of 1838 Ures was officially granted the category of city, and it hosted the administrative offices for the state from 1838 through 1842.
On 1847 it became the capital of the state, but later, on 1879, this title was vested upon Hermosillo, leaving Ures as a mere district municipality, a concept that officially disappeared in 1917.
Some relevant events that have taken place in this region are the Apache Indian revolution, headed by Geronimo. This Indian Soldier was prosecuted by General Custer in Arizona, and he sought shelter in the mountains of the Ures region. He committed terrible actions, killing all of those who came across him; Among Geronimo’s victims are recorded Father Echevería and Professor Leocadio Salcedo.
A similar problem was faced by the people of this region who fought the Yaqui tribe during the 1800’ and early 1900’s.

On September 3, 1998, Ures was designated a Heroic town by the Congress of the State of Sonora.

Agriculture. Its focused exclusively on production of wheat, corn and bean, normally consumed locally, and whey that helps to join the agricultural activity with the cattle breeding.
The lumber activity has been increasing, and currently represents an important source of employment, which also helps to diversify the municipal economy.
Cattle Breeding. The principal economic activity is the bovine production, which is the most important local export. This activity is carried out in common agrarian land and small ranches. Its economic development is based on production of milk, cattle and feeding animals.
Industry  Currently there is a manufacturing company that makes sport caps. This activity has the third place in the municipality economy because it creates about 441 empleos, or the equivalent to 15% of the total working force.

Moctezuma

This town is located in the Norwest part of the state, at a distance of 175 Km. from Hermosillo; it’ i next to Cumpas; to the south it neighbours with Tepache and San Pedro de la Cueva, to the West with Baviacora and Cumpas, to the East with Huásabas and Granados. It is located at an altitude of 677 meters above the sea level.

The town has an area of 1,763.39 Km2, which equals to 0.95% of the total State of Sonora surface; and a population density of less than one person per square kilometer.
The next most important towns in this jurisdiction, other than the municipal reference are El Llano and La Mesa
History

The founding of this territtory is often credited to the Jesuit priest Marcos del Río.
Having an Opata Indian tradition, the town is located on the left side of the Moctezuma river, an area cover with fine soil and of agricultural irrigated tradition.
The town of Moctezuma, was named alter a decree issued by the Congress of the state on September 9, 1828, but it was previously known as San Miguel Arcángel de Oposura, and later as “Oposura”. The roots of the Word “Oposura” mean iron Wood place: “opo” is Wood and the sufix “sura” is synonym of abundance.
Current Times
Agricultura. It is focused on production of Basic cereals and hey, which are mostly consumed locally, and serve as complement to the cattle raising activity. The water system is basically composed by wells and direct water lines taken from the Moctezuma river. There is also 26.9 Km of water channels, of which 6.7 are cement covered, and the rest are made out of dirt.
Cattle Breeding. The approximate bovine population is of 32,554 animals. This activity is supported on small dams, drinking spots and 170 handling fences.

Guaymas

The most important port of Sonora can be found only 135 km. from the state capital. The city and port of Guaymas are one of the main national and foreign tourist destinies in the State.
The tourist beach zone is located to the northwest of the port, being San Carlos and its environs the most important of the region and to a lesser extent the Bay of Bacochibampo and Miramar.

Guaymas Bay is a place where the mountains meet the sea, a perfect spot for the visitor to relax and enjoy a vacation or holiday time.

For a whole century the port was developed as a strategic point for mission settlement, military invasions and pirate attacks; its commercial activities were promoted by the maritime traffic, acknowledging Guaymas as a trade port.

Today focusing on a tourist goal Guaymas counts with 24 places with accommodations between hotels, motels and guest houses; in addition, 4 tourist condominiums and  2 navies with 798 boat spaces.

Guaymas attractions are mostly by the sea; the most beautiful beaches are Miramar and San Carlos, where ecotourism, nautical tourism, fishing, scuba diving and golf are practiced. In addition, the city of Guaymas encloses several colonial buildings, such as the city hall, the jail, the Sacred Heart Church, and the San Fernando Church. The main festivity of the port is the Carnival, celebrated in the month of February.

Near by you may visit the old mission of San Jose de Guaymas and “El Sahuaral”, a giant Cactus zone, or any of the Yaqui tribe villages.

Three distinguished presidents of Mexico were born in Guaymas: Abelardo L. Rodriguez, Gral. Plutarco Elias Calles and Adolfo de la Huerta; this made of Sonora to be called the land of presidents.

San Carlos

Considered one of the most important tourist destinations of Sonora, San Carlos offers visitors all they need to have fun and enjoy their stay. This beach resort is 120 km far from Hermosillo and 390 km far from the USA border; it is part of the city of Guaymas; an important port which is only a few kilometers away.
The visitor of San Carlos  really enjoys a vacation environment, the services offered are the best, comparable to those offered in the most important recreational spots of Mexico; in addition, the services provided in Guaymas are supplementary.

On your first visit to San Carlos you will admire the beauty of its landscapes, starting with the scenic corridor accompanied with the striking “Tetakawi” hill on its background; this is a copper colored mountain, symbol of the city. The sea breeze, the waves, the hotels and condominiums, the calm environment makes any visitor want to enjoy a couple of days by the sea, the sand and the sun,  with all the activities and fun he can get.

The landscape combines the colored copper mountains, desert and the beautiful blue sea, that makes you want to explore the place, sail the water, go fishing, or explore its submarine life. San Carlos offers you much more than a beach; presents an unlimited assortment of activities that will stay forever in your memory.

The hotels in San Carlos are suitable for any budget; in addition, the place offer condominiums with excellent rooms and trailer parks with all the necessary services, ideal for the tourist who like to travel on its motor home. Numerous restaurants specializing in seafood and international food are available; the typical “roast meat” (carne asada) with flour tortillas is offered in many restaurants, where this excellent Sonora meal is served.

For golf lovers, a Country Club is available with tennis courts and an 18-holes golf course; there are also two marines: the Marina San Carlos and Marina Real with all the elements for your boat. You will also come across numerous handcraft shops and boutiques selling beach articles such as swim suit and souvenirs for the tourists.

Two of the favorite activities for tourists are scuba diving and fishing, in San Carlos you may catch fantastic species such as the marlin, swordfish, representing the major challenge for the sport fisherman, who has to combine all his skill, strength, and intelligence in order to defeat and capture this specimen in its own environment. Scuba diving is without a doubt a sport that requires an adequate physical condition and special gear; San Carlos is the ideal place for those who enjoy practicing this activity; offering crystal clear blue waters, more than 800 sea species, and some artificial reef; this place is a paradise for divers who enjoy exploring a whole new different world in the deep of the ocean. To perform this activities there are special places that rent boats and scuba diving gear, with professionals in each activity provide with lessons to tourists and take them to incredible places. Other aquatic sports available in San Carlos are water skiing, sailing and jet skiing.

With an average temperature of 68°F in winter and 95°F in the summer, San Carlos is the favorite spot for senior American tourists, known as “snow birds”, who arrive during winter in motor homes caravans to enjoy a vacation period with a nicer weather than the one at home.

Reaching San Carlos from any part of the U.S.A. is easy; you have the Mexico 15 four-lane highway that intersects with the scenic corridor. For those who prefer to travel by plane, Guaymas airport is only 25 Km. away form San Carlos, where DC9, Boeings 727, and private planes may land.