SONORA
HERMOSILLO
Known as the Sun City, Hermosillo is the state capital of Sonora, the semi-desert climate is hot, with an average temperature of 25º C (77º F).
Hermosillo is an important industrial city with the majority of the city being very modern, with many international companies located here. Centered around the Plaza Zaragoza, the area was first settled in about 1700, and has some splendid architectural attractions lined along its wide avenues, such as the Cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno. The region’s local cuisine is delicious, especially the local meat dishes from the renowned local Sonora cattle ranches. And the local seafood restaurants along the beaches of San Carlos and Bahia Kino are not to be missed.
In the surrounding areas you’ll find peaceful nature reserves like the Centro Ecologico de Sonora, where a number of wildlife conservation and research programs on the region’s ecosystems are carried out. Also of interest is the Reserva Especial de la Biosfera Cajon del Diablo (Cajon del Diablo Special Biosphere Reserve), where you can view a wide range of indigenous plants and animals, such as white-tailed deer and bighorn sheep.
PUERTO PENASCO
Puerto Peñasco is a beautiful bay on the northwest coast of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), and is located in the northern region of the state of Sonora. The average year-round temperature is 20º C (68º F) and the climate is warm and dry.
Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point, is popular for its fishing and tourism industries. Divided into 2 main beach areas, to the west of the Old Port area is the wide and flat Sandy Beach, where most of the hotels and resorts are located. East of the main town area is a long stretch of rocky coastline made up by La Mirador, Playa del Oro and Las Conchas, where many beautiful beachfront homes and condos are located. Isla San Jorge is a popular island for scuba diving and fishing, with its wide and diverse marine life, including sea lions, dolphins and porpoises.
Within the Old Port town area are located many restaurants and shops selling souvenirs and traditional Mexican arts and crafts. This destination offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, excellent tourism facilities and well-developed ecological programs. The numerous restaurants serve delicious seafood dishes, fresh from the surrounding waters of Puerto Penasco.
The Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and the Gran Desierto de Altar are areas of stunning natural beauty. Visitors head to these places to do research on indigenous animal species such as the mule deer and the bighorn sheep, while others go to enjoy various outdoor recreational activities, including sandboarding, mountain climbing and hunting. Slightly further a field are the missions of Caborca, Atil and Pitiquito, which were founded by legendary Friar Eusebio Kino.
