Visit the northern region of Mexico’s second-largest state to see a great diversity of landscapes: arid deserts, mountain peaks and idyllic beaches.
Embark on a fascinating trip to Northern Sonora to explore its history, culture and geography of desert, ocean and mountains. This vast and diverse region of northern Mexico is part of a desert state offering outdoor adventures, watersports and sunny beaches.
Many visitors coming to Northern Sonora cross the border from Arizona to Nogales. Stay in the border town for at least a day to experience the busy sidewalks crammed with small handicraft stores and pharmacies. Stop in a bar or restaurant to taste typical Mexican food, such as beef burritos. Consider camping in the nearby Santa Rita and Huachuca mountains.
Gain insight into Northern Sonora’s past by touring some of its towns. Visit Pitiquito’s mission church for its 17th-century black-and-white murals by indigenous artists. Go to Magdalena de Kino to see the crypt of Eusebio Francisco Kino. He was a Jesuit priest who established many churches in Baja California, Mexico. Step inside the old churches of Heroica Caborca and Altar.
Learn about Sonora’s natural resources by exploring its diverse ecosystems. Take a daytrip to El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve to see sand dune fields and a dormant volcanic area. Look for hundreds of plant species and wildlife, such as endangered pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, falcons and eagles. Hike or mountain bike the nature trails through Rancho Puerto Blanco’s 3,600 acres (1,450 hectares). While you are here, take a guided tour to see some of the 6,000 petroglyphs, ancient rock art paintings that have been found on the ranch.
Make your way to one of the region’s most popular destinations, Puerto Peñasco, a fishing town also known as Rocky Point, on the state’s northwest coast. Unwind on the beach, dive into the Sea of Cortes, play watersports and rent a vehicle to explore the desert.
Reach Northern Sonora by air, bus or car. Many visitors rent a car for the duration of their stay to be able to experience as much of the scenery, history and culture as possible.
