Traditional dress of folk dancers.

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Sonora

Mexico’s second-largest state (neighboring Chihuahua is first) has remarkable cultural and ecological diversity within its 180,000 sq km. It boasts miles and miles of gorgeous beaches, desert moonscapes in El Pinacate Reserve, near Puerto Peñasco, and everything in between. It's still undiscovered by mass tourism, but the word is definitely getting out for Mexican travelers – beach towns like San Carlos and Bahía de Kino get packed with weekend warriors from Hermosillo and beyond – and those near the US border get a steady stream of American 'snowbirds' (retired North American citizens who head south for winter). Even so, Sonora sees far fewer travelers, especially foreigners, than its myriad attractions and drop-dead beauty would suggest. But hey, who’s complaining?

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Isla San Jorge

    Isla San Jorge

    Sonora

    Also known as Bird Island, Isla San Jorge is one of the best boat excursions in northern Mexico. This rocky island 40km southeast of Peñasco is home to…

  • Playa Los Algodones

    Playa Los Algodones

    Sonora

    Named for the cotton-ball-like dunes on the south end of the beach, Playa Los Algodones is arguably the most beautiful beach in northern Mexico. The sand…

  • Parque la Colorada

    Parque la Colorada

    Sonora

    Created by an eco-minded group of residents back in 2014, this lush reserve encompasses some 112 hectares of pristine tropical deciduous forest. Well…

  • Isla Tiburón, Kino Bay, Mexico.

    Isla del Tiburón

    Bahía de Kino

    This mountainous island, Mexico's largest, lies 3km off the coast from Punta Chueca. It was once a Seri homeland, but was depopulated when the island was…

  • CEDO

    CEDO

    Sonora

    CEDO is a wonderful place to learn about Rocky Point’s fascinating desert-meets-sea ecosystem. Dedicated to the conservation of the upper Gulf of…

  • Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción

    Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción

    Sonora

    Álamos’ parish church is the tallest building in town. It was built between 1786 and 1804 and its altar rail, lamps, censers and candelabra were all…

  • Mirador San Carlos

    Mirador San Carlos

    Sonora

    The magnificent views from this overlook shouldn't be missed on a visit to San Carlos. From a lofty perch 200m over the crashing waves, you can take in…

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Plan with a local

Go Beyond

Sonora and beyond

Beyond Sonora
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