Northern Mexico
Sonora State > Hermosillo

Location: Sonora State, northwest Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 1200 miles northwest
City’s population: 610,000
Closest major airport: General Ignacio P. Garcia Intl. aka Hermosillo International Airport (HMO)
Time zone: Mountain Standard Time

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. La Asunción Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Museum of Sonora are only some of the stunning constructions in the area. The Government Palace is worth highlighting for its impressive murals illustrating significant historical events, while 17th-century missions are beautifully preserved and also worth a visit.

A few miles outside of Hermosillo are the beaches of Bahía de Kino and Bahía de San Carlos, perfect for sunbathing, while El Mirador, Playa de Oro and Playa Bonita in Puerto Peñasco are ideal for swimming. Natural reserves are also a short distance away from the city and have some of the country’s best lodging facilities. Topahue Nature Reserve is one of the most popular locations and lies 25 miles outside of Hermosillo, on the way to Ures.

Several ecotourism organizations are also available in Hermosillo, staging exciting tours and activities. Alcampo Hunting Adventures and Muy Grande Outfitters offer camping and hunting trips to places like Cerro Colorado and Cananea. Travelers can also individually plan adventure trips to locations such as Topaue Park and Kino Bay, both equipped with first-class tourist and camping facilities. Sports fishing is another popular activity in Hermosillo, available at the lagoons of El Novillo and El Oviachic, great for carp, tilapia and sea bass fishing; and at San Carlos Bay and Puerto Peñasco, known for marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi (dorado), Spanish mackerel and yellow jack fishing.

Handicraft shopping in the village of Kino Viejo, 65 miles outside of Hermosillo, is legendary for its Seri work – also showcased at The Museum of the Seri – as well as its variety of charming restaurants. Local menus include shrimps prepared with Chihuahua cheese and bacon, the popular mochomos and sweet coyotas for dessert.

From delicious cuisine to abundant natural reserves, no other place combines the charm of a quaint town with the luxury of modern infrastructure as effortlessly as legendary Hermosillo.