Northern Mexico
State: Sonora

Population: 2,250,000
Size: 69,732 square miles
Location: Northwest Mexico
Borders: U.S., the Sea of Cortez and the states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa
Important cities/sites within the state: Alamos, Bahía Kino, Guaymas and Hermosillo
Major airport(s): General Ignacio P. Garcia Intl. aka Hermosillo International Airport (HMO)
Time zone: Mountain Standard Time
Web site: www.sonora.gob.mx

The state of Sonora is located in northwest Mexico, bordered by Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Arizona to the north and the Gulf of California to the west. Its unique landscape consists of stunning beaches, lush valleys, majestic mountains and arid deserts, all part of the Sierra Madre Occidental.

The land that comprises Sonora is currently inhabited by numerous native groups, including the Yaquis, Mayos, Primas, Pápagos, Opatos, Seris and Guarijíos, who still preserve their ancestors´ folkloric customs and traditions found throughout the state. Spanish colonial presence, on the other hand, is now very limited to the Jesuit missions and towns located around the mines.

The state of Sonora offers a wide range of attractions for every type of traveler. It houses wonderful cave paintings, spectacular natural scenery ideal for ecotourism and adventure sports, regulated hunting parks and long beaches and bays perfect for water activities and sport fishing.

Handicraft shopping is also very characteristic of Sonora. The village of Kino Viejo, 65 miles outside the capital city of Hermosillo, is legendary for its Seri work – also showcased at The Museum of the Seri – while gastronomy is well-known for its varied local menus including chimichangas, camarones costa brava, shrimps prepared with Chihuahua cheese and bacon, the popular mochomos and the sweet coyotas for dessert.

The capital city of 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. The Catedral de La Asunción, Palacio de Gobierno and Museum of Sonora are only some of the stunning constructions in the area. The Palacio de Gobierno is worth highlighting for it impressive murals illustrating significant historical events, while seventeenth century missions are beautifully preserved and also worth a visit.

From delicious cuisine to abundant natural reserves, no other place combines the beauty of native cultures with modern state-of-the-art infrastructures like Sonora. It is a place of traditions perfect for travelers looking to explore the colorful folklore and stunning historic cities that are characteristic of Mexico.