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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?

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sonora.

  • Nature Reserve

    Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar

    About 30km from Puerto Peñasco are the lunar landscapes of El Pinacate, one of the driest places on earth. This remote, spectacular 7145-sq-km reserve is a Unesco World Heritage site and contains ancient eroded volcanoes, giant craters, petrified lava flows, 400-plus ash cones and the continent's largest concentration of active sand dunes. Wildlife includes pronghorn antelope (the fastest land mammal in the Americas), bighorn sheep, pumas, reptiles and bountiful birdlife. There's an excellent, highly informative, solar-powered visitor center, interpretive hiking trails and two campgrounds.

  • Island

    Isla del Tiburón

    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 declared a nature reserve in 1963. Today it's administered by the Seri tribal authorities. An intact desert ecosystem, it's home to bighorn sheep and large colonies of seabirds. There's good snorkeling around its coast. For a permit and guide to the island, ask at the Consejo de Ancianos at the entrance to Punta Chueca.

  • Visitor Center

    CEDO

    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 California and surrounding Desierto Sonorense, CEDO has a visitor center where it hosts free natural-history talks in English at 2pm Tuesdays and 4pm Saturdays. CEDO also runs a fascinating program of nature tours, some in collaboration with local cooperatives.

  • Island

    Isla San Jorge

    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 nesting seabirds and also a large community of sea lions (which are curious by nature and will swim alongside boats). Dolphins are often spotted en route, while whales (fin, gray, killer and pilot) are sometimes encountered between January and April. Full-day cruises are offered by Del Mar Charters.

  • Beach

    Playa Los Algodones

    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 is fine and white, the water blue and calm, and the view is of dramatic mountains. High season can bring crowds and traveling oompah bands – join the party or head north along the sand for a patch of peace.

  • Viewpoint

    Mirador San Carlos

    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 the dramatic sight of jagged mountains plunging into the cerulean Sea of Cortez. On lucky days, you might spy dolphins, rays and even whales. Reach the lookout by driving 4km west of San Carlos toward Playa los Algodones, taking the first left after Cerro Tetakawi, and continuing another 2km.

  • Dive Site

    Isla San Pedro Nolasco

    A popular spot for snorkeling and dive excursions 28km west of San Carlos, Isla San Pedro Nolasco is a rocky island nature reserve that's home to a large population of sea lions. These playful creatures are active year-round. To see pups exploring their underwater surroundings, book a trip during the summer months with Gabby's or Gary's Dive Shop.

  • Nature Reserve

    Parque la Colorada

    Created by an eco-minded group of residents back in 2014, this lush reserve encompasses some 112 hectares of pristine tropical deciduous forest. Well-marked trails wind through the reserve, including a 1.5km hike up to the top of El Tecolote, which offers sweeping views over the countryside.

  • Beach

    Playa Hermosa

    Puerto Peñasco's main town beach, Playa Hermosa is an inviting swath of tawny sand with small waves and views of the rocky landscape in the distance. Vendors hawk everything from mangoes to jewelry, and beach shade, including chairs, can be had for around M$300 per day. You can arrange all manner of aquatic activities here, including hiring SUP boards and kayaks.