Sonora, the second largest state in Mexico, is a truly beautiful tourist destination that offers the visitor great diversity, from gorgeous, contrasting landscapes to charming cities and villages steeped in tradition and culture. Beaches, forest and desert make the state an amazing place for a vacation.
Description
Land of the Yaquis, Seris and Mayos, these are just a few of the main ethnic groups that have struggled against the forces of nature, in this arid area, to make a habitable land. Here they have developed their culture, cities and villages, steeped in tradition and legend. Marvelous beaches, contrasting with the richness of the desert flora and fauna, give the state of Sonora a special charm well worth visiting.
Due to its privileged and also enviable geographic location, Sonora, with its great variety of breathtaking natural attractions, has become a magnet for tourists who love to explore the great outdoors! Mountains along the Chihuahua border, tropical deciduous forests in the south, and grasslands in the northern region all linked by a breathtaking desert spanning the length of the state, make it the perfect setting for an adventurous vacation. We must also mention the border with the Californian Gulf, with its enormous variety of marine species, beaches and crystal clear waters. All this coupled with the people of Sonora's traditional hospitality and warmth lends itself to a great vacation with memories to last a lifetime.
Sonora is an international destination capable of satisfying people with a taste for adventure, and those who want a calm and relaxing stay. Cities such as Puerto Peñasco, Bahia de Kino, Guaymas and Huatabampo boast beautiful beaches, sun, sea and sand, while cities such as Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregon are examples of areas that offer the business investor a perfect opportunity.
Origin
In Sonora, during Viceregal Time, the Spaniards settled, whilst fighting against the natives in their attempt to conquer. In 1605 began the evangelization of Sonora with the priest Andres Perez Rivas; it was a movement that was subsequently continued by the priest Eusebio Francisco Kino and finally gave rise to the Conquest's consummation. Originally, Sonora and Sinaloa were founded as one state, then after having been emancipated from the Spaniards oppression, these two provinces separated, establishing Hermosillo as the capital city in the state of Sonora.
Over the years Sonora suffered many invasions and betrayals, eventually, emerging victorious. Nowadays the people, who are kind and warm, persist to keep the richness and the wonders of their state alive and thriving.
Hermosillo
Hermosillo , 'The City of the Sun', watched over by its natural guardian: el Cerro de la Campana ( Bell's Hill), is a state proud of its natural attributes. Mostly flat land, rivers, beaches and its proximity to the northern border have made Hermosillo a great capital city, whose base is in culture, development and above all, quality of life. Its main economic activities are: industry, agriculture, cattle farming, fishing and trading.
In the city of Hermosillo you will find museums, churches, plazas, recreational parks, golf courses, nightlife, and a variety of other tourist attractions, such as, the picturesque Bahia de Kino, with its clean white sandy beaches or La Pintada, a fascinating place south of Hermosillo where cave paintings from the Seri and Pima cultures, who once inhabited this region, can be viewed.
Because of its diverse characteristics and attractions, Hermosillo has become a successful, well organized destination, where the hotel infrastructure, cuisine and culture, blend perfectly with the local hospitality providing an unforgettable vacation.
Puerto Peñasco
Located between the spectacular Sea of Cortez and the Sonoran desert, Puerto Peñasco is a vibrant city with activities catering for all tastes. Go for a walk on its pristine beaches, swim in the calm waters, enjoy a romantic sunset, or visit the marsh lands. There really is so much beauty both visually and spiritually.
Puerto Peñasco is one of the youngest cities in the state of Sonora, the origins date back to 1927 as a fishing village that slowly grew attracting fishermen from many different areas such as Guaymas, Puerto Lobos, Puerto Libertad and Bahia de Kino. During 1929 it was known as Punta de Piedra or Punta Peñasco due to a huge volcanic rock formation in the Sea of Cortez. Its main attraction used to be, for the fishermen, the Totoaba, a huge fish much sort after because of its medicinal properties.
The construction of the " Sonora-Baja California railroad " began here, thus generating many new settlements and establishing Puerto Peñasco as a recognized town in July 9 th, 1952. This town, nowadays, is mostly known for its fishing and tourist industry. Besides being a relaxing destination, Puerto Peñasco is also rich in marine life, ideal for sport fishing, diving and ecotourism.
In 1993 Puerto Peñasco acquired the responsibility of taking care of the Gulf of California's Biosphere Reserve; later on El Pinacate Biosphere and Great Altar Desert were added, these are now some of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the area.