TRAVEL UPDATE, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL SONORA

Posted October 7, 2009

It has been another tough year so far for Mexico. Tourism is down all over the country including Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Penasco (where we live and serve). There are many causes such as violence, financially hard times in the United States, the weakened peso and the scare of the Swine Flu.

Almost everyone is suffering especially the small business owner and the vendors on the street and beaches. When you go to Mexico, please support the local small businesses and vendors. They do not have a corporate office or other stores to fall back on and help carry them in hard times.

The people in northern Sonora (especially Puerto Penasco) are struggling because of the same things the rest of the country is battling. Lucy and I see this more because we spend most of our time there. And with many of our supporters (volunteers that go to Mexico with us) being so close to Mexico they are very concerned about the violence and if they should continue to travel with us to Mexico. Some have decided not to go on work trips for a while. We support their decision. We have always been totally honest in our reports on the conditions in Mexico and support any decision our volunteers make. God must direct then in their decision and if it is not to travel to Mexico, we respect and accept that decision. With that said, I need to give you an update on what has been happening in our area of service (northwest section of the state of Sonora) in Mexico for the past nine months.

In late January two men walked into a restaurant one block from the border crossing at Lukeville/Sonoyta and shot/killed A Federal Army Commander and two of his solders, the waitress was also killed and another soldier was wounded.

In May, there was a shooting between two vehicles on the road to El Diamante (60 miles south of Penasco near Ygriega) and one person was killed. Also in that area there was another shooting which one man was killed in front of the High School. Also in the same area in June, a man was kidnapped from his home in a small community in the middle of the night.

He has not been seen since. We were going to do an outreach program with a pastor from Penasco a week after the kidnapping, however many of the people in the community moved out. We did not have the program!

We were going to go to our RV located in the El Diamante/Desemboque area in June but was advised not to travel on that road at that time by our pastor/friend from El Diamante. We took his advice and delayed our visit.

Also in June there was four people shot while sitting at a red light at 10:30pm on Benito Juarez and Calle 13 in Puerto Penasco.

August was a bad month for the residents of Ygriega. Two young men stole a car and went to a house and kidnapped two other young men in the middle of the night. Their bodies were found in the desert a few days later. The next week another young many was kidnapped from a local store (he was the son of a local school teacher), his body was also found in the desert.

Late in the evening (early August) in the area of the Molecon (tourist area at the Old Port) in Puerto Penasco a man was shot 5 times and left for dead. When the Red Cross took him to a local clinic they were able to revive him. While still treating him several hours later the two men that shot him came into the clinic. They made everyone in the clinic lay down on the floor and then proceeded to shoot the victim once more, this time killing him. No other person was injured.

Most of these acts of violence we related to drug activity. It is unclear at this time as to the nature of the killings of the three young men. When in Mexico we use good judgment when traveling in outlying areas, being out after dark, and the locations we visit. We suggest everyone do the same.

At this time Lucy and I feel we are still called to visit and minister to the people of Penasco, El Diamante, Ygriega and Desemboque. We feel safe traveling and staying in those communities and will continue to do so till we are called to another location or if advised to refrain by the people in those communities.

We stress that if you are concerned about your safety, you need to go to God in prayer about the situation in Mexico and do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

TRAVEL UPDATES

Posted April 9, 2009

Ok, readers who are interested in going to Mexico by vehicle take note. Starting June 1, 2009 you will need a valid U.S. passport or valid passport card to reenter the United States from Mexico. There are many restrictions and conditions so I suggest you go to the U.S. Department of State web site for the current and correct information on how to apply. Their web address is; http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

This is not a restriction required by the Mexican Government. It is a condition required by our government that will help keep track of who is coming into the United States. If you do not approve of this policy please do not take it out on our border guards. They are simply doing their job to enforce our country’s laws. And remember, they did not make the policy, Washington did.

Since we are mentioning following the law, I have a few other comments that are important. We talk about and complain about the corruption that is going on in all areas of the Mexican Government and how it should be stopped. And then as tourist what is the first thing we do when we get stopped for a traffic violation? We offer to pay a bribe to the police officer so we will not have to waste time by going to the police station to pay the fine. I am not sure about the other states but the state of Sonora and the Mayor of Puerto Peñasco is encouraging people not to pay bribes to any officials. Manos de Dios applauds that effort and encourages our mission teams to follow the law. We advise our people to go to the police station to settle any dispute, do not offer a bribe or pay one if you are asked to!

Auto insurance is another point of conflict, if you are not accurately informed. Some insurance companies in the U.S. tell their members that their US auto insurance is valid and they will be protected in Mexico. The fact is that Mexican law does not recognize US insurance policies. To be covered by insurance while driving a vehicle in Mexico you must have Mexico Auto Travel Insurance either on yourself (issued to your driver’s license) or on the vehicle you are driving. You can purchase insurance from an American company for Mexico; however it will be underwritten by a Mexican insurance company. DO NOT drive in Mexico without a valid a Mexico Auto Travel Insurance policy. One of the fastest ways to go to jail is to get in an accident in Mexico while driving without insurance, whether it is your fault or not. (For Mexico Travel insurance policy information check out www.MexicanAutoInsurance.com. To receive a $35 discount for your first 3-month, 6-month or annual policy submit your application to Lewis and Lewis Insurance Agency listing your name - ‘Manos de Dios-Group discount’)

A few weeks ago there was an American man, wife and adult daughter vacationing in the Baja Mexico. They were heading back to San Diego south of Tijuana in their newer pick up truck and pulling a toy hauler type RV with lots of racing decals on the sides. It was just before MIDNIGHT when they were stopped by a police type vehicle with flashing lights. The men in the vehicle were not police, they were bandits. The man, his wife, and his daughter were robbed and their pickup and RV were stolen. Fortunately no one was injured. I can’t say this enough, please do not travel in deserted areas or on long stretches of highway after dark. We have traveled extensively in Mexico for the past 6 years and I can count on one hand the number of times we traveled after dark, especially at midnight. That family was lucky they lost only their vehicles. Don’t let this happen to you, stay off the roads after dark!

Violence in Mexico; one cannot avoid hearing about what is happening in the border towns and how the violence has even crept into the tourist areas, as well. Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Playa del Carmen (a few months after we were there last year the police chief was ambushed and killed in the middle of the day on the main highway), and Merida have all had their share of drug related crime, killings and gun fights in the street. So if you plan on traveling (even in a popular tourist area) find out if there has been violence in the area you are considering visiting and take that information into consideration as you decide. With that said, there are many small cities and other tourist areas that are safe to travel in and around. To find them you must do your homework before you go!

Currently our mission activities take us to Puerto Peñasco, El Diamante, Desemboque, and Huachinera in the state of Sonora. There has not been any major gang violence or serious crime in those areas and we feel safe as we travel (during the daytime) and visit different communities.

The informed traveler is a safe traveler.

Dios te bendiga,

Dennis Smith

dennis@manosdedios.org

 

Travel Advisory

Posted September 25, 2008

Mexico is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer anyone wanting to visit there. Historical places, a variety of cultures, delicious food and miles and miles of beaches. With that said, I must also offer a word of caution. I don’t think the American people realize the scope of the violence that is taking place in Mexico. Tourist cities, the capital, affluent middleclass cities and even small villages can’t and do not escape the violence caused by the use and sale of drugs.
A war in Mexico is being fought right now, as you read this! Mexican President Calderon and the people of Mexico realize this but some how many in America (including our Government) have not accepted this fact. Or the fact that the violence could (it has, but without much recognition) spill over into the United States.

We, as tourists, just want to enjoy our neighbors to the south. We can, if we use caution, discernment and do some research on the places we plan on visiting! With that said, I offer you some information that you may not have been aware of and will help you make an educated decision before you plan your trip to Mexico.

*****

I will not go into the gory details of the deaths and executions or the kidnappings and assaults that are happening in major cities as well as small towns, but I will tell you it is happening. Usually the targets are opposing members of the drug cartels, military and police personnel and Government officials. However, in the recent past it has escalated to involve tourist, local Mexican citizens and children.

There has been numerous killings in the cities/states of Merida Yucatan, Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua, Puerto Vallarta, Michoacan, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, and Nogales Sonora, to name a few. The state of Sinaloa is the center of one of the drug cartels and violence is common.
Also for those considering traveling to off the beaten path cities in Mexico, use caution when traveling to Durango Durango, Palomas Chihuahua, and Cananea Sonora.

The Mexican Government issued a warning for people to avoid going to the cities of Aquililla, Tepalcatepec, and Coalcman in the state of Michoacan. It is a hot bed of Violence.
On September 16th, 2008 someone tossed two fragmentation grenades into a crowd of people celebrating Mexico’s Independence. There were 8 killed and 108 injured. The location was Morelia City in the state of Michoacan. On Friday night September 12th there were five separate shootouts in the city of Nogales Sonora. The military also confiscated two grenades that were found in a vehicle used in one of the shootouts. Grenades have been used or confiscated in most of the cities where the violence is taking place. In addition, the Mexican military has confiscated grenades, automatic weapons and ammunition in Cancun, Cabo and in Puerto Peñasco Sonora. Caution should be used in all the major tourist cities in Mexico.

This information is just a sample of the problems happening in Mexico that I am aware of. Violence can strike anywhere or at any time. Please use caution and I say again, do your research before you go!

Travel cautiously, Dennis

 

Following the Rio Sonora River

Lucy and I are always looking to expand our knowledge of the Mexican people, their culture and their communities. About six months ago I saw an article about the road that runs along the Rio Sonora River from Cananea to Hermosillo, in the state of Sonora, and passes thru many small towns. This is not a tourist area or destination and the communities carry out their lives the way they have done for generations (except for a few modern conveniences).
This sounded like a trip we needed to take so I talked to some of the people in our core group about it and they wanted to go along and included extending our destination to Bahía de Kino. The plans were made and the trip was set for May 10 thru 13, 2007 and consisting of Lee and Marie, Albert and Vicki, Alan and Lucy, Eric and Lucy and I.

We do not get to Bisbee very often so we decided to have breakfast in Bisbee and cross the border at Naco Arizona. The morning was beautiful, we were all in a good mood, had a great breakfast and we were looking forward to this adventure.

The border crossing at Naco was different than Nogales and Lukeville. It was kind of in a barren valley and you were close to the fence that separate the US from Mexico. At the crossing you have to go thru many 90-degree turns and Lee’s motor home had a hard time getting thru. When we entered Mexico we pulled off to the side and went in to the Government office to purchase visas for our vehicles and ourselves (and no – the entire state of Sonora is not a free zone). We were told for personal visas (good for six months) we were to fill out the forms in the front office, take them to the bank (one of the buildings in the rear) and pay the fee of $17.00 per person. Then take the forms back to the front office where the officer stamped them paid. We were told the vehicle visas were to be purchased in Cananea. No problem so far!
Naco Mexico is not a big town so were were out of town in a few minutes and onto the bumpy narrow road that leads to Hwy #2 to Cananea. A few miles out of town we were stopped by a military check point. The officer and his automatic weapon demanded respect and we gave it to him. After telling him where we were going and that we did not have any guns or bullets we were allowed to pass. Highway #2 was not bad as Mexican roads go, narrow and bumpy, so we gave as much room as we could to the buses and semi trucks that were going in the opposite direction.

 

As we came into Cananea we found a town of about 30,000 people that is said to have the largest copper mine in Mexico, we could see the tailings in the mountains off in the distance. There is also an observatory in the mountains at an elevation of over 8,000 feet. We have seen observatories and go to Mount Lemon so we skipped that stop! Besides we were looking for the Hwy #089 and the office to purchase our vehicle visas. After driving thru town we decided to stop and ask someone where “Banjercito” (the office where you get the vehicle permits) was. We were given directions and followed them intently. Could not find the building! Asked someone else, got different directions, followed them intently, could not find the office! As we were driving thru a residential neighborhood I decided to tell Lee to park his motor home and let us (in my pick up) try and find the building. He pulled over gladly. As we were driving around we got a call from him (on the walkie talkie we were carrying) and he said we found someone that knows where the office is, we promptly returned to their location. A lady saw them parked in front of her house and came out to check on them and see if they needed assistance. She spoke English and said her father worked for the Government office that issues the permits! What a blessing. She called him to get the location of the office and came back with the info. That we did not need a permit and if we did we could get one at the inspection station 30 miles to the south where we were heading. Good news. She offered us the use of her house to eat our lunch but we gratefully declined and had our lunch in her front yard.

We were finally on the road again. Highway 089 was not a bad road (narrow and bumpy as usual) and the scenery got prettier as we climbed in elevation. Thirty miles south we had to stop at an inspection station. We showed them our passports and they immediately ask for out vehicle visa! After telling them we were told, in Cananea, that we did not need one, the inspector (carrying an automatic) politely drew us a map of where the Banjercito was and we needed to go there and get a vehicle visa. No problem, we were having a wonderful time and no one was upset or disgruntled about having to return to Cananea! God was in our midst! When we got to the office to get the visa, we found that we had passed within two blocks of it during our prior search. Filled up with gas at the local Pemex and we were on the road again.

 

We had hoped to make it to a town called Aconchi to spend the night and visit the hot springs on Friday but we had spent too much time in Cananea. Plans were changed again and we decided to stay in Banamichi, we arrived about six pm. We pulled off the main street and started looking for the only hotel in town. After driving around and back and forth thru town a few times, we spotted a colorful building on the corner with a small sign (about 3 inches tall and 15 inches wide) that said “Rooms for tourist.” That was the hotel we were looking for. Technically it is the La Posada del Rio Sonora.
It was a beautiful two-story hotel decorated in every colored tile imaginable wit old furniture and Mexican crafts scattered through the building. It was the perfect spot. It was owned by an American man (Bill) and his Mexican wife. The kitchen was closed because there were not enough guests to justify opening it. We inquired about restaurants in town and were immediately invited to walk with Bill, the five other quests and two permanent tenants to the only opened restaurant in town, which we accepted. It was dark, but the streets were deserted, and had started to cool off a bit so the five-block walk was pleasant. When we got to the restaurant (our group totaled 17) we found it to be a block building with screens for windows, two ceiling fans and plastic tables and chairs. The kitchen was an open area next to the tables where the cook (owner) had a wooden block to chop up the beef for the tacos (oh, did I mention the only served beef tacos with cucumbers, onions and cabbage) and an open fire pit to cook the beef! Within a few minutes three other family members showed up to help in the feeding of our group.
Even though it was hot and humid in the building, only had one choice on the menu and it took a while to get our food – we had a wonderful time and the end of a perfect day.

After breakfast Friday morning we continued down the Rio Sonora Highway. The highway crosses over the Rio Sonora River about five times between Cananea and Hermosillo and is impassable sometimes during the summer rains. The small towns we passed thru were quiet and mostly well kept. Each one had the traditional Catholic Church and town square. The only other unique experience we had was in the town of Aconchi. In the middle of town there is a dirt road that goes off to the right (west). If you follow it for about forty-five minutes you will wind up at the end of a canyon where there is a beautiful hot springs area. It was well worth the bumps and the dust! After sitting in the hot springs and eating lunch we headed for Bahía de Kino.

We arrived in Kino about late afternoon and did have a little trouble finding a hotel. It seemed the season was over for the summer and many places had closed. The water was pleasant and a beautiful blue. And we were happy to see there was not very much litter on the beach!

Saturday we wanted to go to the Seri Indian village of Punta Chueca (about 40 km north). The dirt road was very dusty and bumpy but it followed the ocean most of the way to Punta Chueca so that provided a distraction. The village contained small houses, a community center, one small store and seemed to be impoverished. There were only a few people on the street and we were able to talk to some boys (about seven years of age). We did not find anyone selling crafts in the village because they take them to Bahía de Kino to sell! So we headed back and bought our souvenirs from the Seris in Kino. Go figure!

After breakfast Sunday morning we said a prayer of thanksgiving before we headed back to Tucson. We had been blessed with beautiful weather, polite border guards and military officials, friendly (but some unable to give good directions) people, beautiful and varied scenery, a group of friends that could take hardships – change of plans – heat and dust and never complain and safe passage (we could have been in the middle of the shoot out the following week)! Every time we get out of the tourist areas and intermingle with the people we learn something new, and this trip was no exception.

 

I’m sure everyone has heard about the shoot out between the Mexican military and the Bandits in Cananea and Arizpe. Being Missionaries to the Mexican people and then being the area and towns where the killings took place makes Lucy’s and my heart even more saddened for the people. In the city of Cananea the people did have the opportunity to try and get out of the way when the shooting started but if you were on the road to Arizpe there was very few places you could go, not many side roads or pull-offs. You were at their mercy!

We would like to ask you to take a few minutes and pray for the innocent Mexican people that are caught in the middle of all this madness. Even with all the violence, corruption and poverty the Mexican people have to endure, they are still kind, loving, considerate and generous people. Please pray for peace, moral growth and the elimination of corruption in Mexico.

Dios les Bendiga, Dennis and Lucy Smith

Country of Mexico Facts: Area: 754,120 square miles Population: 104,959,594 (as of July 2004) Capital: Mexico City Population: 24,000,000 approx. (the most populated city in the world) Geography: Mexico’s geographical features range from swamp to desert, and from tropical lowland jungle to high alpine vegetation. Over one half of the country is above 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Government: A Republic since 1917. Gained independence from Spain in 1821. Head of state and Government: President Felipe Calderon Currency: The Mexican peso. Bills come in 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 peso notes. Coins are in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos and 1, 2, 5, and 10 pesos. For the best exchange rates use your ATM card at the machine and pay for your purchases with a credit card. Banks give the best exchange rate with money exchanges (Casa de Cambio), followed by stores – bars – restaurants with hotels giving the worst. Sales Tax: 15% is the value added tax on goods and services in most of Mexico and is supposed to be included in the posted price. There is a 5% tax on all food and drinks consumed in restaurants that sell alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 10%; this tax applies whether you drink alcohol or not! Telephones: All telephone numbers have 10 digits. All cities and towns that have telephone access have two or three digit area codes. Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara have a two-digit area code with local numbers having eight digits while the rest of the country has a three-digit area code with a seven-digit telephone number. To place a local call you do not need to dial the area code. Cell phones are very popular with the locals. Be warned that many US cell phones do not have service in Mexico. When in Mexico, to call a cell phone number inside the same area code, dial 044 and then the number. To dial a cell number from anywhere else in Mexico, first dial 01, then the three-digit area code then the seven digit number. To dial from the U.S., dial 011-52, plus the three digit area code then the seven digit phone number. To dial from Mexico to the U.S. dial 001-52 plus the area code and phone number. Traveling to Mexico by Land Crossing the border— When you arrive at the Mexico border, you will be directed into traffic lanes. As you approach the check point, there will be a “stop light” in front and to the left of your lane. Stop where indicated and wait for the light. If the light comes on green, just proceed at a slow speed across the border and keep going into Mexico. If the light comes on red, pull across the border and stop and wait for a Mexican official to approach your vehicle. Answer all questions if you understand. Many agents do not speak English. They may want to look inside your vehicle and this is fine. They are most always polite and courteous. Just make sure you don’t have a gun or ammunition in the vehicle. If they find a gun, you will go directly to jail and, in most cases, it will take weeks or even months to get you out! Driving in Mexico—Driving in Mexico is similar to driving in the US. Make sure to obey speed zones and drive defensively. In the smaller Mexican communities the drivers typically don’t signal and traffic signs, etc. are often considered suggestions rather than rules. Make sure you have Mexican Travel Auto insurance before driving in Mexico. You can purchase it from a local insurance agent, online (www.Amor.org), or at the border prior to crossing. Pets: Animals coming from the U.S. and Canada into Mexico are required to have an official health certificate issued within 30 days before arriving into Mexico that insures the animal’s vaccinations are up to date. U.S. customs officials will require the same papers. If you stay longer that 30 days you will need an updated certificate of health issued by a veterinarian in Mexico. What can I take into Mexico as a tourist? • Articles for personal use, such as clothing, footwear, grooming and toiletry articles in reasonable amounts • Photographic, movie or video camera including it’s power source and 12 rolls of film • Sports equipment for one person, carried in by one person • Up to 20 books and or magazines • A laptop computer and peripherals • Suitcases to carry your goods • If legal age, 20 packs of cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200gms of tobacco, 3 liters of alcoholic beverage • Up to $300.00 worth of various objects • One set of binoculars • A T.V. with screen up to 12 inches • One portable radio apparatus for recording and or playing music • Up to 20 laser disks, compact disk or cassette tapes • A typewriter, laptop computer and power source • A musical instrument that is easily portable • One tent and camping equipment • A maximum of 5 toys • One set of fishing tackle, one pair of skis, 2 tennis racquets • A water glider with or without sail A video recorder/playback machine Note: The above information may not be current when you decide to travel into Mexico. Please check for the current conditions, allowances and restrictions just prior to your entrance into Mexico. The State of Sonora, Mexico, Second Largest State Population: 2,083,630 Capital: Hermosillo Only Sonora Program: It is unique in Mexico. It allows Americans and Canadians to visit Sonora without paying the customary fee of $27.00. It also allows visitors to travel in the state of Sonora without obtaining a car permit to travel south of the border towns. Prominent cities in Sonora: Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) Rocky Point is a newly discovered paradise for the tourist as well as home to an influx of Mexicans looking for a better way of life. During the early 1930, it became known as a refuge of fishermen and people seeking for adventures. The beauty of this place is unique, a solid rock formation of volcanic origin (La Cholla) has become the symbol of local people and of the thousands of tourist that come to this beach. Connected by sea and by land, it has a short-range international airport for private planes. It is located only 100 km from the USA border, and has the advantage of being “Free Zone”, meaning that you may enter Sonora without having to complete the time-consuming customs and migration procedures. Rocky point has a nice average weather of 35° C in the summer and 18°C during the winter, rendering it perfect to enjoy the sea, the sun, the beautiful beaches, bays and inlets. The gentle waves are ideal to windsurf, sail, scuba dive and navigate; in addition, the availability of restaurants and diners add to your recreation. The sport fishing enthusiast may practice the whole year round; croaker, baya¸ red snapper, smooth trunkfish, sawfish, cochito, and panamic grayfish are excellent trophies for a fishing journey. You may also go scuba diving in transparent, warm and calm water . In San Jorge island large families of sea lions, dolphins, and the strange and protected “vaquita”, endemic species, are waiting to join you in your undersea adventure. Interesting Events: • January: Chili Cook. International chef competition • March: Spring Break, St, Patrick’s Day • April: Holy Week Rocky Point triathlon, Sky Dive, Sand drags Races • May: Hobby Cat Regatta, Memorial day, Desert white splash Motorsport • June: Marine festival • July: Independence Day • October: Piñata Regatta, Sand Drags, Columbus Day, TKT 150 Off Road • November: Thanksgiving, Motorcycle Rally • December: Mike Winters Memorial, Posadas, Christmas , New Years Eve Bahía de Kino ® Sonora Turismo Sea of Cortes Pearl Located in the middle of the Sonora coast, 107 km. from Hermosillo, the capital of the state, Kino Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the state of Sonora. The beautiful white sand beach, and the turquoise sea are an excellent choice for a holiday, for this place and it really deserves the designation “ sea of Cortez pearl” The visitor finds here the ideal place to relax and enjoy an assortment of water sports and activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, skiing, sport fishing or walking in the beach. Kino has offers adequate accommodations, such as hotels, apartments and condominiums; in addition, some trailer parks and restaurants (seafood, international and regional food) are available. If you prefer seafood, oyster farms in the Santa Cruz inlet offer fresh sea products. The Seris (the long-standing tribe living in this land) offer the visitor part of their history through their handcrafts; collars, earrings, shell ornaments, and beautiful knitted baskets dyed with the colors of the region. You should also admire their figures representing fish, turtles, and birds carved in a hard wood called palo fierro. Magical tours lead by Seris guides will take you into the magic of the islands San Esteban, Turner, Patos, and Tiburon Island, the largest in Mexico, for which permits are required. Scuba Diving Discover the fascinating and varied of sub-aquatic marine life of the Sea of Cortez; in the vicinity of the islands and rocks near the coast you can see colorful fish, thousands of small invertebrates, large crustaceans, devil fish, sponges and occasionally turtles; your scuba diving experience may even be escorted by snooping sea lions. The diver will find a world hard to forget and a perfect place where he can enjoy his favorite sport. Fishing Kino has a modern and adequate infrastructure to practice this sport; an assortment of species is available during the whole year. Fishing calendar: • January - March: Rocky Cabrilla up to 6 Ibs. • February - April: Maiden Peje Dogs up to 15 Ibs. • February - June: Pinto Cabrilla pinta up to 15 Ibs. • March: Cabrilla up to 100 Ibs. • May - September: Dorado up to 30 Ibs. • May - September: Marlin 60 to 100 Ibs. • July - August: Barrilete up to 15 Ibs. • July - September: Yellow-fin tuna and marlin • September - March: Beach Corvina up to 8 Ibs. • October - April: White Cabrilla 20 to 36 Ibs. • October - April: Black Cabrilla 30 to 200 Ibs. • October - June: Yellos-fin jurel 12 to 20 lbs. • December - March: Giant squid up to 30 Ibs. Events • January: Gastronomic Show • February: Chili Cook Off • February: Carnival • June 1: Marines Day • June - December: Welcoming “The Snow Birds” • July 1: New Years Celebration in the Seri Community • October: Festival “ A Glance towards Kino” • November: Fishing Tournament • December 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe Guaymas ® Sonora Turismo Only 135 km. from the capital city the most important port of Sonora lies: Guaymas Guaymas History Guaymas Bay, a place where the mountains meet the sea, once was a territory dominated by the Seri, Yaqui and Guaimas tribes. Discovered in 1539, and in 1701 the missionaries Eusebio Kino and Jose Ma. Salvatierra started take care of the Jesuit missions of San Jose de Guaymas, which were constantly destroyed by the tribes. Constantly attacking but without being able to conquer the Bay, the Spaniards decided to use a powerful military operation, the Sonora Expedition, ordered by the Marquise de Crois, and finally, in 1769, they conquered and founded Guaymas. For a whole century the port was developed as a strategic point for the settlement of missions, military invasions and pirate attacks. Its commercial activities were promoted by the maritime traffic, acknowledging Guaymas as a trade port in 1837. In 1848, The U.S.A. Marine attacked the port during the Mexican- American war and several years later, in 1853, the troops of the American pirate William Walker arrived in Guaymas, planning the colonization of the Gulf of California. However, he did not achieve his goal and carried on to the south of the continent. General Jose Ma. Yañes in 1854 was in charge of the defense battle of Guaymas, vanquishing the French pirate Count Rousset de Boulbon. Subsequently, in 1865, the French Ships of Emperor Maximiliano arrived in the port and, under the command of General Gastagny, attacked the Republican Army, However, the French occupation lasted only one year and then they were forced to retire. During the 20th century huge projects of naval industry, commerce and port facilities were developed in the zone creating fishing fleets, docks, and financial warehouses and storehouses; the most important investments were made by the Naval Zone, PEMEX and the Navy. In 1972, the marine route to the city of Santa Rosalia,B.C. was established with the construction of a ferry dock. During the same year, The Fishing industrial park Sanchez Taboada project concluded, drawing together one of the most important fishing fleets of the Mexican Pacific. Sonora is known as a land of presidents, for three distinguished presidents were borne in Guaymas: Abelardo L. Rodriguez, General Plutarco Elias Calles and Adolfo de la Huerta. Its main attractions are sea-related. The most beautiful beaches are Miramar and San Carlos, where ecotourism, nautical tourism, fishing, scuba diving and golf are practiced. In addition, Guaymas encloses several colonial buildings, such as the city hall, the jail, the Sacred Heart Church, and the San Fernando Church. We can also listen to interesting legends, such as the one of “Lola Casanova”, a “yori” kidnapped by the Seri’s. Near by you may visit San Jose de Guaymas, the old mission, and “El Sahuaral” , a giant Cactus zone, or any of the Yaqui tribe villages. The Guaymas Carnival was originated in the 1900, and welcomes every year thousands of visitors. Twenty kilometers from Guaymas is San Carlos, one of the most important tourist destinies of the state with beautiful beaches. San Carlos ® Sonora Turismo Considered the most important tourist destination of Sonora, San Carlos offers the visitor all he needs to have fun and enjoy his stay: beautiful beaches, white sand, a calm blue sea, stunning desert landscapes, fishing, scuba diving, hunting, golf course and two Marines. This beach resort is 120 kms. from Hermosillo and 390 kms. from the USA border; it is part of the Guaymas Port, which is only a few kilometers away. The visitor of San Carlos really enjoys a vacation environment, for the services offered are the best, comparable to those offered in the most important recreational spot of Mexico; in addition, the services provided in Guaymas are supplementary. This tourist destination is connected with Federal highway 15 via a modern scenic corridor, offering the visitor 20 kilometers of a beautiful sea view while driving on a wide 4-lane avenue with palm trees and flower beds on the traffic island. All along, the spacious and paved traffic circles confer these boulevards a particular appearance. Attractions: On your first visit to San Carlos, you will admire the beauty of the landscape, starting with scenic corridor with the striking “TETAKAWI” on the background; this is a copper colored mountain, symbol of the city. The sea breeze, the waves, the hotels and condominiums, the calm environment make the visitor feel he is in the right place to enjoy a couple of days by the sea, the sand and the sun with all the activities and fun he can get. The landscape combines the copper mountains, the desert and the deep blue sea, and makes you want to explore the place, sail the water, go fishing, and explore its submarine life. San Carlos offers the tourist much more than a beach, it presents an unlimited assortment of activities that will stay forever in the memory of the visitor. Hotels and Services: Hotels suitable for any budget are available; in addition, condominiums with excellent rooms and trailer parks with all the necessary commodities, ideal for the tourist who likes to travel in his motor home, are available. Numerous restaurants specializing in seafood and international food are available. The typical “roast meat” (carne asada) with flour tortillas is offered in many restaurants, where the excellent Sonora meat is served. For golf lovers, a Country Club is available with tennis courts and an 18-holes golf course; there are also two marines: the Marina San Carlos and Marina Real. You will also come across numerous handcraft shops and boutiques selling beach articles such as swimming suits and souvenirs for the tourists. Activities Two of the favorite activities for tourists are scuba diving and fishing. In San Carlos you may catch fantastic species such as the marlin, swordfish, and mahi mahi, representing the major challenge for the sport fisherman, who has to combine all his skill, strength, and intelligence in order to defeat and capture this specimen in its own environment. Scuba diving is without a doubt a sport that requires an adequate physical condition and special gear. San Carlos is the ideal place for those who enjoy practicing this activity. Offering crystal clear blue waters, more than 800 sea species, and an artificial reef, this place is a paradise for divers, who enjoy exploring a whole new different world in the deep of the ocean, rarely seen by others. To perform this activities there are special places that rent boats and scuba diving gear, with professionals in each activity, to give lessons to tourists and take them to the most incredible places. Other aquatic sports such as water skiing, sailing, jet skiing are wonderful attractions. Ideal Weather for Vacations During the last year, this destiny received a great number of visitors who enjoyed a perfect weather during their vacations, with an average temperature of 68°F in winter and 95°F in the summer. Given its Mediterranean weather, this is the favorite spot for the American tourists known as the “snow birds”, who arrive during winter in motor homes caravans to enjoy a vacation period with a nicer weather than the climate at home. Álamos - City of Gates Known as “The city of the gates “Alamos is an ancient town, founded in the 17th century, where the richest silver mines of the region were located. A city that was once very wealthy and still shows the remains of a prosperous ancient era, such as some haciendas and the mines, which were very important at that time. Surrounded by a colonial environment, with ancient constructions and narrow alleys with cobblestones, Alamos offers the tourist a pleasant stay with beautiful places to visit and enjoy . Amazing constructions with central “patios”, beautiful gardens, ancient paved roads that make you feel as if you were living in the old times. Alamos has all the facilities you need, even some of this old buildings have been equipped and furnished to become first class hotels with all the commodities, but still the old taste that persist as the main attraction, as well as the excellent food you can find in its restaurants. The city itself is a monument that should be visited inch by inch, tasting each piece of history and its very particular style. Legends and books on ghosts that used to live in the Old houses are numerous. In order to keep the history and traditions alive, each year different events are performed, such as the “Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Festival”, known as the Tenor of America, turning Alamos into the cultural capital of Sonora. Other important events take place during the year, such as the festivities of the Balvanera Virgin, or the festivity honoring the Immaculate Concepcion. Fishing and Hunting For those who enjoy sport fishing, the Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez ( El Mocuzarit ), Tetajiosa, and El Veranito dams, near Alamos, are perfect places to practice such activity. Those who like hunting will also enjoy this region, for the availability of white tail deer. wild boar, wild turkey, dove, quail, duck and goose make the hunters return every year. Ecotourism The ecologic reserve of the Cuchujaqui brook is fundamental for migrant birds. Some of the most important species are macaw, parrot, woodpecker, owl, eagle, duck, heron, and goose. Bird watching fan can fulfill any enthusiast’s expectations. Obregón ® Sonora Turismo Obregón City is located in the south-center of the state and is connected to the rest of the country via the international high way No. 15 and an international airport. The visitor finds during the whole year an assortment of entertainments, services, cultural and tourist attractions, so you can blend business with pleasure. It offers every service required by the businessman or tourist; in addition, it has the necessary infrastructure to arrange business meetings, conferences and academic and other types of events. Driving or walking the visitor will enjoy a city with broad, straight avenues where everything is nearby: hotels and restaurants where you can eat the best meat and seafood, malls, first class medical assistance with state-of-the-art technology, university campus, sports, a very active night life with numerous nightclubs crowded during the weekends, and the hospitality of a 500 thousand people population characterized by having the highest educational levels in the country. Yaqui activities during the Holy week”, called “Waeima”, offer an opportunity to discover the most important traditions and customs of the Yaqui tribe. If you want to know more about them, visit the Yaqui Museum, where you will find a larger perspective of the tribe, their traditions, costumes, art and religious ceremonies. Finish your journey visiting The Acanthi thermal waters, the ITSON Museum or the Interactive Museum of Science, Technology and History. This is Ciudad Obregón, a very young city founded only 78 years ago, proud of its traditions and roots, some derived from our Yaqui ancestors and some of the immigrants that came Europe and the USA attracted by the promise of a fertile valley, where they mingled with the tribes and with people that came from other regions of Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century. This origin gave place to working and pacific community that has created a huge variety of options to please the visitors.

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