IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT SONORA
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Sonora has a population of 2,711,884 people. It has an area of 69,306 square miles, making it the second-largest state in the country. Sonora’s capital is Hermosillo which is also its largest city. The state has relied heavily on industries like agriculture and livestock, but tourism is one of Sonora’s most important industries today.
GEOGRAPHY AND LANDSCAPE
The Sierra Madre Occidental greatly influences the geography of the state. When the Baja Peninsula separated from mainland Mexico roughly twelve million years ago, it left the mid-region of Sonora with center plains and flatlands. While the region lacks water, the lands are essentially fertile due to the rivers that brought volcanic sediment to settle from the Sierra Madre Occidental peaks.
The coastal region, all 507 miles of it, faces the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. The beaches are popular among residents of the country as well as travelers from abroad. The mountains dominate the landscape of eastern Sonora, however. Because of its high altitude, this part of the state tends to receive more rain. The state is also home to incredible drylands like those of the Sonoran and Altar Deserts. With its very diverse landscape, it isn’t surprising that the flora and fauna of Sonora is also diverse. Some of the state’s best-known plants include cactus, mesquite trees, and highland evergreens. Animals that make their home in Sonora include mule deer, coyote, jaguar, wolf, and various types of reptiles. While parts of Sonora remain hot in the extreme, the state enjoys a sunny climate nearly throughout the year.
THINGS TO DO IN SONORA
Perhaps best known for its holiday destination, Puerto Penasco, more famously known in the U.S. as Rocky Point, Sonora also has a landscape that is particularly attractive to sun-seekers and vacationers. The desert and mountain regions offer extreme eco-activities like four-wheeling, mountain climbing, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. The beaches on the tranquil Sea of Cortez are known for their water sport like scuba and snorkeling.  Sport Fishing is a major tourist draw as well. Aside from Puerto Penasco, the capital, Nogales, and Guaymas are also popular hubs for tourism.
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TEQUILA PAIRING DINNERS
The Sonora region may be known for its great wines, but it is tequila that is most closely associated with Mexico. The country takes its tequila seriously, with unique varieties you will not find north of the border.
Tequila is great on its own or with a dash of salt and a sliver of lime, but this official drink of Mexico is even better paired with food. You can explore tequila pairings at special dinners throughout the Sonora region, satisfying your taste buds and your soul.
CELEBRATE CARNAVAL IN SONORA
If you are visiting Sonora in February, you can enjoy the nonstop celebration that is Carnaval. New Orleans has nothing on Sonora when it comes to this annual celebration, so come early and plan to stay well into the night. By the time the sun goes down, the fun is just heating up.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS IN SONORA
The Sonora region of Mexico is a cosmopolitan mix of cultures, working and enjoy life side by side. The region celebrates this diversity with a number of international festivals, and each one has a unique flavor all its own.
Some of these international festivals focus on food, with cuisine from around the region and far beyond. Others are centered on arts and crafts, with local and national artisans to show off (and sell) their wares. Be sure to make some room in your car – you will want to pick up a few of these artistic creations for the folks back home.
MAJOR CITIES AND TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN SONORA
PUERTO PEÑASCO - ROCKY POINT
There is almost too much to do here, you’ll definitely need more than a weekend. Sandy Beach is a white-sand beach with gentle surf. In addition to Sandy Beach, you can check other beaches Playa Hermosa, Las Conchas Beach, and Playa Mirador. In addition to the beach-scene, you can go to the Old Port Fish Market, for fresh seafood. The Seawalk has some of the most beautiful sunsets and it’s lined with restaurants and shops. It’s the perfect place to end your day in Puerto Peñasco.
SAN CARLOS
The beachfront subdivision of Guaymas known as San Carlos is one of the state’s most desirable destinations for the slow Mexican life. There are only around 7,000 people living here so you can expect a mellow vibe and a slow pace. The lack of population means this is one of Sonora’s hidden gems, where the earth and geography is preserved. For now.
The beach is gorgeous, and it’s a preferred scuba diving spot if you’re into that sort of thing. Boating is popular and there are some great RV parks with sunshine and mountain views. Enjoy both sunsets and sunrises here in San Carlos.
GUAYMAS
Just south of the Sonora state capital of Hermosillo is a city called Guaymas. With a population of around 134,000 and access to both the Gulf of California and the Sonoran Desert, Guaymas has an old-Mexico feel with great food, lovely Mexican culture, and more of what you might be looking for in a Mexican adventure or relaxing destination. We recommend you attend the Carnival the city holds each February. This Carnival has been a staple of the city since 1888. There are also annual festivities held to commemorate the Battle of Guaymas.
HERMOSILLO
Hermosillo, the capital, is almost exactly in the center of Sonora.  It is also the commercial hub for more of the northern region of Mexico (with Tijuana a close contender for that title). Hermosillo is great for business, a more modern city due to the business activity but for vacationers check out Bahia de Kino (Kino Bay) which has the Seri Museum. You can scuba dive, go fishing and boating is very popular. La Pintada is another cool place to visit, it’s about 35 miles south of this city and has cave marking as an archaeological site.  Read more on Hermosillo here.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SONORA
El Pinacate: This intriguing volcanic region is a biosphere reserve located in the northern part of the state. Its sand dunes and dramatic landscape give it an otherworldly quality that makes it popular with eco-tourists.
La Pintada: This area is an archaeological treasure trove that is world-famous for its caves and religious centers. The caves are well known for their ancient cave paintings.
San Jorge Island: Located under twenty-five miles from Puerto Penasco, these rocky outcroppings in the Sea of Cortez are a popular destination for scuba kayakers and snorkelers.
Ruta de la Missiones: This route leads tourists away from the coast to witness various colonial missions that are part of the state’s cultural history. Essentially following the Sonora River, this tourist route includes many breathtaking churches and traditional villages.
Nogales: This well-known border town is one of the busiest points of entry for U.S. tourists entering Sonora Mexico. Many Arizonans flock to Nogales for their less expensive medical care. It is also popular for its markets where tourists can purchase Mexican handcrafts or enjoy traditional regional cuisine.
Canon Los Barajitas: This protected area is located north of San Carlos. It is well known for its stretch of beast as well as its nearby canyon. It is a favorite spot for whale watching as well as scuba and kayaking.
DRIVING TO SONORA FROM THE STATES
If you’re crossing the Mexican border from the United States, make sure to be prepared. Check this Border Crossing Checklist.
Plan a trip to Sonora
