Ruta de Rio Sonora

Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in Arizpe

Ruta de Rio Sonora is a tourist itinerary promoted by the Sonora state government in Northern Mexico. The route follows the Rio Sonora, a river that begins with the confluence of two smaller rivers in the north and which passes through a long valley on its southward path to Bahía de Kino, where it empties into the Sea of Cortez. It is a historic route followed by 16th century explorers and in the late 17th and early 18th century, by an Italian Jesuit missionary named Eusebio Kino who produced the first accurate maps of northwestern Mexico and who built a series of missions, including several along the Ruta de Rio Sonora. The itinerary visits colonial era towns where you can visit not only the missions, but haciendas and beautiful historic homes.

Understand

The north-central region of Sonora was originally inhabited by some of Mexico's lesser-known indigenous cultures, particularly the Opata people. While you may find artifacts and exhibits about the Opata in some of the region's historical museums, you are unlikely to encounter any actual Opata since few people today identify as such and their language is considered extinct.

Overview

The route covers a distance of about 250 km, following the route of the Sonora River along Sonora state highway 89. It is best traveled by car. Cars can be rented at the Hermosillo airport.

• 1 Cananea
• 2 Bacoachi
• 3 Arizpe
• 4 Banámichi
• 5 Huepac
• 6 San Felipe de Jesus
• 7 Aconchi
• 8 Ures

Get in

You can start your route from either the northern or southern terminus. The nearest city to the northern end is Agua Prieta, which is a convenient starting point for American visitors who can cross the border there and drive southwest on federal highway MEX-2 to Cananea.

Most visitors will find the city of Hermosillo to be the best starting point because they have an airport with scheduled commercial airline connections and they have car rentals available and a large regional bus station.

Towns

Old flour mill in Huépac

The route outlined on tourist maps provided by the state of Sonora includes 8 towns. Most are small (some little more than a village) whereas Ures is a small to mid-size city. You may also wish to take some time to visit the nearby town of Moctezuma (near Ures).

Cananea

This small city is a mining community and is home to the largest copper mine in Mexico. Historic sites in town include the Dr. Guillermo Haro Barraza Observatory, the Green House, the Museum of Workers' Struggle and the Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Bacoachi

Known for its Opata indigenous heritage, the town is known as a natural retreat to enjoy the natural mountain landscapes. It is home to a protected conservation area.

Hot waterfall in Aconchi

Arizpe

Founded in 1646 by Jesuit missionary Gerónimo de la Canal, the towns charming colonial centro is dominated by the main square (zocalo) where you'll also find a clock tower and the historic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Banamichi

The town of Banámichi, founded in 1639, has a historic colonial centro surrounding a central plaza with a large kiosk and historic churches and government buildings surrounding it. The town is known for its Piedra Historica, an enormous rock carved with petroglyphs being held aloft by four sculptures of Opata warriors.

Huepac

The Mision San Lorenzo de Huépac was founded in 1644 by Jesuit priest Gerónimo de la Canal. The town is also home to the oldest flour mill in the region.

San Felipe de Jesus

The town dates to 1657 and has some remarkable colonial architecture. Visit the Cerro de Santa Cruz and the Rancho Jojobal. There are palapas, a swimming pool, and a historic mill. A swinging bridge hangs by cables over the Rio Sonora and you can cross the somewhat rickety feeling bridge.

Aconchi

Chili-heads will love the strings of red chili peppers for which the town is famous. It's signature chili is the chiltepin. Thermal mineral springs are a big draw here with pools as hot as 59 degrees Celsius. The thermals have picnic areas and are open until late in the evening.

Ures

Capital of Sonora on three occasions, it is one of its oldest cities on the route. It stands out for its colonial architecture, especially its Plaza de Armas with four bronze sculptures from the 18th century, and the Mision de San Ángel.

Stay safe

Be aware that drug cartels operate in the state of Sonora and that police and military checkpoints are sometimes set up on the highway that is central to this itinerary.

Go next

• Magdalena de Kino
• Hermosillo
• Bahía de Kino