Guaymas Travel Guide

Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico

Guaymas (why-maas) is a port city on the Sea of Cortez with an exciting past. It is the story of war and conquest, priest and pirates, soldiers and villains, heroes and presidents.

Guaymas is about 242 miles south of the Mexico /U.S. International border. It is located in the southernmost part of the Sonoran Desert and the city includes over 65 miles of beach. Two of the most well-known beaches of Guaymas are Miramar and Bacochibampo Bay.

Guaymas is basically a huge - and not so pretty - industrial city with a large commercial shrimp and fishing port. The harbor is filled with giant freighters and tankers ships. However, there is also a local fleet of colorful shrimp boats along with smaller private fishing boats. The harbor is located on what is considered to be one of the best natural harbors in the Pacific; however, for years it was little used because of the surrounding inhospitable environment. On all sides were rocks and cactus; not to mention that the black rocks magnify the incredible daytime heat, making Guaymas into a sort of furnace each summer!

However, the city has grown, prospered, suffered and continued. It is a working city and, although proud of its history and place in Mexico, it seems to allow much of its historical assets to fall into disrepair and ruin. However, the city has preserved some historical attractions. Although many are in poor condition, it is noteworthy to drive through Guaymas' downtown and see the architecture of the buildings in the historic center of the city which have what is called the "neo-classical" and "Moorish fascade" stylings, along with French Colonial architecture. Be sure to note the Banco de México, the Municipal Palace and the Carcel Municipal (the castle-like old city jail which is slowly being converted into a museum).

Guaymas has two main plazas. One is the 13 de Julio Plaza which has a monument commemorating the defense of Guaymas against a French incursion in 1854. At that time according to local city legend, a boatload of French pirates attacked the Guaymas military. However, the local garrison was forewarned and successfully defended their city and defeated these pirates. Each July 13th this is celebrated as a Cultural Festival in the Plaza de los Tres Presidentes, which is Guaymas' second main plaza. The celebration's crescendo is a fireworks naval battle. This plaza is also home to the three statutes of three men who were born in (or near) Guaymas and became Presidents of Mexico.

Facing this plaza is the Municipal Palace and nearby is the Statue of the Fisherman. This statue is probably one of the most photographed points in all of Guaymas! Here is a new waterfront boardwalk behind the Three President's Plaza. And, along the Malecon, or boardwalk, Mexico's tradition of strolling the boardwalk in the evening is alive and well!

This is the area where the cruise ships come into Guaymas and what a sight that is to behold, here in this age old port. In March of 2010, the first Holland America Line cruise ship, the Zaandam made her port stop in Guaymas. This cruise line now includes Guaymas in several of its itineraries. This has been a huge point of pride for the Port of Guaymas. Regardless, it is a very busy commercial port! Recent reports state that this port moved 1.8 million tons of freight during the first seven months of 2010, which is the most it has handled in 10 years.

The harbor also is the departure point for the Guaymas to Santa Rosalia Ferry. Santa Rosalia is on the Baja of Mexico. The ferry will transport both you and your vehicle across the Sea of Cortez. One-way fees as of 2010 are less than $300 dollars for a car and about $75 per person.

One of the biggest celebrations in Guaymas is the annual Carnaval when the city lights up with its colorful parades, fireworks and live music. Carnaval has been celebrated in Guaymas since 1888. The first Carnaval was a victory celebration after once again defeating French invaders. In this instance, the entire country of Mexico had been invaded by the French and Emperor Maximilian was actually enthroned as ruler of Mexico and the French finally invaded the city of Guaymas in 1864.

If you are visiting San Carlos and need to do some shopping, Guaymas has shopping in a more modern setting; including the large Ley grocery store along with many other Mexican franchise stores. Not to be missed, for its cultural value is a visit to the out-of-the-way Popular Market. Here you will find a farmer's market, a butcher shop, restaurant stalls (yes, right in the same building next to the raw, freshly-cut meat), clothing, shoes and souvenirs all in one location!

Guaymas has many restaurants to choose from, including taco stands, seafood and steak houses. And, when you are done with local fare, you can hit McDonald's.

The historical city of Guaymas is filled with reminders of its checkered past.
If you are traveling in Sonora and visiting San Carlos, you will definitely want to include a visit to Guaymas!

Where to Go in Guaymas