Hermosillo Travel Guide

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

Hermosillo (Air-mo-see-yoh) is the state capitol of Sonora, Mexico. Sonora itself is the most northern state of Mexico and is bordered by Arizona to the north and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa to the east and south. Its western border also encompasses nearly 700 miles of coastline along the Sea of Cortez!

Sonora is a mystical place where the Yaqui, Mayos, Papago and Seri Indians still retain much of their folklore and timeless traditions. The Route of the Missions gives voice to a land which at one time was so completely influenced by the Jesuit intrusions; and yet today their white-washed missions often stand eerily silent in the desert.

Sonora's modern capital, Hermosillo, was founded in 1700 where two rivers, the Sonora and the San Miguel converged. Hermosillo is just 65 miles away from the Sea of Cortez and two nearby beach towns, Kino Bay and San Carlos make for close weekend getaways for Hermosillo residents.

Hermosillo is centrally located within the state of Sonora on Highway 15, a four lane highway which runs from north to south across Sonora. Hermosillo is about 150 miles south of Nogales, Arizona along this main highway. Before reaching Hermosillo, a traveler from U.S. will most likely pass through the Nogales International border. Continuing past the small town of Imuris, you will soon come to Magdalena which is famous as being where the remains of Eusebio Kino lay in a mausoleum. Just north of town is also a mission which he founded in 1687. It is one of the best preserved missions from that time period. The next town of interest is Santa Ana, founded in 1883 when the railroad was built. Soon, you will pass through Benjamin Hill and then it is onto Hermosillo!

You may also fly into Hermosillo. The General Ignacio Pesqueira Garcia International Airport has incoming flights from Arizona, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, as well as most cities in Mexico. The airport code is HMO. Many travelers coming to other destinations in Mexico will make a stopover at this busy airport.

Hermosillo is one of Mexico's largest cities; however, it is a clean and modern city. Like any other big city, there are crowds, hurried people, much traffic and petty crime. There are also many American stores, including Office Depots, Blockbuster, Office Max, COSTCO, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Home Depot and others. There are fast food franchises that you will recognize: Burger King, Mc Donald's, Subway and many others. Hermosillo is an international city, with restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French, African, Argentinean, Spanish or Vegetarian specialties. The state of Sonora is known throughout Mexico for its quality beef. The vast open range land around Hermosillo is perfect for ranching and you will discover many fine steakhouses in Hermosillo.

Hermosillo is also home to the University of Sonora which opened in 1942. There are four other campuses based in other towns, but the main campus is here in Hermosillo.

Traveling into the heart of Hermosillo, you will come to the Plaza Zaragoza which has been a part of this city's tradition since 1865. Families still come to the plaza in the age old Mexican tradition to enjoy an ice cream, feed the birds or take a stroll. In the center is a Florentine-style gazebo of ornate ironwork. And, at either ends of the Plaza sits the Governor's Palace and the Cathedral de Asuncion.

The Governor's Palace was built in 1859, using Yaqui Indian labor and is constructed in what is referred to as a "neo-classic fascade with Moorish interiors." You may stroll through the building at your leisure or request a guided tour. Here you will see grand hand-painted murals on many of the walls depicting each chapter of Sonora's history.

On the opposite end of the Plaza is the twin-towered Asuncion Cathedral with its very eclectic architecture. It is said to have been built in the late 1800's. Prior to this, a small adobe chapel sat on this same site which had been in existence since 1778. The story is that is had decayed to a point that the local people pleaded to have it replaced. The Cathedral as it stands today, with its two towers, was not completed until 1912. This finished building with all of its columns, niches, tiers and arches looks like an elaborate wedding cake.

Downtown you will experience almost frenzied shopping as crowds of people rush from store to store and buses and taxis elbow each other at every light and stop sign. This frenzy reaches a peak at the Municipal or Popular market! This market is a farmer's market, a butcher shop, a souvenir stand and so much more. You haven't really visited any big city in Mexico until you have strolled through such a market! A favorite experience is to visit the downtown popular market and then contrast it with a visit to the local Walmart. Both are just as busy and crazed, but the touch, feel, smell and essence of the two are typical of Mexico with all of its contrasts.

Another stop in Hermosillo is the Regional History Museum of Sonora which is actually housed in what was the state prison for most of the 1900's. There are 18 exhibition halls which feature Sonora's history, geology, natural history and anthropology. This museum is at the base of the Campana Hill which is also called El Caracol (the Snail) since the road which leads to the peak winds around the hill like a snail shell. From the top of this hill, you can see housing developments and the neighborhoods of Hermosillo blanketing across the desert in all directions.

For its nightlife, shopping, people-watching, history, architecture and the culture of real Mexico, and for many more reasons, Hermosillo is a great city to visit.

If Hermosillo is on your travels, don't just pass through! Take time to stop and explore!

Where to Go in Hermosillo