Situated in the state of Sonora, north of Los Mochis, south of Guaymas and 75 kilometers from the Sea of Cortés, the quaint town of Álamos reached its splendor during the height of the silver rush in the 1800s. Many of the mansions built during this time still exist, now as private homes, inns or luxury hotels situated in the town center. Registered today as an historic monument, Álamos is exceptionally well preserved and very pleasant for exploring on foot. Its many architectural treasures include the municipal palace, built in 1899 and above all, the Purísima Concepción church, a magnificent example of Baroque art.

Alamos’s history

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, Alamos was once the most important colonial city of northern Mexico. Silver was discovered by the Spaniards during the 1600´s and over the next 250 years Alamos became the center of government, commerce and culture in this part of the world. As the mines played out in the early 20th century, Alamos nearly became a ghost town.

Discovered again in the 1950´s by Americans and Canadians, Alamos began to come back to life as many of its formerly resplendent adobe mansions were restored. Today it is a town of about 9000 inhabitants, with an expatriate community of about 200 households. This colonial, magical setting nestled in the mountains has made the place irresistible to many.

Where is Alamos

Alamos is located in the southern part of Sonora in northwestern Mexico, midway between the beautiful beaches of San Carlos and the incredible Copper Canyon, north of Los Mochis, south of Guaymas and 75 kilometers from the Sea of Cortés. It is easily accessible from both Mexico and the rest of the world by automobile, bus, or air at one of Sonora´s major cities.

50 km East of Navojoa, Sonora on Highway 15.
A 2 1/2 hour drive from the Train station to Copper Canyon

To Ciudad Obregon – 120 km – 75 mi – 1:40 hrs
To Los Mochis – 120 km – 74.56 mi – 3:00 hrs
To Hermosillo – 386 km – 239.84 mi – 4:52 hrs
To Tuczon, Arizona – 760 km – 475 mi – 8:00 hrs

How to get to Alamos

Alamos can easily be reached by car from the border in 7 hours, by bus (air conditioned coaches from Tucson or Nogales – direct), by commercial flights at Ciudad Obregon (just over an hour from Alamos) or Los Mochis (2.5 hours from Alamos), or by private aircraft which can land in Alamos.

Automobile: Take Mexico´s International Highway 15 south from Nogales, Arizona or north from Mazatlan, Sinaloa to Navojoa. This is a well-maintained toll road with 4-lanes, regular gas stations, and vending machines and fairly clean restrooms at all toll booths. In Navojoa, at the well-marked highway sign to Alamos next to the VH market & Pizza Hut, turn east and drive 35 miles. This highway (2-lane) will lead right to the center of Alamos. Hacienda de Los Santos is two blocks beyond the Plaza and church.

Bus: You may opt for this traditional mode of transportation in Mexico (and by far most economical). The TBC line now has service direct to Tucson where it is located on 6th Avenue. To save a little time many people choose to use a shuttle service to Nogales, AZ, cross the border by foot, then catch a cab to the TBC station in Nogales, Sonora. This will cost a little more, but can potentially take 2 or 3 hours off what is already a long trip.

Commercial Airlines: The closest commercial airport to Alamos is located in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora. There are regular flights from Tucson and Phoenix, and many points in Mexico. Rental cars and taxis are available should you wish to rent/hire one.

From NY/East Coast & Chicago/Mid-west, travel through Mexico City to Ciudad Obregon.

From West Coast, travel through Hermosillo, Guadalaraja or Cabo to Ciudad Obregon. For direct flights from the west coast, fly to Los Mochis and hotel is 2 1/2 hrs. from airport.

Private Aircraft: Alamos has a recently paved and resurfaced 3,900-ft paved runway; its elevation is 1,356 feet. We suggest that you join the Baja Bush Pilot club if you plan to visit Mexico often. Multiple entry information is available on their website at: www.bajabush.com, this will save you money if you plan more than one trip per calendar year.

Charter Service:
Jaax Flying Service, Calexico, California (800)544-3449
Link: http://www.jaaxsflyingservice.com

How to get around in Alamos

Practically everything in Alamos is walking distance. Taxis are inexpensive if you require a short ride and you can also travel horseback from one place to the next.