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Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico, is a little-known, and little-visited town, located a couple of miles south of the Arizona border, near the border crossing at Lukeville, Arizona. Many Norteamericans, especially those who reside in Arizona, pass through Sonoyta on the way to the resort town of Puerto Peñasco, which is located about an hour's drive south of Sonoyta, on the beautiful Sea of Cortéz. However, for some strange reasons, few Americans choose to stop in Sonoyta, and even fewer choose to stay overnight to explore this fascinating town, and meet the wonderful people who call Sonoyta home.
Left: That white line in the center of the photo is Sonoyta, in the distance. Note the picturesque mountains in the background of the photo. Right: Sonoyta is a long ways from just about anywhere!
Sonoyta is not a border town, although it is very close to the international border, and a northern neighborhood, separated from the majority of the town by a range of hills, actually straddles the border. The central portion of the town, which is located at the busy intersection of Federal Highways 8 and 2, is truly Mexican, and if you were instantly transported to the central part of town, you'd never guess that you were only a couple miles south of the border, as you'll note the usual taco stands, taquerias and traffic circles, but you'll note the lack of a red light district, honkey tonks, strip joints, Zona Rojo, street girls, or hookers. Sonoya is a small, family-oriented Mexican town, and its refreshing to visit a town, located so close to the U.S. border, so far away, and so truly Mexican.
Left: The sign erected over Federal Highway 2 welcomes the visitor to Sonoyta. Right: Sonoyta, with Punto Sonoyta in the foreground.
A sign located on the south end of town advertises the population of Sonoyta is 17, 479 friendly residents, which seems pretty accurate, according to my observations. The town is basically divided into two parts, north and south, and the dividing line is Federal Highway 8, the main road to Puerto Peñasco, which bisects the town near the center. As I was staying in the Excelsior Motel, just north of Highway 8, I had ample opportunity to explore the northern section of town; unfortunately I had little opportunity to explore south of Highway 8.
Left: Looking east into Sonoyta along highway 2, at the extreme west side of town. Right: The busy intersextion of Federal Highways 2 and 8, with desert hills in the background.
Sonoyta sits in a small valley, surrounded by the arid, cactus-dotted hills of northern Sonora. I had the opportunity to approach Sonoyta from the west, as I dove from Mexicali, then drive south along Highway 8 to Puerto Peñasco, then approach the town from the east, along Federal Highway 2. Alas, when it was time for me to leave the town, I had the opportunity to cross into the U.S. using Mexico Federal Highway 8, also known as Boulevard de las Americas.
Left: Another view of the intersection of Highways 2 and 8, which is the focal point of town. Right: Looking along Highway 2, near sunset. Note the sign that points to the USA.
Most Norteamericano visitors tend to pass through Sonoyta without stopping, on their way to the seaside resort town of Puerto Peñasco, about an hour south. Sonoyta is truly a beautiful, friendly town, that offers a view of small-town Mexico, just a couple miles south of the international border, where you can meet and mingle with friendly people, and walk the safe, friendly streets. Oh yes, Sonoyta offers fine street food cuisine, especially tacos and Sonoran-style hot dogs; check out my dining experiences during my visit to Sonoyta.
Left: Excelsior Motel, located on Highway 2, a.k.a. Bvd. F.C.O. Eusebio Kino, just west of the Highway 8 intersection. Excelsior Motel features a fine, clean pool.
Don't just pass through Sonoyta, stop by and get to know the friendly folks who inhabit this lovely Mexican town.
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