BY AIR
• A passport is required for reentry to the US.
• Fill out the tourist permit application on the airplane before arrival at Hermosillo airport.
• Rental cars are available at the airport, or…
• Catch the hourly ‘Costa’ bus on the main highway right in front of the airport. (Only some buses stop here. Don't believe the taxi drivers who tell you no buses will stop.) Cost +/- $5US; change buses at Miguel Aleman (also called Calle Doce), about mid-point of trip.
BY BUS
• Large express buses depart from Tucson Bus Terminal. About 5 hours to Hermosillo; movies onboard. Cost +/- $35 one-way to Hermosillo.
• "Super Shuttle" 13-passenger Mercedes Benz small bus between Tucson and Hermosillo. Around $40. The number in Tucson is (520) 807-4210. Carry your passport to reenter the US. Fill out the tourist permit application on the bus, before arrival at the km 21 checkpoint, south of Nogales.
• Take taxi to Costa bus station for hourly bus service to Kino. Cost +/- $5US; change buses at Miguel Aleman (also called Calle Doce), about mid-point of trip.
BY CAR
Meet the people, see the landscape, feel the mystery that is Mexico. We travel these roads on a regular basis without incident. It can be adventuresome to drive in Mexico because some things are done differently here. Just relax and make the most of it.
• Gasoline. Costs about the same as in US; available in Magna (regular) and Premium; no middle grade available. Diesel commonly available. Pemex stations are clean and well-maintained, with clean restrooms. Sometimes credit cards are accepted; usually they require cash.
• Tucson to Nogales, AZ on I-19. Few billboards, lots of natural landscaping, many scenic attractions (San Javier del Bac Mission, Tubac Presidio, Tumacacori Nat’l Hist. Park). All I-19 mileage markers are in kilometers.
(You can double click on any image to see a larger version.)
• Near the border. Large sign advises tourists that firearms and ammunition are prohibited in Mexico without special permits.
• Truck Bypass exit. Take first Nogales exit on right, around kilometer (km) 4 or 5 north of Nogales. Clearly marked, but it's right around a bend behind a hill. Easiest way to enter Mexico, with least traffic. (Or continue to where the freeway ends in downtown Nogales and go through the old crossing.)
• On the Bypass exit ramp. Turn right; go straight to border. There are franchise restaurants and a Holiday Inn Express. Best to cross by 10:00 a.m. so you’re refreshed and have time to deal with paperwork and get to Hermosillo and/or Kino well before dark. If you need gas or diesel: large Shell station at the border on left just before you cross over from US side; large Pemex station on left about 10 to 15 miles south, just before the km 21 Tourist Checkpoint.
AT THE BORDER
• Drive through the US side; don't stop at the commercial checkpoint on right for truckers bringing goods into the country. Follow the road bypassing Nogales, Mexico.
• First "Caseta de Cobro" (Toll Booth) on this road costs around 60 pesos. This one accepts U.S. money; you'll receive change in pesos), but you'll need pesos at the other Casetas and at businesses in Mexico.
• ATMs - You'll get pesos at the official rate at any ATM (usually up to 3,000 pesos per day) by using your credit or debit card; there are ATMs in Kino, but you may get a lower transaction fee in larger cities like Hermosillo. IMPORTANT: Amounts on the ATMs are shown in pesos, not dollars! Often, people punch in 300, expecting to get 300 dollars worth of pesos, and instead, they get only 300 pesos. The exchange rate is usually between 11 and 13 pesos to a dollar, so do your calculations before you punch in the number. And don’t forget your PIN – called a NIP (“neep”) down here. There's an ATM at the small branch bank at the first Checkpoint, where truckers pay duty.
• The first Mexican checkpoint is NOT where you do your paperwork. As you pass through, chose the "Nothing to Declare" or "Nada que declarer" line. You will get a red or a green light (it's a random system). If it flashes red, they might ask you to stop so they can check your vehicle for anything illegal; or they can just wave you through. If they stop you, it's usually not a big deal. They look a few things over and send you on your way. Tip: At any checkpoint (US, Mexican, etc.) be relaxed and friendly; don’t offer too much; answer questions in a simple, direct way. Be pleasant and patient, you have nothing to hide. A little friendliness and respect goes a long way, and can save you a lot of grief.
THE TOURIST CHECKPOINT
The Nogales bypass road merges into Mexican highway 15. After about 11 more kilometers you’ll come to the Tourist Check-in Station.
• STOP HERE TO GET YOUR TOURIST PERMITS. Process is not difficult but may seem confusing the first time; personnel are usually very patient and helpful.
• Hassle Free Zone. A large portion of Sonora is a ‘Hassle Free Zone,’ meaning you no longer need a temporary vehicle permit (with exceptions for tow vehicles and trailers). This zone, referred to as "Sonora Only" (Solo Sonora) extends past Guaymas and includes San Carlos, Hermosillo, Kino Bay, Magdalena, Santa Ana and points west.
• If you plan to travel south of Guaymas (even though this area is still inside Sonora) or deeper into Mexico, you’ll need to get an All-Mexico car permit (available at this tourist check-in station and at the checkpoint south of Guaymas).
• If you’re traveling only in the Sonora Only free zone, you need:
1) Tourist Permits (Passport required). You must get a Tourist Permit! Tourists Permits are valid for 180 days, and there is a fee. However, IF YOU WILL BE IN MEXICO FOR FEWER THAN SEVEN DAYS, you will NOT need to pay the fee.
2) Mexican car insurance for the time you will be in Mexico. For your own protection. Best way to be sure you are covered and get the help you need from Mexican authorities should you have an accident. Insurance is available at KM 21.
At this Tourist check-in area there is sometimes a very nice young person who speaks good English waiting to explain how to do everything. They don’t expect a tip, although you may wish to tip someone in the parking lot a dollar (or 10 pesos) to watch your car. There’s usually also someone who wants to wash your windows for 10 pesos.
THE ROAD TO HERMOSILLO
• Beware of SERIOUS, axle-busting speed bumps in almost every "area de poblacion." Warning paint is sometimes worn off! You are usually warned by a yellow sign with black bumps and the word "TOPES," (pronounced “toe – pays”) and indicating how many meters ahead. Often there are people selling interesting items at the topes, or collecting for a school or the ‘Cruz Roja’ (Red Cross).
• Speed limits are in kilometers. Multiply by .62 to convert to miles. “VELOCIDAD MAXIMA 100 Kilómetros” means 62 mph; 90kph is about 55mph. (Easy method: divide km. by 5 and multiply by 3 to get miles. Example: 100 km/5 = 20 x 3 = 60 miles.) Honor the speed limits, even if others don't. It's easier to avoid the hassles.
• Green Angels. The State of Sonora has a program to help tourists who break down along the highway. The ‘Green Angels’ cruise this road, and the one to Kino, in green trucks loaded with many car parts (fan belts, spark plugs, etc.). They do their best to get you going again for free.
• Mexican highway 15 to Hermosillo. Divided four lane toll road. At Imuris, a narrow sinuous road leads eastward through the mountains toward the mining town of Cananea and to the border at Agua Prieta, or Naco. The highway bypasses Magdalena de Kino; there is a Casetas de Cobros (Toll Booth) at Magdalena. The next town is Santa Ana, a good place to stop for a break or lunch. At the big intersection, bear left (a right turn takes you to Mexicali). At the top of the hill, on your right, the Restaurant Elba has good, inexpensive food; parking area with an attendant.
Give him 10 pesos for watching the car. You can also get a car wash and oil change while you eat. The Elba Hotel, next door, is clean, comfortable, and inexpensive, with parking inside a well-lit fenced area.
• Next stop, Hermosillo – about 90 miles away. Only a few small towns and Pemex stations (with clean restrooms) along the way. Highway is currently being upgraded. Be careful! Traffic volume is generally moderate, but there are currently no shoulders along this road. Slow down if things look tricky.
• The toll road ends just a few miles before Hermosillo at the last Caseta de Cobro.
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SPECIAL TRAVEL DIRECTIONS AS OF AUGUST 23, 2011
Traveling south from Nogales to Hermosillo on the 4-lane toll road (el cuatro carriles), Mexican Highway 15:
(Note: Currently, there are several large road construction projects underway in Hermosillo. These instructions will take you on a well-paved bypass to avoid these areas.)
(Double click on the map to get a large, readable version on your screen.)
As you near Hermosillo, you come to the last toll booth (caseta de cobro) at approximately kilometer marker 16 - Km16. Pay the toll and go on through. Check your odometer here.
At Km15, you will pass the turnoff to MINAS PILARES on your right. Do not turn here.
Continue on past Km12 (+/- three miles from the toll booth) to the next right turn, which is clearly marked BLVD MORELOS.
TURN RIGHT onto this new 8-lane divided highway heading west through a scenic area and go about 3 miles. Once through the hills, it curves south toward the city of Hermosillo.
The first stop sign (not light) is at a round-about planted with cactus. TURN RIGHT (west) onto EL ESCALANTE and drive approx. five miles west until this street ends at a 'T' intersection. (There are several large supermarkets along this route; the Soriana stores are good places to stock up on food, drinks, and other items you might want while you are in Kino.)
You will pass Ave. Solidaridad, with signs pointing left to Bahia Kino and the Aeropuerto. To avoid construction problems, DO NOT TURN LEFT ON AVE. SOLIDARIDAD.
Proceed straight ahead past nine stop lights on EL ESCALANTE, to where it ends at QUIROGA. In front of you on Quiroga is a large junk yard/recycling area and an Hermo Gas business. Turn LEFT (south) on QUIROGA for almost three miles, past four stop lights.
Before the fifth stop light, orange signs direct you to turn right (west) onto JOSE MENDOZA, toward the Airport and Bahia de Kino (Kino Bay). There's a large BODEGA AURORA on your right hand side. Go one block to a stop sign and turn left (south) on SAN AUGUSTIN DEL CAMPO. This will take you to GARCIA MORALES, where you will turn right (west) .
This street becomes Sonoran Highway 100. It goes past the airport (which you'll pass on your right) and directly to Bahia de Kino.
A WORD ABOUT SPEED:
The route to Kino is heavily policed (especially on weekends), and you should stick to the speed limits. Be particularly careful after you turn onto Garcia Morales until you're past the airport. There are several school zones, and speed limits change back and forth from 60 to 45 to 40 (that's kilometers, not miles, per hour!). The police are notorious for stopping tourists here. So be careful that you are not vulnerable.
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Under normal circumstances, you can use this route through Hermosillo:
WELCOME TO HERMOSILLO
• The highway becomes a wide tree-lined boulevard called BLVD. EUSEBIO KINO. It goes through the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) and makes a long arc to the left toward the center of town. There are Bancomer, Banamex, and Banco Santander branches where you can pay your tourist fee (during the week) or get pesos at an ATM.
• When BLVD. EUSEBIO KINO curves left (and changes names), move to the right-hand lane. Watch for an overhead sign reading BAHIA DE KINO at the first street past the Carl’s Jr. (Yes, in Hermosillo!). Stay on NAYARIT until it ends, after about a mile. Move to the middle lane before it joins with BLVD. LUIS ENCINAS at an angle, then flow (like water) with the traffic. In Mexico, don't expect others to stop and let you in. It could happen, but it usually doesn't. Driving here is a competitive sport; you yield, you lose points. Drive straight west on BLVD. LUIS ENCINAS to Kino Bay.
• At the intersection with BLVD. SOLIDARIDAD there are shopping centers on the left and right, if you need supplies before getting to Kino.
• On BLVD. LUIS ENCINAS, follow signs toward the AEROPUERTO and onward to BAHIA DE KINO!
THE ROAD TO KINO
It's best to leave Hermosillo no later than about 3:00 pm (4:00 pm in the summer) as the road travels due west; late in the afternoon the sun will be in your eyes. This road has recently been widened and repaved, so there are good markings most of the way. However, the middle line is sometimes very faint or non-existent and there’s often no white line along the edge (two common conditions in Mexico). When in doubt, it doesn't hurt to slow down, or even pull off someplace and wait till the sun goes below the horizon. Be careful and make sure your windshield is clean, inside and out.
If it's late, you might stay at a hotel in Hermosillo and make a fresh start in the morning (good choices: the Hotel Bugambilia in the Zona Hotelera, the Hotel San Angel near Blvd. Solidaridad, and the Royal Palace, just past the Hotel San Angel.).
The Kino road is straight across the desert flats, past a small volcanic mountain range, with a few curves along the way. There's a Pedro Domecq brandy distillery just outside Hermosillo. You’ll pass broad fields of vegetables, large vineyards, pecan orchards and orange groves. The road goes directly to Kino Bay, with side roads leading off to the north and south (including a back road to Guaymas at kilómetro 52).
MIGUEL ALEMAN (CALLE DOCE)
The road to Kino passes through only one other town – Miguel Aleman, also called Calle Doce – a dusty, hard-working desert town with trucks and colorful little shops on both sides of the main street, people walking across the road, kids walking to school in uniforms and backpacks, cowboys, farmers – a real street scene. If you have time, take a short break and enjoy life in rural Mexico.
There's an ATM in Miguel Aleman on your left at a Bancomer, about halfway through the town, and inside the Super Del Norte market. (We also have ATMs in Kino.) Across the street from the bank is a Santa Fe market with fruit, vegetables, groceries of all kinds, and a nice selection of wine and liquor.
The drive from Hermosillo to Kino takes about 1 1/2 hours. The most comfortable speed is about 60 to 65 mph. The 2-lane road has very wide shoulders. Watch for people on foot or on bicycles on their way home from work, and don't be in a hurry.
BAHIA DE KINO
There is one stop light in Kino Viejo (the old fishing village). To the left is a Pemex station, with one of the ATMs. After the stop light, continue straight ahead and the road curves to the right up a small hill. The view from the top of the hill shows Kino Nuevo stretched out along a beautiful 7-mile beach with Isla Tiburon as a large mountain range backdrop in the distance.
MILEAGE FROM the STOP LIGHT in KINO VIEJO:
• At 1 mile – La Playa RV Hotel on the left and La Posada Hotel on the right.
• At 2 miles – Palapas (thatched shade shelters) line the beach, La Palapa restaurant and La Cobacha restaurant, all on the left. On weekends there will usually be lots of people and vendors at this spot. Drive slowly and watch for kids.
• At 2.6 miles – Tienda ‘Super Juliana’ on the right.
• At 3.4 miles – Tacos Bar on the right, Posada Santa Gemma on the left.
• At 4.1 miles – El Pargo Rojo restaurant, bright red, large sign.
• At 4.5 miles – Casa Tortuga on the left, just past the Punta Chueca road. There’s a stone address marker (2645) on the garage, and "Casa Tortuga" on the wall to the left of our entry. We have two off-street parking spots in front.
• If you go past us, you’ll see the Super Bahia Kino grocery store at 4.7 miles on the right, and you’ll know you’ve gone too far!
WELCOME to BAHIA de KINO AND CASA TORTUGA!
