115 Thing to Do in Puerto Penasco

Mexican Independence Day, 15 Sept is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Puetro Pensasco has Mexican flags strung across all the streets near the City Hall along with the major streets. Attached to the light posts are wooden structures that hold fireworks. Streets are blocked off for the bands and the street dancing. Around. 11:00 p.m. the Mayor at City Hall gives a re-enactment of the famous speech of Father Hidalgo and the cries of “VIVA MEXICO” and “VIVA la Independencia” can be heard. After all the pomp and circumstances, fireworks are lit off and the party begins. Check out all the food vendors. Most businesses close and empolyees have the day off.

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s independence day, but marks an important day in the country’s history. May 5th is the day the Mexican Army defeated France at The Battle of Puebla. Catering to tourists, many of the local restaurants and bars will have Cinco de Mayo specials and offer Mariachi bands or other live music. Margaritas are always in abundance with traditional blended or neat drink and to specialty flavored drinks including Mango, Strawberry and Tamarind.

Be pleasantly surprised at El Tapeo Wine and Tapas Bar sampling Baja Wines by the glass or open a bottle to share with friends. When they are showcasing a special winery, reservation are needed: 638-380-5017. Tucked out of the way into a corner of the Laos Mar Hotel (righthand side of entry).

Top #1 Deserts spot. Pastries & breakfast at the Candy Cake.

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The Mermaid's Market is a "Brick and Mortar" Artisan's Street Market held the first and third Saturdays from mid-October thru April the Shrimp Plaza (Malecón Plaza) in the center of town.

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Challenging mini-golf course at Casa Blanca Resort. Check with them to see if the general public is welcome. And there is a miniature golf course that runs alongside the estuary at Laguna Shores Resort.

Some of the best places in Rocky Point for tide pooling: Cholla Bay; the southern end of Sandy Beach; Playa Bonita/Hermosa; Playa Mirador (possibly the best); the southern end of Las Conchas and numerous other locations. Learn about Puerto Penasco's tide pools from CEDO (Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans) and CET-MAR Aquarium.

The sights and sounds of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, an International Biosphere Reserve, reveal a thriving community of plants and animals just 5 miles north of the Lukeville border crossing into Mexico. Stop and visit with rangers, take a hike or watch the movie

Cervantino International Festival is the most important cultural and artistic festival in the Spanish speaking world. 13-16th October 2019. For the 2nd year Puerto Peñasco is an extension city for the XLIV International Cervantino Festival, Mexico’s prestigious Art and Culture Festival. The free event is held in the Malecon which will host with festival goers. More than 1000 international, national, regional, and local talents; 26 main events; 40 alternate performances. Facilities:Five stages, Theater tent, Mimes, Callejoneadas (strolley musicians), Art Island. And don't forget the food.

Thanksgiving is strictly an American holiday but, our neighbors to the south have taken to helping us celebrate with both traditional an Mexican cuisine. Today you can find more and more restaurants offering a traditional turkey dinner, like The Tekila Bar, and Latitude 31. My favorite is The Bakal Restaurant at the Mayan palace which offers an unbelievable Thanksgiving Buffet spread including the best of Mexican and American fine dining.

Come spend a romantic vacation before the big event. There are a number of wedding planners in Puerto Penasco that will arrange for your ceremonies to be held on our pristine beach at our Encanto Living/Luna Blanca Resort or one nearby. You might decide to have them cater your reception in our large event room overlooking the pool and Sea of cortez, with drinks served poolside from the bar.  There are lots of options in Rocky Point for your special day.

http://www.siido.com/

https://www.facebook.com/olympiawatsonevents/

https://www.pointweddingsrockypoint.com/

In Mexico, a girl who is having her 15th birthday is called a Fiesta de quinceañera or Fiesta de quince años. The celebration traditionally marks a girl's coming of age and afterwards she is considered a mature person who is ready to assume family and social responsibilities. The quinceañera is celebrated on a lavish scale and often is very costly for the family. A quinceañera celebration usually begins with a mass in church to give thanks for the girl making the transition to a young woman. The girl wears a full-length ball gown in the color of her choice and carries a matching bouquet. Following the mass, the guests attend a banquet where the extravient Fiesta with matching flowers, balloons and decorations takes place lasting several hours. The parents, godparents, and often other family members have roles to play in the celebration. This picture is taken at Encanto Living Resort. When staying at Encanto Living you may get the opportunity to see part of the pageantry during a photo session.

Round up everyone in the family from around the country and have them join you in Rocky Point Mexico for a fun filled week. Planning a family get together can be tough. You want to go somewhere fun, somewhere affordable, and somewhere that has activities for the kids and the adults alike. Rocky Point is one of the best places to go in Mexico that combines all the needs in a quaint beachside town on the ocean! The nightlife scene here is lively enough to entertain the partiers, those seeking relaxation can enjoy the pools and beach, and yet there are still plenty of activities to keep both adults and the children entertained. In addition, the food selection is really great.

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Everyone will love it. Planning a family vacation can be tough with diverse ages and interests and managing costs. Rocky Point is one of the perfect place to go in Mexico that combines all your family's needs in a quaint seaside town with lots of activity options right on the water ! Those seeking relaxation can enjoy the pools and beach, and yet there are still plenty of activities to keep both adults and the children entertained. There is something for everyone.

Puerto Penasco now has the long awaited deep water port. Astoria-Cruise-and-Maritime-Voyages starting Baja Cruises December 2019. Start or end your cruise with a 3 to 5 day stay in Rocky Point.

1 Oct 2019

19th Oct 2019

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Located on Son 2 1km north of the Son 3 intersection. Check locally to see if they are still in operation.

The emphasis is on challenging rally style navigation through a wide variety of desert terrain. Race categories include motorcycles, quads, cars, trucks, and UTVs. The non-racing Adventure Raid class allows street licensed cars or trucks that may not have a roll cage.

Southern Arizona Desert Racing (SADR) host a number of races throughout the year in the Sonoran Desert east of Rocky Point.

Ultralight flights typically last about 8-15 minutes and can be purchased for anywhere in between $40-$50. You can purchase these flights pretty much anywhere along the Sandy Beach in Rocky Point. Not to worry, you will fly with an experienced pilot. One purveyor is Sonoran Scuba located at the Sonoran Sea Resort can be reached at 602-445-6382 ext 2100 or from Mexico 638-382-8251 they also offer ultralight flight tours.

Great fun on some pretty long zip lines. There were 5 zip lines longest being about 1,980 ft. in length.

Probably the most interesting thing about Mexican jumping bean shrubs (Sebastiana pavoniana) are the remarkable "beans" that jerk and roll about with seemingly perpetual motion. The jumping bean is not a bean though, nor is it a seed. It is actually a small, thin-shelled section of a seed capsule containing the larva of a small gray moth called the jumping bean moth (Laspeyresia saltitans). Luckily, the jumping bean moth only likes jumping bean seeds and is of no economic importance as an agricultural pest. They will not be confiscated by the U.S. Border Patrol or the U.S. Agricultural Inspection Agency.

Haute Cuisine at The Bakal at the Mayan Palace (Vidanta), Puerto Penasco offers a scrumptious buffet for breakfast, an à la carte menu for dining and amazing Sunday Brunch with fantastic views. Seafood, fine cuts of beef, and international cuisine, including traditional Mexican specialties are on the menu. Sunday brunch is definitely well worth the trip. Monday – Sunday Breakfast: 7 AM – 12:30 PM; Sunday Brunch: 7 AM – 2 PM; Dinner: 6 PM – 10:30 PM. US 1-800-292-9446 (US); Local +52-322-176-1431; Direct +52-322-226-6000 Located 5 minutes from your condo in Encanto Living.

Encanto Living has a guest tennis courts. Just minutes away guests have access to the courts at the Mayan Palace where you can sign up for lessons.

The court at Encanto Living is "First Come-First Served", i.e. no reservations.

The Mayan Palace Golf and Tennis Club. For Mayan Palace Tennis courts availability and reservations, contact Mayan Concierge. Phone: +52 (638) 3830400

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At Guano Pass Cove, snorkelers enjoy the fun with Sea lion pups playing with visitors above and below on the surface as they swoop in and darting away as if teasing the humans.

There are a nnumber of tour charter boats including Del Mar Charters, Pacific Charters, and Pancho Villa.

La Academia De Aprender Inglés Acelerado is an English and Spanish academy located here in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. This school has been operating for almost four years, and has already grown from two teachers to four teachers (two classrooms, two shifts). LADAIA teaches English and Spanish to the local Mexican and English speaking population.

LADAIA English & Spanish Academy +52 638 383 7665 Blvd Freemont Plaza Melanie #201, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora 83555

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Church of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady of Caborca, is the symbol of the city of Caborca. It was built by Franciscan missionaries, working a known architects and Gaona brothers between 1797 and 1809. Caborca is

Claimed to be is the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the Americas. This rock art is embodied in many hills in the area of what was once the Copper Mine The Providencia. Characterized by having many figures of animals, mostly pronghorn and bighorn sheep (typical in the region). This rock art looks is scattered in other places close to Caborca: The Mójoqui, Whitelist, paddock Balderrama, Rancho La Cueva, Sierra del Alamo, Cerro El Nazareno, Antimony, Sierra Garbage, Sierra Chamois, Saint Felicitas and many other less known.

The petroglyphs are on ejido Rancho Puerto Blanco located 15 km north of Caborca on the road coming from Puerto Penasco. The hills are within this ejido (a designated of Mexican land tenancy, communal land farming area), whose owners are responsible for protecting and conserving the petroglyphs. Modest 100 peso fee.

The Tequila Factory in Rocky Point sells the entire family of Manny's Beach Club Tequila and Rocky Point Tequila, along with approximately 30 other selections. This storefront is an extension of a small family distillery down in Tequila, Jalisco. It has some excellent tequila and really interesting flavored tequilas (such as almond, tamarind, coffee, and caramel) At times they have 20-different Tequilas that you can taste. Strongly recommend dropping by for a tasting when you're in the area. You will get an in depth education on Tequila and Fernando is a true showman and entertaining us with the history of tequila.

Tequila is made from the blue agave “piña,” or pineapple. The agave juice that is fermented and distilled into tequila comes from heating and crushing the piña.

Located one block south of Santander Bank on Banito Juarez Garcia Blvd.

This might be a way to start your first trip if you want an introduction to Rocky Point and want to get your bearings or simply don't want to drive.

Cholla Bay at very low tide . Take a heavy steel garden rake, 14" wide with 4" tines and a bucket or sack. They are everywhere. When your rake strikes something hard, it is either a live clam or an old clam shell. You don't need to dig deep as they are usually 1" below the sand surface.

Store then in salt water (they die otherwise). Clean your clams by soak 20 minutes in fresh water just before cooking. As the clams take in the freshwater, they push out the unwanted salt water and sand.

Or just purchase them at your favorite fish market or Oyster Farm.

Just plain fishing, no frills. If you are interested in moving and checking different fishing holes, then Panga fishing is the way to go. These boats are made for the sea, and are much easier and faster to relocate to different reefs. 602-324-9529

The "INTREPID" is a 124 ft. yacht powered by twin 525 HP diesel engines. There are 8 bathrooms w/showers and 19 staterooms. Arrange an all day cruise or take the 2 hour sunset cruise.

Enjoy a walking exploration of Estero Morua, a hyper saline estuary, only found in the upper gulf. The Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts & Oceans ( CEDO ) offers tours. All tours begin and end at CEDO’s field station in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora. Reservations can be made by phone at (520) 320-5437.

Rocky Point Tours, and others,  offers kayaking through the estuary to discover the rich plant life, view animals and abundant bird species in their natural habitat and soak in the amazing views of this beautiful area.

Expect to see Willets, Gulls, Pelicans together. Look for Marbled Godwit, the second largest of the Sandpiper, in the grass. Also look for Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel, American Oystercatcher, Snowy Egret, and Great Egrets. If you are like me bring a good bird book.

While there, sample the fried oysters and clams at the El Barco Oyster Farm. They are cultivated by the only all women’s oyster farming cooperative in Mexico!

La Pinta Estuary is located north east of Encanto Living and North of the Mayan palace. Access is via the road to Encanto Living or the Mayan Palace. Birding opportunities as well as some access to the nearby La Pinta estuary, an eBird hotspot are available. Adventuresome kayakers can access the mouth of the estuary from the sea of cortez side past the Mayan Palace. Be wary of tidal currents as they can sweep you out to sea. The mouth of the estuary is a great fishing location.   You may be able to  drive to Playa La Ultima  staying to the left of the Mayan Golf cours along the edge of the Estuary.

Explore the sea floor while the tide is low is amazing. Beautiful, rustic, quiet and unique. Check the tide schedule, and get out there during low tide for shelling! Found sand dollars, shells, octopus (make sure your shells don't have occupants!). Walk out to the middle of the bay at low tide, you're miles from shore but still standing in 6 inch deep water (shuffle your feet!). Reported to be the 2nd largest estuary in the world. Watch the water as it ebbs and flows throughout the day-don't get caught at high tide too far from shore. Need dinner--Harvest clams, oysters, crabs to take home. Check out the variety of birds fishing nearby.

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As you depart Phoenix check out the city and its mountains. Be sure when you book to tell them exactly what you want to see from the air and discuss it with the pilot upon departure. I suggest the EL Pinacate" Biosphere Reserve as one of the most important landmarks to visit in Mexico. Also El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve (Dunes). Organ Pipe National Monument and Mount Ajo and the Little Ajo Mountains. Check out the coast from Cholla Bay along Sandy Beach, to Puerto Penasco and the ports, south along the Sea of Cortez along the east beaches (Playa Miramar, Playa Encanto, Morua Estuary to Bird Island. Who knows you may see a whale pod.

No fishing license is required to fish from the shore. Depending on the tides and seasons, Shortfin Corvina, Yellowtail and Black Skipjack frequent the waters near the shore depending on the temperature of the water and can often be caught without live bait. From shore or beach fishing is also very fruitful during the right months of the year. You can find an abundance of rock bass and trigger fish. You are sure to catch something!! The best places to fish from shore will be ports or estuaries and the following locations are also mentioned:
Cholla Bay-Pinto Point
Cholla Bay-Pelican Point
Cholla Bay-Tucson Beach 

December 1 begins the start of Christmas in Mexico. In the first 12 days pilgrimages are made all over the cities, with people walking and carrying the Virgin Mary or a nativity scene and always ending at the Guadalupe Church in Puerto Peñasco. It officially ends on the 12th which is Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe or Day of our Lady of Guadalupe Day. Each day a procession starts at a different location in town. Dec 1 is the start the Catholic Church in the Old Port (varies from year to year) followed by about 150 people. This starts with loud noisy fireworks that. The procession walk to all the other Catholic Church and as they go, more and more people walk in.

The original piñata was shaped like a star with seven points. The points represented the seven deadly sins (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride) and the bright colors of the piñata symbolize the temptation to fall into these sins. The blindfold represents faith and the stick is virtue or the will to overcome sin. The candies and other goodies inside the piñata are the riches of the kingdom of heaven, that the virtuous who are able to overcome sin will receive. The whole exercise is meant to teach that with faith and virtue one can overcome sin and receive all the rewards of heaven.

Posadas is an important Mexican Christmas tradition and features prominently in holiday festivities. These community celebrations take place on each of the nine nights leading up to Christmas, from December 15 to 23th. Posadas are held in neighborhoods across Mexico. The celebration begins with a procession in which the participants hold candles and sing Christmas carols. Sometimes there will be individuals who play the parts of Mary and Joseph. The procession will make its way to a particular home (a different one each night), where a special song, "La Cancion Para Pedir Posada" is sung. Dinner follows which can consist of Tamales both sweet and savory, rice, Atole, Ponche, chocolate-cinnamon Champurrado and alcoholic drinks like Tequila. The children break open a Piñata that is y filled with candy while the parents visit with the friends and family. If you ever invited to participate in a family Posada, take them up on the invitation.

In Mexico, Día de Los Reyes Magos (Epiphany) is celebrated on January 6 to honor the Three Wise Men. This holiday represents the day the Three Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus Christ. It is customary for friends and family to get together on January 6 to eat Rosca, usually accompanied by hot chocolate, coffee or atole (a warm cornmeal drink with vanilla and cinnamon). Jan 6th the Christmas festivities and is the day the people of Mexico exchange gifts. During Día de Los Reyes, Mexicans serve Rosca de Reyes. The Rosca [wreath] de Reyes [King] has an oval shape to symbolize a crown and has a small doll inside which represents baby Jesus. The doll figure symbolizes the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod’s troops. Traditionally roscas are adorned with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels that a crown would have. The person who gets the slice with the doll must host a party on Día de la Candelaria in February.

For the fourth year in a row, Rocky Point is celebrating Carnaval Viva Peñasco “Fiesta y Cultura” 2019. The celebrations took place from March 1st to March 3, 2019 in the Mirador area. The main roads will be filled with artistic and cultural expressions. A fun for all ages celebration.

40 days after the birth of Jesus, Candlemas is a religious holiday celebrating the presentation of Jesus to the temple. Held on February 2, the event sees many households throw parties, colorful processions, dancing, and live music.

Nationwide, February 14th In Mexico this day is to celebrate friendship and love. As in other countries, friends and lovers exchange cards and gifts.
Virtually every restaurant will have Valentine's Day specials. Or pick up a special Valentine cake or pastry at Candy Cakes

Annual cultural fair celebrated in Rocky Point in February.

2019 Oaxacan Cultural Expo, set up at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Plaza) for 3 weeks in April. The cultural expo features Mexican treats, artisanal sweets, as well as traditional Mexican clothing and toys, with a family atmosphere for people of all ages.

This is the oldest bar in Puerto Peñasco. Like stepping into an old movie set, transported back in time. Mexican tablecloths on the round tables, dim lights and pool table, it is inviting. Belly up to the bar and order tequila or a beer-nothing fancy here. Depending on the night, Spanish Karaoke or live music might be the entertainment on the tink stage. Barra Vieja is located off of Calle 13 towards Peñasco del Sol. Look for the tall sign to your left before the curve. The bar is at the bottom of the older hotel by the back of the sand parking lot.

More than 100,000 people come to Rocky Point during Semana Santa which generally coincides with the US Spring Break. Semana Santa is the time when most Mexicans go on vacation or visit their family homes. A vivacious party occurs in Puerto Penasco and goes all night.. Spring Break and Semana Santa are the busiest time of the year in Rocky Point due the vacation time for the majority of the students which so say rivals the feel of Cancun. If you plant to party 24-7, it is recommended you stay in Sandy Beach or downtown. If you want to avoid the congestion and noise, consider staying at one of the condos along the east beaches like Luna Blanca or Encanto Living where things are more sane..

ATVs are a great way to get out there on to the sand dunes of the Altar desert,  for the adrenaline junkie looking to mix it up with the sand and tough terrain or the 4×4 enthusiast seeking another perspective local beauty.   Age 16+

Walking the beaches and tide pools is easily self-paced and kid friendly. Starts times are flexible and the tour is about 3 hours. Meet at Inn at San Luis Bed & Breakfast in Puerto Penasco. You will grab collection bags & buckets and hit the sand and water's edge to explore. As you encounter shells and aquatic life, Renee will share what she knows about the specimens, their growth and life cycles, and how they move through their environment.