Canto De Los Pajaros Guidebook
Border Town - Sonoyta
After you make it through Sonoyta, this is a great time to contact your local host Kora Martinez to let him know you are about 45-60 minutes away
Sonoyta-The first town you will be in after passing through the border is Sonoyta. Sonoyta is a typical border town. It is poor, and there are many beggars. Do not feel compelled to give money to anyone. The only folks we ever give money to are on the far side of town, the far city limit. They collect for the Mexican Red Cross (El Cruz Roja) or the orphans- they are in official attire and recognizable.
Immediately after passing through the border, you will have your windows assertively washed by some nice men; they are harmless. We gave up saying “no,” because they practically block the road with their bodies! This is hands down THE BEST windshield washing you will ever know! Give each washer (two will wash the windshield) $.50-$1.00 (American money). It is cheap for how good of a job they do.
Driving in Mexico-
“A good rule of thumb is to drive slower than you think you need to and stop twice as long as stop signs when driving in Mexico. Just enjoy the slower pace Mexico is known for, and it will save you time and money in the long run.”
Sonoyta is a pedestrian village. The speed limit is 40 km, about 24 m.p.h. because so many are walking, biking, and jaywalking, please be careful. Go about 20 mph. Stop like you are in driver’s education at all of the stop signs, or you risk being pulled over and fined. Most of all, be careful not to exceed the speed limit, or you will be pulled over if you are pulled over, DO NOT-DO NOT pay the police officers (this is bribery). The proper protocol is to follow the police to the police station, where many speak English, and pay your fine. If the police try to tell you that you pay your fine to them, then ask to talk to the judge. Never pay the police officers directly- this is bribery.*
After the Sonoyta city limit, there is a stretch of highway that is a harassment-free zone. This doesn’t mean "drive (speed) like a crazy person." This means that you do not need a visa to drive to Puerto Peñasco for you or your car. This stretch of highway is less patrolled by police (this is both good and bad).
Sonoyta
Sonoyta-The first town you will be in after passing through the border is Sonoyta. Sonoyta is a typical border town. It is poor, and there are many beggars. Do not feel compelled to give money to anyone. The only folks we ever give money to are on the far side of town, the far city limit. They collect for the Mexican Red Cross (El Cruz Roja) or the orphans- they are in official attire and recognizable.
Immediately after passing through the border, you will have your windows assertively washed by some nice men; they are harmless. We gave up saying “no,” because they practically block the road with their bodies! This is hands down THE BEST windshield washing you will ever know! Give each washer (two will wash the windshield) $.50-$1.00 (American money). It is cheap for how good of a job they do.
Driving in Mexico-
“A good rule of thumb is to drive slower than you think you need to and stop twice as long as stop signs when driving in Mexico. Just enjoy the slower pace Mexico is known for, and it will save you time and money in the long run.”
Sonoyta is a pedestrian village. The speed limit is 40 km, about 24 m.p.h. because so many are walking, biking, and jaywalking, please be careful. Go about 20 mph. Stop like you are in driver’s education at all of the stop signs, or you risk being pulled over and fined. Most of all, be careful not to exceed the speed limit, or you will be pulled over if you are pulled over, DO NOT-DO NOT pay the police officers (this is bribery). The proper protocol is to follow the police to the police station, where many speak English, and pay your fine. If the police try to tell you that you pay your fine to them, then ask to talk to the judge. Never pay the police officers directly- this is bribery.*
After the Sonoyta city limit, there is a stretch of highway that is a harassment-free zone. This doesn’t mean "drive (speed) like a crazy person." This means that you do not need a visa to drive to Puerto Peñasco for you or your car. This stretch of highway is less patrolled by police (this is both good and bad).
Pet lovers: Consider stopping for a 50-pound bag of chicken-based dog food to donate to Barb’s Dog Rescue (https://www.barbsdogrescue.org). 50-pounds is the maximum amount you can bring into the country, and NO beef-based foods are allowed. The Why Not Travel Store in Ajo, AZ holds deliveries/donations for Barb’s Dog Rescue, so if you do not have time to stop for dog food, but are stopping to fill up on fuel, ask if they have any deliveries for Barb’s Dog Rescue. Barb’s is on the right side of the highway when you drive toward Puerto Peñasco. There are big yellow signs, and they are open from 10 am to 2 pm daily for visits and donations.
**Here is an interesting fact for you, there is no mail service in Mexico. There is no regular Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc. This is helping Barb’s Dog Rescue get food and supplies.**
Barb's Dog Rescue
Pet lovers: Consider stopping for a 50-pound bag of chicken-based dog food to donate to Barb’s Dog Rescue (https://www.barbsdogrescue.org). 50-pounds is the maximum amount you can bring into the country, and NO beef-based foods are allowed. The Why Not Travel Store in Ajo, AZ holds deliveries/donations for Barb’s Dog Rescue, so if you do not have time to stop for dog food, but are stopping to fill up on fuel, ask if they have any deliveries for Barb’s Dog Rescue. Barb’s is on the right side of the highway when you drive toward Puerto Peñasco. There are big yellow signs, and they are open from 10 am to 2 pm daily for visits and donations.
**Here is an interesting fact for you, there is no mail service in Mexico. There is no regular Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc. This is helping Barb’s Dog Rescue get food and supplies.**
Las Conchas, Puerto Penasco, Sonora
The neighborhood has 24/7 security. We are near shopping, restaurants, night life, and anything your vacation could want.
Puerto Peñasco
Music, Live Music
The swings at the bar! The sandy beaches, the great drinks, great food and everyone is in the best mood!
31 locals recommend
BooBar Cantina
CircunvalacionThe swings at the bar! The sandy beaches, the great drinks, great food and everyone is in the best mood!
Live music, cold drinks, and a shrimp cocktail that is the size of your head! This is a great place, with a fun vibe!
26 locals recommend
Banditos
Live music, cold drinks, and a shrimp cocktail that is the size of your head! This is a great place, with a fun vibe!
Bar with a pool! The best of the best, cold drinks, poolside, great music stage for hanging out with friends to catch a great show.
66 locals recommend
Manny's Beach Club
S/N Av. CoahuilaBar with a pool! The best of the best, cold drinks, poolside, great music stage for hanging out with friends to catch a great show.
Groceries
There is a pharmacy inside the Sam's club if you need medication. Next door is the Wal-Mart, the receipt will print with "Wal Mart" but the store name is Bodega Arrura, and has a green color scheme.
14 locals recommend
Sam's Club
301 Coit RdThere is a pharmacy inside the Sam's club if you need medication. Next door is the Wal-Mart, the receipt will print with "Wal Mart" but the store name is Bodega Arrura, and has a green color scheme.
This is Walmart and is located next to Sam’s Club. When the receipt prints out is says Walmart and you will see the typical “Great Value” brands that you might recognize from the states. There is anything from TVs to clothing, sunscreen, lotion, food, drinks, the usual Walmart type items.
33 locals recommend
Bodega Aurrera
S/N Blvd. Benito Juárez GarcíaThis is Walmart and is located next to Sam’s Club. When the receipt prints out is says Walmart and you will see the typical “Great Value” brands that you might recognize from the states. There is anything from TVs to clothing, sunscreen, lotion, food, drinks, the usual Walmart type items.
CS Foods
126-B Avenida Juan de la BarreraGluten Free Options, American foods, coffee creamer
Food scene
The best breakfast in Mexico made by Germans you will ever have! Homemade baked goods, delicious meals, amazing coffee and tea, the best breakfast (aside from my own cooking). A MUST visit. Get there early the line will wrap around the building!
94 locals recommend
Kaffeehaus
216 B Blvd. Benito Juárez GarcíaThe best breakfast in Mexico made by Germans you will ever have! Homemade baked goods, delicious meals, amazing coffee and tea, the best breakfast (aside from my own cooking). A MUST visit. Get there early the line will wrap around the building!
We eat pizza every Friday. To keep our traditions alive we eat at Al Capone's on Friday's and we love the pizza. They are adding a Brewery and we are excited for the expansion. The menu is great, the crabcakes are amazing!
45 locals recommend
Capone's Pizza
61A Av. SinaloaWe eat pizza every Friday. To keep our traditions alive we eat at Al Capone's on Friday's and we love the pizza. They are adding a Brewery and we are excited for the expansion. The menu is great, the crabcakes are amazing!
Wrecked at the Reef
Boulevard Paseo de la DunaRight on the beach, great eats, and great swag to buy.
Wonderful bar, great food, and margaritas. This bar is away from the main tourist areas, but within walking distance. The staff is great!
7 locals recommend
Leo’s Bar
49 Calle AlcántarWonderful bar, great food, and margaritas. This bar is away from the main tourist areas, but within walking distance. The staff is great!
Many Americans hang out at this bar if you need some help from home.
10 locals recommend
Bryan's Sports Bar
289 Blvd. Dr. Francisco Javier Carrillo RuizMany Americans hang out at this bar if you need some help from home.
Jessy's Fish Market is our favorite fishmonger. Jessy sells fresh fish, catch of the day, and Jessy will clean and fillet YOUR catch if you bring it to him. If you place your order, you can go to Leo's bar for a drink and an appetizer while you wait for him to get your order ready, and come back to pick it up.
Jessy's Fish Market
Boulevard Benito Juárez GarcíaJessy's Fish Market is our favorite fishmonger. Jessy sells fresh fish, catch of the day, and Jessy will clean and fillet YOUR catch if you bring it to him. If you place your order, you can go to Leo's bar for a drink and an appetizer while you wait for him to get your order ready, and come back to pick it up.
Fried Chicken....I know, I know...but sometimes you just want a bucket of chicken! This place has such good fried chicken, hot, fresh, made to order (be prepared to wait for it). The views on the water can't be beat!
21 locals recommend
Margarita Mermaids
Fried Chicken....I know, I know...but sometimes you just want a bucket of chicken! This place has such good fried chicken, hot, fresh, made to order (be prepared to wait for it). The views on the water can't be beat!
Los Patrones Restaunte
Sightseeing
The Malecon is the boardwalk on the water. It is a great place to go and hang out, and take photos. There are so many shops, restaurants, bars, and more at El Malecon. Just go, park (pay), and walk around!
7 locals recommend
Mariscos El Malecón
26 Circunvalación y o Malecón KinoThe Malecon is the boardwalk on the water. It is a great place to go and hang out, and take photos. There are so many shops, restaurants, bars, and more at El Malecon. Just go, park (pay), and walk around!
Gluten-Free / Special Diet
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free food and cleaning supply options.
GREEN POINT Juice Bar & Health Store
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free food and cleaning supply options.
Healthy Point - Natural & Organic Health Store
Gluten Free, Organic Options