Sights and Landmarks

Estero del Soldado

This is a small coastal lagoon located in-between San Carlos and Guaymas, surrounded by mangroves. This water body is approximately 350 acres of area and about 1 meter deep. Despite its small size, this tideland shelters 85 different species of fish, 80 of birds, and a little more than 150 species of marine invertebrates. For this reason, the state government authorities recognized the importance of this site and took measures to preserve it from contamination, so it is now considered a protected natural area.

Tetakawi Mountain

This impressive hill on the shores of the Sea of Cortez has become not only an attraction of San Carlos but also the iconic landmark of the area. It has a height of 200 meters above sea level. Its name comes from the language Cahíta (the dialect of the Yaqui tribe) which means “hill of stone” but colloquially and because of its phonetics it is also known as Cerro Tetas de Cabra (goat tits hill). Here, you can practice outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, abseiling, camping and photography while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view.

* For your safety, we advise you to hire a certified guide to carry out any activity therein.

Mirador (scenic overlook)

A beautiful structure that offers you a stunning panoramic view of the Sea of Cortez. It is an ideal place for nature lovers since you can observe amazing landscapes and beautiful sunsets by the majestic Tetakawi Mountain.

San Pedro Nolasco Island

A fascinating world where sea lions, seahawks and hundreds of seabirds coexist in the same environment. Also, in the spring, humpback and/or killer whales approach the coasts, so it will not be difficult to be amazed at the presence of these enormous mammals that you can almost touch.

Los Algodones Beach

The name of this beach, Algodones (cotton balls), comes from its astonishing dunes of white sand that resemble giant cotton balls.

This beach is of gentle waves and very transparent waters. Here, you can observe the characteristic flora of the Sonoran Desert comprising saguaros, thorn bushes, and very few palms.

San Francisco Beach

Located at the entrance of San Carlos, it is the broadest beach in the town, and it is open to the public. It is ideal for sunsets sighting, sunbathing, or taking a walk along the seashore.

This beach gives us the opportunity to make a long walk in the sand without interruption until reaching the Estero Del Soldado.

Nacapule Canyon

Located just 5 km north of scenic Blvd. Manlio Fabio Beltrones, this spectacular place will surprise you for its diversity of flora and fauna since, in the middle of the desert, this waterhole will make you feel in the jungle (even in the middle of the summer). You can enjoy the fresh air while exploring this protected area, worthy of preservation.

Additionally, zip-line and abseiling activities are offered therein for an adrenaline-charged adventure.

Piedras Pintas Beach

This beach is located at the foot of the Tetakawi Mountain and forms part of the scenery viewed from the Mirador scenic overlook in San Carlos. This view has been described by the National Geographic magazine as the best Ocean view.
On the left side, there is a sandy beach surrounded by caves, ideal for camping. Its quiet waters invite you to dive, snorkel or to take boat or kayak trip.

Artificial reefs

In the waters of San Carlos, in front of the Las Barajitas Canyon, diving lovers can enjoy the biodiversity found in the ruins of this sunken ferry (the Diaz Ordaz).

Dolphinarium

The Dolphinarium is located on the road to Las Tinajitas at kilometer 5, in San Carlos. You can take educational walks, swim with the dolphins and do many other things. The encounter with the dolphins is supervised by experts in the field who offer you detailed information about the biology and behavior of these animals. Dolphins also enjoy this experience and demonstrate it with their ability to socialize with the public.

Three Presidents Square

It is one of the main meeting points of the community of Guaymas. Here, multiple events take place, including the carnival, carnival coronation of queens, Independence Day (September 15), etc., as well as other official events. It is named after the statues of three former presidents of Mexico (General Plutarco Elias Calles, General Adolfo de la Huerta, and General Abelardo L. Rodríguez), born in this town.

Miramar

Located in the Bay of Bacochibampo, it is one of the quietest beaches in Guaymas and ideal for bathers. It has all the facilities for family fun such as restaurant by the sea, rental of sports equipment (rims, water bikes, kayaks, inflatables, etc.), boat trips, and public transport. This is one of the best beaches to photograph golden sunsets, with a view framed by surrounding landscapes.

13 de Julio Square

With its Moorish kiosk, it is one of the most representative places of the port, founded in the nineteenth century. It is also an important point in the Port’s history since it commemorates the battle of July 13, 1854. In this battle, the patriots of Guaymas defended with heroism this city, as well as the integrity of the state and the country, against the French invaders.
This kiosk was designed the builder of the Eiffel Tower of Paris France.

City Hall

Located next to the plaza of the Three Presidents Square in the heart of the city, built with fascinating stone structure, it is one of the main symbols of the port of Guaymas.

Touristic Pier

Located by the sea line, the Touristic Pier is easily recognized by his Fisherman Statue (Estatua del Pescador), one the most representative symbols of the port, with an engraved plate with the lyrics of the song of “La Barca de Guaymas” (the boat of Guaymas).

San Fernando Church

Dating from the 19th century and with neoclassical architecture, it is the main port’s Cathedral, built in 1850. It is located on Avenida Alfonso Iberri between 24th and 25th streets, Col. Centro.

Temple of the Sacred Heart

It is the oldest church in Guaymas and, like San Fernando, its architecture is neoclassical.

City Market

Easy to locate in the city center, you can find fruits and vegetables, clothes, shoes, local snacks and typical crafts of the region such as ironwood, baskets, and arrangements of shells and snails, among others.

Pearls of the Sea of Cortez

It started as a school project of the Technological Institute of Monterrey, and nowadays, it has become a lucrative business. Here, pearls are cultivated in the natural pearl farm, which belongs to this Institute, in Bacochibampo Bay. Do not miss a guided tour of this beautiful venue.