The city of Álamos awaits you with its cozy colonial atmosphere and its mining past. This complete guide will help you fully understand this Magic Town Sonoran.
1. What is Alamos?
Álamos is a small Sonoran city in the south of the state, which was founded in the seventeenth century, after finding some silver mines in its vicinity. While the rich metal was being exploited, a beautiful colonial town was built, receiving the name of Ciudad de los Portales in allusion to these architectural elements. Álamos was integrated into the Mexican Magic Towns system in 2005 and since then has received a growing stream of visitors.
2. How do I get to Alamos?
Álamos is more than 1,600 km from Mexico City, so the most comfortable way to go from the Mexican capital is by taking a flight to Ciudad Obregón, the second largest city in Sonora, which is 120 km from the town. Magical. Buses also depart from Mexico City that make the long direct trip to Ciudad Obregón. The stretch between Ciudad Obregón and Álamos takes about an hour and a half.
3. When did the town arise?
The official date of foundation of Álamos was December 8, 1682, during the viceregal period, after rich silver deposits were discovered in the surroundings. The founder was the Spaniard Domingo Terán de los Ríos, who ruled the territories of the current states of Sonora and Sinaloa. The mining wealth made Álamos the most important and richest city in northwestern Mexico, a boom that lasted until the 19th century, when the mines were exhausted.
4. Was there a famous battle there?
Sometimes the Battle of Alamos is confused with the Battle of the Alamo. The latter was the one that pitted Antonio López de Santa Anna against the Texas secessionists in 1836 during the Texas Revolution, for control of the Texan garrison at El Álamo. The Battle of Alamos took place on September 24, 1865 during the Second French Intervention in Mexico. Republican General Antonio Rosales defeated forces loyal to France under José María Almada, although he lost his life in battle.
5. What did Alamos live on after the money ran out?
After the precious metal ran out in the 19th century, Álamos began to languish, experiencing a period of poverty that lasted until the mid-20th century. The town's fortunes changed in 1948, when American farmer William Levant Alcorn came to visit and fell in love with the place. Levant Alcorn bought the Almada mansion, facing the Plaza de Armas and restored it, turning it into the Hotel Los Portales. It also acquired and accommodated other large houses, so that Álamos returned to prosperity, as a tourist attraction and refuge for retirees from the north.
6. How is the weather in Alamos?
The climate of Álamos is semi dry and semi warm, and its annual average temperature is 24 ° C, although this reference is not very useful, since it results from pronounced seasonal variations in which the town oscillates between cool and strong heat. . Between December and February the average temperature is 17 ° C, with a minimum of 2 ° C and as the year progresses, the thermometer rises. In the warmer season, there is an average color close to 30 ° C, with peaks above 40 ° C. It rains a little, mainly between July and September.
7. What is the current town like?
Álamos preserves its colonial architecture that makes it the main historical town in Sonora. Its cobbled streets, religious buildings, traditional houses with white facades and green spaces, make the Pueblo Mágico a welcoming place for you to spend some lovely days, immersed in the colonial past of Mexico. Every hour a train leaves from the Plaza de Armas that allows a comfortable tour of the town. Even the municipal pantheon, dating from the late 18th century, is an architectural attraction with its beautifully crafted mausoleums.
8. What are the most outstanding tourist attractions of the town?
Among the religious buildings, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Chapel of Zapopan stand out. The beautiful Plaza de Armas, the Municipal Palace, the Casa de la Moneda, the narrow streets with their old houses with hallways, latticed balconies, large patios and beautiful gardens, are some of the attractions of the Alamense architectural landscape. Others are the Costumbrista Museum, María Félix's house, the Callejón del Beso, the Paseo del Chalatón, the old jail and the avenue.
9. What is the main church like?
The current parish temple of Álamos, which combines Baroque and Neoclassical styles, was erected between 1802 and 1821, when the Italian clock that still works was installed. Its exterior is made of stone and quarry and has a bell tower of 3 bodies, 32 meters high. He managed to survive two episodes in Mexico's turbulent history. During the French intervention he was looted by Republican troops and in 1932 suffered the consequences of the religious persecution that followed the Cristero War in Sonora.
10. How is the Plaza de Armas?
The Plaza de Armas is a large space surrounded by majestic arches, dotted with green, with trees, palm trees and gardens, in front of the Purísima Concepción temple. On its wrought iron benches painted white and other colors, Alamenses sit to talk or watch the time go by and its centennial kiosk is one of the most beautiful examples of these structures so frequent in public spaces in Mexican towns.
11. Is there a museum?
The Sonora Costumbrista Museum occupies a beautiful house on Calle Guadalupe Victoria N ° 1 in the center of Álamos. The house where the museum operates dates from 1868 and was originally the residence of the Gómez Lamadrid family and later a commercial store and craft school. Since 1984 it houses the museum, which traces the history of Álamos and Sonora through almost 5,000 pieces, including objects, documents and photographs. Álamos' mining past has a prominent place in the exhibition. It opens from Wednesday to Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and charges a rate of 10 mxn (5 for children).
12. Is the actress María Félix linked to Álamos?
The famous actress María Félix is the most famous from Alamese since she was born in the town on April 8, 1914 as part of a family of 13 siblings. La Doña spent her childhood in the Magic Town and there she learned to ride, an experience that would be of use to her in her successful film career. The house that was the home of the Félix Guereña family on Calle Galeana, was converted into a museum and a small hotel in 2002, the year of the actress's death. It contains more than 200 pieces found in the house, including paintings, photos, newspapers from Maria's childhood, weapons, perfume bottles and other objects.
13. What is the attraction of the Municipal Palace?
The Alamos Municipal Palace is a building from 1899 that on its exterior facades recalls the architectural style of the old Spanish fortresses of medieval times. It is a two-story building with a crenellated tower in the center and large windows, built soberly in stone and brick. Its beautiful inner central courtyard is surrounded by arcades. In January, it is the scene of the Alfonso Ortiz Tirado festival, another illustrious Alamense.
14. What is the festival about?
The tenor and Mexican orthopedic doctor Alfonso Ortiz Tirado is another famous native of Álamos, a town where he came to the world on January 24, 1893. Apart from a lyrical singer recognized in Mexico, America and Europe, as an orthopedic specialist, Dr. Ortiz Tirado was Frida Kahlo's family doctor, performing various operations on the famous artist. Every January, around the date of his birth, the Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Festival is held, an event that makes Álamos the cultural capital of Sonora.
15. What is the appeal of the old jail?
The old Alamos prison was a stately colonial mansion since the 18th century, like many others in the town. It has a U-shaped floor plan, a facade with large windows and interior patios with arches. After being restored and refurbished, it was converted into a House of Culture. Sculpture exhibitions are held in its open spaces and plastic arts workshops are offered in its rooms.
16. Is it true that there is an Alley of the Kiss?
Like other towns in Mexico, Álamos also has its Callejón del Beso, a narrow cobbled alley in the center of town. The legend is the same everywhere. A pretty girl and a young man who must keep their love a secret and take the opportunity to kiss from the nearby balconies. In Álamos it is a ritual for visiting couples to kiss each other upside down in the alley.
17. What if I want another romantic note in Alamos?
If you have already passed through the Callejón del Beso, but want to continue in the wave of romanticism, you can go up to a place called El Mirador on El Perico hill, from where you have a spectacular view of Álamos, especially at sunset. Another nice place to spend a pleasant time with your companion is La Alameda, a tree-lined promenade in the town.
18. What is the history of the Mint?
Interestingly, despite being rich in silver, the Alamos Mint was opened in 1828 in a large and beautiful colonial house to mint one-eighth real copper coins. The production of eighths of copper only continued until 1831 and the house closed until 1854, when it reopened to mint silver reales and gold pesos. The Casa de la Moneda building now houses the Paulita Verján High School.
19. What about the Casa de Las Delicias?
You have to get to this immense house, almost 300 years old, through the Alamos cemetery. It belonged to one of the richest Alamense families and around the beautiful and spacious house there is a legend that its guardian likes to tell. The daughter of the owner of the house fell in love with a young servant and the girl's family had him imprisoned. After leaving prison, the young man told his beloved that he would take him a serenade, but he was killed before reaching the window. The young woman was locked up by the family and committed suicide. A drama of love and pain typical of the peoples of Mexico.
20. Are there any attractions near Alamos?
8 km from Álamos is the small town of La Aduana, where the La Libertad de la Quintera deposit was exploited, one of the most important during the mining boom period. The great boilers from the time of the silver boom are preserved. Now La Aduana is a town of beautiful landscapes, nestled between the Sonoran desert and the Sinaloa jungle. In the town the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Balvanera stands out.
21. How far is the sea?
If you are one of those people who cannot do without the sea on vacations or short trips, not far from Álamos is Agiabampo Bay, a totally unspoilt place, lacking in infrastructure but splendid in its pure nature. You can almost play with the dolphins on the seashore and the few locals offer walks through the mangroves and exquisite fish.
22. What if I want a mountain walk?
Ecotourists have a site called El Pedregal in the foothills of the Sierra de Álamos. In this forest you can see interesting species of flora and fauna of the place, especially birds, and practice some mountain entertainment. There are some mountain cabins with all the basic services.
23. Is it true that there is good hunting?
Hunting fans have excellent places in Álamos to collect a good game. Within the necessary controls, in Álamos it is allowed to hunt deer, quail, ducks, wild boar, pigeons and other species. Restrictions are occasionally set and of course hunters are always expected to abide by the set limits.
24. Where do I stay in Alamos?
Almost all the hotels in Alamos operate in colonial buildings, in keeping with the environment, so they are cozy and small in terms of number of rooms, but with large rooms. Hacienda De Los Santos is an accommodation praised for its warm treatment and the quality of its cuisine. Álamos Hotel Colonial is known for its cleanliness and tranquility and Casa Las 7 Columnas has the details that provide the attention of its own owners. Hotel Luz del Sol is a small establishment with spacious bedrooms and home cooking.
25. Where do you recommend eating?
Charisma is an international food restaurant located on Calle Obregón. There are excellent opinions of their coconut shrimp and their filet mignon. Teresita’s Bakery and Bistro is an appropriate place to eat informally, with good food and delicious desserts. Santiago’s Restaurant, is located inside the Hacienda De Los Santos and has a beautiful decoration.
26. Any other alternatives?
The restaurant of the Hotel Casa de los Tesoros has a hacienda atmosphere and its customers speak highly of its flank steak and its stuffed chiles. Doña Lola Cenaduria Koki’s offers the typical food of the region and is praised for its good seasoning, being the place in Álamos to order a tortilla soup and some enchiladas with mole.
27. Where did you buy a souvenir?
Álamos has a handicraft market that operates in a colonial house at Km. 51 of the Álamos - Navojoa highway, on the corner of Francisco Madero. There you can find local handicrafts, made mainly by members of the Mayo, Yaqui, Pima and Seri peoples. Pieces of wood, glass, ceramics and metals are obtained, as well as woven and leather objects.
We hope that this guide to getting to know Álamos will be useful to you and that your trip will be a success. See you at the next opportunity.
