Hermosillo

Hermosillo is the capital of Sonora state in northwestern Mexico, sitting in a desert valley at roughly 210 meters (700 feet) elevation surrounded by dry mountains. The city spreads in a grid of wide streets between the Río Sonora and seasonal watercourses, mixing low residential neighborhoods with modern commercial buildings.

Spanish colonists founded the settlement in 1700 on land previously inhabited by Indigenous peoples, calling it Pitic. After Mexican independence, the town received its current name in 1828 to honor General José María González Hermosillo.

The Centro Ecológico de Sonora on the city outskirts displays desert plants and regional animals in open enclosures, helping visitors understand how life adapts to extreme dryness. Plaza Zaragoza in the center serves as a gathering spot where locals rest under shaded trees and street vendors sell cold drinks throughout the day.

Temperatures often climb above 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer, so visiting between November and March offers milder weather. The center can be explored on foot, while longer distances require taxis or local buses.

The cathedral on the main square uses light stone blocks in its construction and stands out noticeably from the surrounding modern buildings. Several large factories, including an automobile plant, shape the city outskirts and draw workers from across the region.