TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Join us on a flavorful journey through Hermosillo, Sonora, where you’ll experience the vibrant heart of Mexican cuisine. Dive into the city’s bustling food scene, from hidden gems to popular spots, where local chefs create delicious dishes that celebrate Sonora’s unique ingredients—think sizzling carne asada, savory tacos, and the freshest seafood.
Our guides will introduce you to the tastes of Hermosillo while sharing the stories and traditions that make Sonoran cuisine so special. You’ll learn about generations-old recipes and the blend of flavors that give this region its unique character. Discover the true spirit of Hermosillo through its food, culture, and warm hospitality.
Includes transportation with a professional driver, all meals - 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 2 dinners, 2 nights accommodations, and guide services.
Not Included:
Snacks & beverages in between meals
Alcoholic beverages
Traveler’s insurance (highly recommended) Parking in Nogales, Arizona
Accommodations: We will be staying at Hotel: Marsella 45 for the 2 nights of the tour.
Themes: Regional Gastronomy, Geography, Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Contemporary Life, Language, Traditions
To Remember: Please do not forget your valid passport booklet
or passport card only as your official travel document. Global Entry, SENTRI, and/or “Enhanced” Driver’s License from the United States are not recognized by the Mexican government at customs but will help you return to the U.S. as a legal document.
Please be also sure to bring your printed, signed waiver in hand the day of the trip.
The when & where of tour meeting & parking location: We will meet as a group at a table inside the Burger King located at 47 Sonoita Ave. in Nogales, Arizona, USA at 9 AM. You may park only in the back lot section of their lot (the front is for their customers). If there is no space available, there are multiple other parking lot options directly in front of the Burger King and adjacent to park your vehicle.
At the Burger King, you’ll have a chance to use the restroom, pay for your parking fees (approx $7 a day, not included in the tour) at the cashier, check-in, and be a part of initial introductions. We’ll have a better chance to get to know one another after walking across the border together in the peace of the sprinter van.
Transportation: Mercedes Sprinter with a professional driver waiting for us directly across the border.
A tip: If you do have the tendency to experience car sickness we recommend bringing some Dramamine tablets along with you in case.
Hydration: We are committed to avoiding the consumption in the overuse of plastic in the environment. For water, we recommend bringing a large refillable water bottle.
Return to the U.S.:
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to predict waiting times to cross back into the US and they can vary to no waiting at all to a couple of hours. We try to mitigate by crossing on foot rather than in-vehicle, avoiding busy crossing times, such as returning on a Monday rather than a Sunday, and arriving before evening traffic. So please be prepared. You can
also expedite your border crossing with a Global Entry (Trusted Traveler) Card and access to Sentri lane.
Some Exchange Advice: In Mexico, it is best to have small denominations on you rather than large bills. We will have an opportunity to exchange dollars for pesos at the Mexican Customs stop just south of Nogales. You’ll never know what you’ll find in your travels to Mexico - having some handy spending money makes it easy and you get to help your neighbors, the civil society of Mexico’s economy.
Attire & Sun Protection: We recommended lightweight loose long sleeve shirts and sun protection in the form of sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. Please check the forecast for the destination prior to departure for packing clothing accordingly. Layers are always the way to go.
Guide Contact Details: Alex La Pierre info@borderlandia.org (619) 777-0040
Finalmente: Let’s have fun.
ITINERARY:
1
DAY 2
HERMOSILLO, SONORA’S CAPITAL CITY
» Park at the Burger King’s far back parking lot. Parking fees ($7 per day) can be paid inside at the cashier of the restaurant.
» We will meet at a table inside the Burger King as a group, make initial introductions and walk together across the border at the Dennis DeConcini crossing pedestrian gate to our private transportation and a professional driver just on the other side of the border.
» Our first stop is at Mexican Customs at the KM 21 where we will complete our tourist visas and present our travel documents and have an opportunity to use the restroom and exchange dollars for pesos.
» Passport booklets or Passport Cards only | Global Entry, SENTRI, “Enhanced” Driver’s License from the United States are not recognized by the Mexican Government.
» We will continue south to Magdalena for a lunch stop.
» Proceed on HWY MEX 15 to Hermosillo. Check into the hotel and take a time of rest.
» Tour of Palacio Municipal and murals, Plaza Zaragoza & Plaza Bicentenario.
» Dinner at Cielo Madero.
» Return to hotel.
» Depart the hotel for a leisurely breakfast at Marifran Cocina Casual.
» Calle No Reelección Murals.
» Plaza Hidalgo, Parque Madero, and Capilla del Carmen.
» Seafood lunch at Mariscos El Charco
» Visit the State Museum of Sonora MUSAS; the historic quarter of Hermosillo - Villa de Seris.
» Visit Coyotas Doña María factory (Sonoran empanadas); facade of the stone Jesuit Temple of Batuc.
» Sunset overlook at the city emblematic Cerro de la Campana.
» Modern carne asada taquería dinner at Tacos de Armando, featured on Nexflix’s Taco Chronicles
» Return to Hotel.
DAY 3 RETURN TO NOGALES
Borderlandia is a binational organization committed to building public understanding of the borderlands..
» Check out of the hotel.
» Breakfast at Casa Garmendia
» Depart Hermosillo.
» Return north to Arizona via MEX 15 towards Nogales.
» Anticipated arrival at the border approx. 2 PM
Questions? Write us at info@borderlandia.org
Cancellation Policy
Overnight tours to Mexico are fully refundable up to ten weeks before the initial tour date. If cancellation occurs between ten and six weeks before the tour’s first day, they are subject to a $250 (per person) administrative fee. There is no refund if cancellation occurs from six weeks to the start date of the tour. There’s also the option to transfer the registration to another individual found by the original registrant.
PLEASE NOTE: This entire itinerary is subject to change depending on availability, conditions, cancellations, and other circumstances.