Plan Your Trip
Travel Information
Everything you need to know about getting to Loma del Mar in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.
Driving from the U.S.
The drive is approximately 250 miles (~4 hours) from the Nogales, AZ border via Mexico Federal Highway 15, a four-lane highway passing through Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Anna, and Hermosillo.
Sonora Free Zone: Those traveling with vehicles no longer have to register and obtain a vehicle permit if staying north of Empalme/Guaymas. Tourist cards are required; no-fee cards are available for stays of 7 days or less.
Toll Booths: Located at Nogales, Magdalena, and Hermosillo ($2–$6 per automobile; trailers/towed vehicles incur additional per-axle charges). US currency accepted with peso change.
Border Crossings (Nogales)
Downtown Crossing
- Open 24 hours
- Usually very busy
- Not recommended for boat towing
- No toll charge
Mariposa Crossing (Recommended)
- Hours: 6AM–10PM daily
- Less congested
- Ideal for larger vehicles/trailers
- Height restriction: vehicles over 8.5 ft can only cross 8AM–10PM Mon–Sat; cannot cross Sundays
Bus Service
TUFESA Bus Lines provides international service to Hermosillo and Guaymas from:
Phoenix
1614 N. 27th Ave & McDowell Rd.
(602) 415-9900 / 9902
Tucson
5550 S. 12th Ave
(520) 670-1534
Air Travel
No commercial US flights to Guaymas. The alternative is Hermosillo Airport (HMO), 75 miles away, served by multiple US cities. Complete the journey via bus, shuttle, or rental car.
Travel Tips
Do's
- Obey traffic laws
- Learn some Spanish
- Respect local culture
- Carry water
- Protect against sun exposure
- Carry stomach medications
- Watch for road hazards
Don'ts
- Don't drink & drive
- Don't bring firearms or ammunition
- Don't conduct business on a tourist visa
- Don't drink tap water
- Don't drive at night (livestock hazards)
Pets & Weapons
Pets: Obtain a veterinarian checkup and health certificate; carry your rabies certificate. Monitor temperature exposure.
Weapons: DO NOT take any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico — violators face serious Mexican penalties.
Common Spanish Road Signs
Peligrosa
Danger
Curva
Curve
Poblado Proxima
Population ahead
Llanteros
Tire Repair Shop
Izquierdo
Left
Derecho
Right
Alto
Stop
Cuotas
Toll
Caseta
Toll Booth
Topes
Speed bumps
Travel Advisory
During the months of December and January, traffic returning to the US from Mexico can be very heavy. Weekends and holidays cause additional congestion. Early departure is recommended.