Los Mochis, Sinaloa: A Growing Hub on the Pacific Coast
“Place of Turtles”
Los Mochis, a relatively young city in Mexico, has rapidly evolved into a bustling commercial center, serving the vast agricultural region within the basin of the El Fuerte River. Located on the border between Sinaloa and Sonora, this city has become a key transportation hub for Northwestern Mexico. It is known as the Pacific terminus for the famed Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Copper Canyon.” Additionally, Los Mochis serves as the main terminal for ferries that connect the mainland to Baja California Sur’s capital, La Paz.
Los Mochis Fast Facts
Location:
Strategically located on the coast of the Sea of Cortez in the northwest corner of Sinaloa.
Weather:
Los Mochis experiences a semi-arid climate with extremely hot summers accompanied by high humidity, and warm winters with minimal rainfall.
- January average highs: 37°C (98°F), lows: 12°C (55°F)
- July average highs: 43°C (110°F), lows: 23.9°C (75°F)
Population:
257,000
Elevation:
10 m (30 ft)
Founded:
1893 by a group of American utopian socialists.
Medical:
The city offers numerous hospitals, doctors, and dentists.
Money:
Banks and ATMs are widely available.
Airport:
Los Mochis International Airport (Valle del Fuerte Federal International Airport) features a terminal building and can accommodate up to three commercial aircraft.
History:
Los Mochis was originally founded by two American groups in the late 19th century. The first, led by Albert Kinney Owen, a civil engineer, envisioned a utopian socialist society in the area. Owen’s plans involved developing a cooperative colony in the region, calling it “Ciudad González.” He also started the Texas, Topolobampo, and Pacific Railroad and Telegraph Company, aiming to connect the region with a railway system. In 1886, the settlement began with 300 colonists from New York, and by 1892, over 1,200 settlers had arrived. However, their attempts to create a thriving agricultural community failed, and by 1893, the colonists had largely abandoned the project, returning to the United States.
The second key figure was Benjamin F. Johnston, a savvy businessman who sought to capitalize on the area’s natural resources. In 1898, Johnston started a sugar mill that spurred rapid growth in the region. Under his leadership, Los Mochis blossomed into a thriving town. Johnston was instrumental in building factories, an airport, a church, a lighthouse, and a dam, and he either owned or had major partnerships in over 20 different companies. He also mapped out the city’s layout, establishing what is known as Los Mochis today. After his death in 1937, his family returned to the U.S., but the city continued to grow, becoming the commercial center of one of Mexico’s most prosperous agricultural areas.
Festivals and Events:
Los Mochis hosts a variety of local festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and agricultural success. Visitors can experience vibrant street fairs, cultural performances, and traditional food festivals.
Things to See and Do
- Sinaloa Park and Botanical Gardens:
Once the site of Johnston’s home, this park features both domestic and foreign plants and trees, offering a relaxing environment for nature lovers. - The Regional Museum of the El Fuerte Valley:
This museum has six exhibition rooms and a petroglyph mural, showcasing the region’s fascinating history.
Ph. (+52-668) 812-4692 - Bird Watching:
The region is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with thousands of migratory birds such as ducks, Canada geese, white-winged doves, and quail flocking to the area. Guides can be arranged through local hotels. - Sports Fishing:
Visitors can arrange deep-sea fishing excursions from nearby Topolobampo for marlin, wahoo, and dorado. Freshwater fishing is also available near the local dams. - Copper Canyon:
Often described as eleven times the size of the Grand Canyon in the United States, Copper Canyon is a must-see. Visitors can take the famous Chepe (Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad) train from Los Mochis, a scenic trip that takes travelers through the stunning Sierra Tarahumara region.
Chepe Schedule:
Depart Los Mochis-Chihuahua: 6:00 hrs.
Arrive in Los Mochis: 19:50 hrs.
For tickets and information: Ferromex, tel. 8.24.11.51 - Port of Topolobampo:
Take a tour of this picturesque port, visit the nearby walrus sanctuary, and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the region.
Los Mochis is a unique blend of history, industry, and nature, offering visitors a glimpse into Mexico’s agricultural heartland while providing access to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Copper Canyon and the Sea of Cortez.
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