Navojoa, Sonora: A Great Stopover on Your Journey South
Navojoa might not stand out at first as you drive through town on Highway 15, but for those traveling from the border to destinations further south or the coast, it’s a great place to stop and explore. Though often seen as a supply town on the way to the beaches or Alamos, this area offers a rich history and culture worth discovering.
However, be cautious as a few police officers here may be on the lookout for bribes. Always stand your ground and politely refuse, asking to speak to their commandant instead.
How to Get There
Navojoa is easily accessible by car, located on Highway 15, also known as the Mexico Federal Highway 15. This major route runs north-south from Nogales at the U.S. border through Sonora and continues down to Mazatlán. From the border, it’s a roughly 6-hour drive heading south through cities like Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregón. Navojoa is just over 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Ciudad Obregón. The city also has a small airport, but the nearest commercial flights are at Ciudad Obregón International Airport.
For those coming from other areas in Mexico, follow Federal Highway 15 from the south, whether you’re starting from Mazatlán or further down the Pacific coast.
Navojoa Fast Facts
- Location: Southern Sonora in the Mayo Valley
- Population: 150,000
- Weather: Hot summers, cool winters (January: High 23°C/74°F, Low 5°C/41°F; July: High 35°C/95°F, Low 21°C/70°F)
- Elevation: 50 meters (160 feet)
- Founded: Jesuit missionaries arrived in the early 1600s; Navojoa was established as a city in 1907
- Industry: Agriculture
- Airport: Navojoa has a small airport, but the nearest commercial airport is Ciudad Obregón International Airport
- Medical: Doctors, dentists, and hospitals available
A Glimpse Into Navojoa’s History
The Mayo Valley has been home to the Mayo Indians for centuries before European contact. Diego de Guzman was the first European in the valley in 1536, followed by Jesuit missionaries. Unlike other areas of Mexico, Navojoa remained peaceful during the 1800s battles for independence from Spain.
One of Navojoa’s most famous figures is Álvaro Obregón Salido, born in a nearby hacienda in 1880. A successful chickpea farmer, he became Mexico’s president and revolutionized agriculture in the Mayo Valley.
Things to See and Do in Navojoa
- Museo Regional del Mayo: Located in a former railway station, this museum celebrates Mayo culture with handicrafts, sculptures, and both pre-Hispanic and colonial art.
- Tehuelibampo Museum: Featuring 89 petroglyphs carved in stone, this museum is located near the Mayo River northwest of the city.
- Beaches: Head 40 kilometers west to La Bocas, a local beach on the Sea of Cortez, or visit the Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez Dam for fishing, kayaking, and water sports.
Navojoa is also the perfect base to explore the colonial Silver City of Alamos, making it a must-visit stop on your road trip south.
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