Puerto Peñasco Convention & Visitors Bureau
The spot that gave rise to a fishing community in the middle of the desert, and which is now one of the most important tourist destinations in northwestern Mexico, will celebrate its 94th anniversary on July 9th.
Nestled between the Sonoran desert and a corner of the Sea of Cortés, in 1926 and 1927 a group of fishermen discovered what is now Puerto Peñasco, venturing to live under tents and caves when they came across this virgin coast rich in marine life.
In 1929, this young coastal municipality was known as “Punta Peñasco” (Rocky Cliff Point) given its volcanic forms that plummet into the Sea of Cortez. In 1932, when the settlements expanded, the first police station was created under the jurisdiction of the neighboring municipality of Sonoyta.
History details the name of Rocky Point, as it is known in the United States, was given by retired English Lieutenant William Hale Hardy who came across the site when on an expedition searching for pearls and precious metals. It was actually called this until 1936 when then Mexican President General Lázaro Cárdenas asked for it to be named in Spanish, “Punta Puerto Peñasco”.
In its short life, Puerto Peñasco has become one of the most populated cities in Sonora, and one of the most important tourist destinations in northwestern Mexico. The city’s rapid growth in hotel infrastructure, and favorable geographical location, attracts visitors from the American southwest as well as residents from Baja California, Chihuahua and Sonora who seek to enjoy its warm beaches.
Located near the Altar desert and Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, Puerto Peñasco now has more than 70 thousand residents and a strong economy based on tourism, offering an infrastructure of thousands of rooms in large luxurious condominium complexes and hotels. Puerto Peñasco’s natural beauty is also on display along its public and certified beaches, which includes the longest certified coastline in the country.
In its 94 years, this colorful coastline has made great progress as a tourist city, attracting not only Americans and national visitors but also many from Canada and Europe. Visitors enjoy the city’s iconic spots, its people, and the prevailing fiesta atmosphere.
Puerto Peñasco is a city that has strengthened tremendously. Despite facing difficult times in its past, such as financial crises and the recent pandemic, the hotel and service community, along with the local administration and the community itself, have been able to innovate in areas of care, protocols, and security to help take care of residents and visitors alike. This is why Puerto Peñasco remains a popular tourist destination, keeping its doors open to all looking to relax and enjoy a spectacular sunset on one of its beautiful beaches.
For all these reasons, and more, Puerto Peñasco is dressing up to celebrate another anniversary since its founding. What better way to celebrate than by visiting and enjoying all this paradise on the Sea of Cortez has to offer?