Is It Time to Return to Sonora?
It has been years since I’ve traveled widely in Sonora. Other than a brief trip to the beach resort of San Carlos last year, my journeys through the state have been on hold. The primary reason, of course, has been the increase in cartel violence — especially in places like Ciudad Obregón, Magdalena, Altar, and Caborca. For many of us who love Sonora, this reality has been painful to accept.
And yet, I continue to carry with me a deep affection for this land and its people. The warmth of its communities, the richness of its traditions, and the stark beauty of its deserts and mountains all call me back. Like many others, I still wrestle with concerns about safety, but I also recognize that Sonora offers so much that deserves to be celebrated and experienced.
If you are also considering a trip, now may be the right time. The oppressive summer heat is fading, and with autumn comes an abundance of cultural life. October brings the Festival de San Judas in Magdalena, a vibrant celebration that is best enjoyed by day, before it transforms into a rowdier, more chaotic party at night.
Not long after, Día de los Muertos altars and displays bloom across towns and cities, offering a chance to honor loved ones while experiencing one of Mexico’s most beautiful traditions. November adds even more to the calendar, with Mexican Revolution Day festivities on the 20th and the beginning of the holiday season.
Travel in Sonora, as always, should be thoughtful. Certain areas are best approached with caution, and local advice should be heeded. But for those willing to make the journey — whether to the cultural heart of Magdalena, the historic plazas of Hermosillo, the colonial charm of Álamos, or the sparkling beaches of San Carlos — the rewards remain immense.
So, is it time to return to Sonora? For me, the answer is yes — carefully, thoughtfully, and with respect for both the challenges and the beauty that define this place. The people of Sonora continue to live, celebrate, and create with resilience. Perhaps the best way we can honor them is to return, to share in their traditions, and to once again walk the land that so many of us still hold close to our hearts.
Is it Safe to Visit Sonora?
