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Alamos
This small, charming and traditional colonial town is known as
the “City of Gates.” Alamos lies in the southern foothills of
the Sierra Madre mountain range, at a convergence of
ecosystems – Sonoran desert and tropical deciduous forest. It
was established and rose to prominence as a mining town in
the late 1600’s following the discovery of silver in the area.
The pueblo, which once had more than 30,000 inhabitants,
went into decline following Mexico’s independence from Spain.
The decline continued after the Mexican Revolution at the
beginning of the 20th century. Yaqui Indians fought to retain
control over the area, and when they were defeated in the
1920’s Alamos had become a ghost town – the mines were
closed and its residents had gone.
The town was re-discovered in the 1940’s, after American
farmer William Lavant Alcorn purchased and restored one of
its mansions, converting it into a hotel. That started a surge of
investment and renovation that led to the restoration of
Alamos to the modern tourist destination it is today. In 2000,
Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo declared Alamos as a
national monument.
Alamos retains its colonial charm and tranquility, and offers
tourists the opportunity to walk its cobblestone streets among
beautiful colonial buildings, including restored classic missions
designed by Andalusian architects. It also offers a variety of
artistic and ecological tourism options, and a first-hand look at
Sonora’s history and culture. There are also a variety of
outdoor activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, hiking,
bird watching, and mountain bike riding, as well as sport
fishing and hunting.
Festivals
In addition to traditional events observed in Alamos, annual
festivals include the week-long Ortiz Tirado music festival
(held in late January), and the Fiesta de la Virgen Concepción,
held every year on December 8th.
Lodging
Alamos Lodging
This small, charming and traditional colonial town is known as
the “City of Gates.” Alamos lies in the southern foothills of
the Sierra Madre mountain range, at a convergence of
ecosystems – Sonoran desert and tropical deciduous forest. It
was established and rose to prominence as a mining town in
the late 1600’s following the discovery of silver in the area.
The pueblo, which once had more than 30,000 inhabitants,
went into decline following Mexico’s independence from Spain.
The decline continued after the Mexican Revolution at the
beginning of the 20th century. Yaqui Indians fought to retain
control over the area, and when they were defeated in the
1920’s Alamos had become a ghost town – the mines were
closed and its residents had gone.
The town was re-discovered in the 1940’s, after American
farmer William Lavant Alcorn purchased and restored one of
its mansions, converting it into a hotel. That started a surge of
investment and renovation that led to the restoration of
Alamos to the modern tourist destination it is today. In 2000,
Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo declared Alamos as a
national monument.
Alamos retains its colonial charm and tranquility, and offers
tourists the opportunity to walk its cobblestone streets among
beautiful colonial buildings, including restored classic missions
designed by Andalusian architects. It also offers a variety of
artistic and ecological tourism options, and a first-hand look at
Sonora’s history and culture. There are also a variety of
outdoor activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, hiking,
bird watching, and mountain bike riding, as well as sport
fishing and hunting.
Festivals
In addition to traditional events observed in Alamos, annual
festivals include the week-long Ortiz Tirado music festival
(held in late January), and the Fiesta de la Virgen Concepción,
held every year on December 8th.
Lodging
Alamos Lodging
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