We'll publish observations and links to news stories on this page, if you've got current information you'd like to share, please contact us.
Go Dollar, Go!
Despite my disparaging remarks in a recent story about the value of the dollar vis-a-vis the Mexican peso, the dollar has made a strong comeback. From languishing at 11 pesos to the dollar, in a short month or so it has shot up to where you can get more than 13 pesos for the dollar.
Reasons for the currency fluctuations will vary, although this time the change seems to be brought about due to uncertainty that has caused a falling Euro, and from a stock market and gold sell-off, where investors who sold equities and gold apparently used the proceeds to purchase U.S. currency.
For whatever reason, the friendlier exchange rates come at just the right time, as the Sonoran summer heat is starting to ebb and the fall fiestas and other fun activities begin.
Magdalena de Kino Announces Dates of October Fiestas
The Magdalena city government has announced that this year's Fiestas de Octubre (also commonly known as the Fiestas de San Francisco Javier) will be held from September 30 to October 9. More information.
Mexican Customs Station Opened East of Caborca-Pitiquito
The Mexican government has opened a customs inspection station for eastbound traffic traveling on Federal Highway 2, just to the east of Pitiquito. The Sonora Free Trade Zone extends from the international border and coastal areas to the city of Caborca, so the "Garita Caborca" station is to ensure that vehicles with declarable items are inspected, and is similar to the 21 km inspection station south of Nogales.
Isla Tiburón Becomes Accessible by Small Ecotourism Groups
The island of Isla Tiburón (Shark Island), the largest island off the coast of Mexico, is a restricted area that is sacred to its caretakers, the Seri Indians of Sonora. Previously, to be able to visit the island would require permits and permissions from the Seri leaders and from Sonoran government officials.
Recently though, a small ecotourism group based in Hermosillo has received permission to begin offering tours to the island. The visits are offered for small groups, about once a month, and include a familiarization with the native habitat of Isla Tiburón and interaction with members of the Seri tribe, to learn about their customs and traditions.
Tours of Isla Tiburón are offered in Spanish, but we plan to attend one of the visits in October or November and can assist with translating information into English on an informal basis. For more information about the tours and the tour group, Ecoturismo del Noroeste, click here.
If you are interested in attending the tour when we do, contact us.
