Puerto Penasco is just over four hours by car from
either Tucson or Phoenix. At this time, the only air service is by private plane or
charter. Since it's in a free zone, no visas or special immunizations are
required. Border officials conduct routine spot checks of vehicles entering Mexico.
Usually this takes only a few minutes. Mexico auto insurance
is highly recommended. You can get it at insurance agencies in Phoenix, Tucson, Ajo, and
Lukeville or at the two service stations in Why on the way to Mexico. It's also sold at
various other agencies just across the border in Sonoyta, as well as in Puerto Penasco.
Once you cross the border, you're in the town of Sonoyta. Excellent
restaurants, campgrounds, curio shops, and pharmacies are available there.
From Sonoyta a straight, well-paved road leads to Puerto Penasco,
about 65 miles southwest. If you are the curious sort, about 30 miles
South of Sonoyta, a small, unpaved road
leads off to the right to the Pinacate National Park and Wildlife Refuge. This is where
the U.S. Apollo astronauts trained for moon landings. 4-wheel drive
recommended!
See the specific driving instructions on
the linked pages... and
check out the top ten things to do in Why, AZ!
