Our trip to Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) Mexico
Some time ago, I promised some photos of our recent trip to Rocky Point, so here are a couple.
This is a view from our patio on the fourth floor of the Sonoran Spa Hotel.
We picked this condo from the three we were shown. We could have stayed on the second floor, but opted for a higher elevation which provided a better view of the Sea of Cortez, and also because it gave us more privacy from the pool area.
After purchasing Mexican automobile insurance, the four of us headed North towards Tucson, exited I-19 at Ajo, and drove West. It seemed to take forever to get to the Mexican border. The drive is uneventful except for a view of Kitt Peak.
We had no problems negotiating the border, and in a few short minutes, we were in Sonoita. There was no question in our minds but that we were definitely in another country. The two-lane route to Puerto Penasco is well marked and the next hour passed quickly.
Our first stop in Rocky Point was for lunch at Lily’s in the Old Port area. Friends had recommended it, and we now can recommend it also. I ordered the fried shrimp and liked it so well that I ordered the same thing at each of the other three restaurants where we dined during our stay.
From the Old Port area we noticed several large high-rise buildings in the distance, decided that there must be something there to rent, and headed out. Downloading and printing out a map of the area was helpful and even then, we hit some roadways under construction.
We were pleased with our room choice, and while it was on the high end ($192/night) we split the cost of the two bedroom, two bath, condo, and slept comfortably and secure in our air-conditioned unit. The condo was fully equipped for housekeeping with a washer and dryer, dishwasher, blender, coffee pot, three TVs, and even a big jug of bottled water.
Finally, on the last day of our three day, two night stay, we hit the beach.
I estimate that the entire trip cost each couple under $300, and that included insurance, gas, lodging, and eating all of our meals out. Not bad. The only thing I would change next time is to lengthen the stay to at least three nights and to eat some of our meals in the condo. Fresh fish and shrimp are available every morning at several seafood booths in the Old Port area.
June 6th, 2006 at 10:56 am
Rocky Point this time of year reminds me of the old saw about “jumping from the frying pan into the fire . . . .” Did you actually get into the water?
June 6th, 2006 at 11:49 am
Actually, I doubt that we could have picked a better time for our visit. Days were sunny and warm (not hot like Green Valley), and evenings were pleasant. We didn’t venture into the water, but it did feel warm on our feet and there were others wading and swimming on occasion.
We were there mid-week, Monday-Wednesday, and there were no crowds and no problems anywhere eating without reservations.