Sonoran Desert Mission Churches 4-Day Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through the Jesuit Missions of Sonora, where you'll delve into the historical temples and settlements established by notable missionaries like Eusebio Francisco Kino in Mexico. This adventure promises a return to a fascinating past.

4-Day Tour of Mission Churches in the Sonoran Desert

Day 1: Hermosillo to Caborca

We will convene at the designated time at Hermosillo Airport before making our way to Trincheras. Upon our arrival, you will enjoy some leisure time to have lunch at a nearby eatery. Our first exploration will lead us to the archaeological site of Cerro De Trincheras, where we will uncover the history of this settlement that flourished in the 14th and 15th centuries, primarily engaged in the agriculture of corn, beans, and cotton.

Next, we will proceed to Caborca, the site established by missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1693. Here, we will tour the Franciscan Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Plaza de Armas, and Cerro de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, learning about the rich history of Jesuit presence in the region. After this insightful visit, we'll check into our hotel in Caborca, allowing you the evening to savor dinner at your preferred venue.

Day 2: Caborca to Magdalena de Kino

Our day begins with a hearty breakfast featuring eggs, chilaquiles, and beans, before we set out for Rancho La Proveedora to observe ancient petroglyphs. As we depart, a picnic bag filled with a hamburger, French fries, and a soft drink will be provided for your enjoyment as we embark on the Ruta de las Misiones (Missions Route). The journey will take us through the towns of Pitiquito, Altar, Oquitoa, Atil, Tubutama, and San Ignacio, tracing the history of the evangelization efforts directed towards the Pima and Tohono O'odham Indigenous Peoples.

Following this, we will arrive at the Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Magdalena de Kino, where we will engage in a guided tour highlighting the town's most iconic spots, including Casa del Ministro de Guerra, Colegio Colonel Fenochio, the colonial residence of Dr. Jacinto Padilla, and the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, an exquisite and striking classical temple.

We will conclude our day with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a restful night at the hotel.

Day 3: Discovering Magdalena de Kino

As dawn breaks, we will enjoy a delightful breakfast before heading to Cucurpe, a settlement founded in the 17th century by missionary Marcos del Río. Our visit will include the abandoned mission of Cucurpe, where we can witness the remnants of the original church, bell tower, and other notable arched structures.

Afterwards, we'll return to Magdalena de Kino, where you will have an hour and a half of free time for lunch. Once we reconvene, we will visit the crypt of Father Kino, the Chapel of San Francisco Javier, Plaza Juarez, and the train station.

The day's itinerary continues with a trip to the outskirts of town to discover the mission of San Ignacio de Cabórica, known for its unique masonry and intriguing spiral staircase. Finally, we will return to Magdalena de Kino for a traditional dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Day 4: Magdalena de Kino to Hermosillo

We'll rise early to savor our final breakfast before visiting the municipal cemetery and the mausoleum of Luis Donaldo Colosio, the former head of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

After this visit, we will make our way to Hermosillo, with an estimated arrival time at the airport around 2 PM.

Accommodation Details

This tour includes 3 nights of lodging with breakfast in a double room at the specified hotels:

• Caborca (1 night): City Express Caborca (4-star) or a similar option.
• Magdalena de Kino (2 nights): Hotel San José (2-star) or a comparable establishment.