There are a BUNCH of small Mexican villages! This particular road is known as the Ruta de Rio Sonora and is historically significant for the work that Padre Kino and deAnza did as they brought the church to these villages. With each new town, they added a new and more beautiful/elaborate/unique church. We stopped at a few of them to see inside and spend a few pesos in the village.
Arizpe was once the capital of the state of Sonora. Their church was under frequent Indian attack, so it was built strong like a fortress.
We continued to wind our way through the mountains. The road was paved, with large (the size of a wash tub) potholes every 50 feet or so. The view across the mountains and over the Altar Valley was amazing. We had been through there just a few days before!
We stopped for a dog walk in the village of Huepac on the plaza. This church is known for the triple bell tower. But we were quite impressed with the airplanes on the elementary school playground!
The next village was timed just right for a lunch stop. As we were cruising the narrow streets we spotted this place and could not resist. A hamburger stand in the Flintstones them…. in a small Mexican village. It was pretty decent food, cheap prices and a peaceful garden setting. Perfect break from driving!
The next stop was Aconchi. This village is the gateway to the fantastic hot springs that we visited about 13 years ago. We were hopeful that they were still there, and they were (see next post). Just outside of town we found a new public park area. This was right on the river banks. Very well maintained, with ramadas, bathrooms and a swimming hole!
The town has another beautiful church in the center. This church features a black Jesus. Did you know that churches that are near thermal pools, hot springs, agua caliente, mineral pools, etc have a black Jesus behind the altar of the church? Look it up, it’s true!
Next post, a photo collection of the Centro de Recreativo Familial en Aconchi, Sonora, Mexico!
That is crazy…. we are just ahead of you on this route! See you soon, as the world is a small place.
This is pretty incredible. You were in the Flintstones place in Banámichi yesterday, Tuesday? SO WAS I!!!
I am currently in Banámichi for a few days doing some research. Take a look at the last two postings on my blog to see what I’ve been doing!
I love el Rio Sonora!