Travel Guide LOS MOCHIS Contents
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Travel Guide LOS MOCHIS Contents DISCOVER LOS MOCHIS 01 LOS MOCHIS PROFILE 02 LOS MOCHIS ATTRACTIONS 03 LOS MOCHIS DINING 07 LOS MOCHIS SHOPPING 08 LOS MOCHIS NIGHTLIFE 10 THINGS TO DO IN LOS MOCHIS 11 DISCOVER LOS MOCHIS Located in the northwest of Mexico, in the state of Sinaloa, Los Mochis is a small industrial city surrounded by lots of natural attractions. The town is located in the El Fuerte Valley, a region caressed by the waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Rio Fuerte river, which makes the area very fertile. Prosperous and booming, the city’s economy is based on agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and ranching, making it a developing area ideal for investment. Its production of grain, seeds, vegetables, and fruit is well-received in the Mexican market, as well as abroad, thanks to its high quality. It is also a very popular destination for conferences and congresses, thanks to its hotel infrastructure, which includes properties that are perfect for business events. HAPPY PEOPLE AND THE TAMBORA The people of Los Mochis are well-known for being open and direct, as well as for the vibrant beats of the “tambora”. This musical sound is the most deep-rooted in the region and gets its name from the tambura drum accompanied by about three dozen instruments, mostly wind and percussion. The most typical songs from Los Mochis folklore feature the rhythm of the tambura, showing the feelings and very soul of the local people. In addition to the rich cultural heritage, the area’s natural attractions, its valleys, its mountains, and its historic sites, the people of Los Mochis are themselves another reason to visit this city, to enjoy the warm hospitality they provide. 1 LOS MOCHIS PROFILE A city of fascinating contrasts offering a rich history, indigenous traditions, and a flourishing and growing economy. Located close to the beach, the city features a sunny climate and lots of outdoor activities. A rich history that has spurred great investment in architectural renovations over the years. Stereotypically kind, sincere, and welcoming people. World-class hunting tourism Delicious seafood thanks to its proximity to the ocean An abundance of domestic and foreign investment without taking away from its quality as a tourist destination Specialized business hotels, with options available for all budgets. 2 LOS MOCHIS ATTRACTIONS Given that Los Mochis is a city of fascinating contrasts, there are always lots of things you can do. Here you’ll find sun, sea, sand, and other signs of Mother Nature, but you’ll also discover a city with a rich historical heritage. EL MAVIRI BEACH You’ll find large beaches with fine sand just 45 minutes from Topolobampo Bay by boat, ideal for people seeking peace and quiet. Beachfront restaurants with thatched-roof palapas offering shade draw visitors in to try local specialty dishes including the famous “pescado zarandeado” (fish cooked on a special grill and accompanied by rice and vegetables), a tasty fresh seafood cocktail, or fish cooked anyway you like it. TOPOLOBAMPO BAY This important industrial and tourist port is located in the bay of the same name, which is situated by the Sea of Cortez, about 15 miles from Los Mochis. “Topo”, as the port is fondly known, has a yacht club and it’s where the ferry leaves from for La Paz, Baja California. Topolobampo is ideal for sport fishing, as species like marlin and dorado can be found in the surrounding area, making it a popular location for famous fishing tournaments. Here you’ll find lots of restaurants that serve mouthwatering dishes made with fresh seafood, something not to be missed! 3 COPPER CANYON Los Mochis is the gateway to the Copper Canyon. The famous Chepe train route (from Chihuahua to the Pacific) starts in this city, crossing the beautifulSierra Tarahumara Mountains. This world of ravines is one of the most bio-diverse on the planet. Here you’ll find mainly forests of pine and oak at more than 6,000 feet above sea level, in areas where snow falls every winter. As you head down the canyons the vegetation changes, until eventually at 1,200 feet below sea level you get to see plants and fruits typical of semi-tropical, humid climates like mangos, oranges, zalates, and sapotes. This diversity can also be seen in the region’s wildlife, which includes different mammals, birds, reptiles, freshwater fish, and amphibians. SINALOA PARK AND BOTANICAL GARDEN For those who prefer eco-tourism, there are lots of places to visit in the city, such as Sinaloa Park and its incredible botanical gardens. This site used to be the private garden of the “Casa Grande”, the residence of Mr. Johnston, the founder of a sugar mill that boosted the economy of Los Mochis. Today it is a refuge for an extensive variety of birds and exotic plants indigenous to India, Java, Africa, and Australia. Some of the rarest among them include the Banyan, a tree from India considered by the Hindus as the sacred tree of the god Krishna. The garden also features different species of palm trees and local flora. 4 EL CHEPE This train goes from Los Mochis to the city of Chihuahua. It’s one of the world’s most impressive works of engineering, featuring 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, and covering a distance of about 400 miles. The world famous “Chihuahua to the Pacific” railway will take you from sea level in Los Mochis up to a maximum height of 8,500 feet, before descending to 2,400 feet at the city of Chihuahua. Throughout you’ll be amazed at the region’s incredible natural beauty, its waterfalls and breathtaking canyons. Along the way you’ll pass by charming towns full of natural attractions; you’ll also be able to experience the warm and yet shy hospitality of the Tarahumara, an indigenous people who are native to the region. POBLADO DE SAN MIGUEL This important indigenous settlement of the Mayo people is located about 15 minutes from Los Mochis. You can visit San Miguel at any time of year, but the main festivities are held during Lent, when people dress up with Jewish or Pharisee costumes made from muslin. They complement their attire with artisanal masks and “tenabaris” which are dried butterfly cocoons filled with small stones that are tied around the leg, and rattle to the beat of the dances. When you visit San Miguel don’t pass up the chance to try the delicious sweet pumpkin empanadas, which are made in rustic artisanal ovens. 5 EL FUERTE This beautiful colonial city is located about 50 miles from Los Mochis and was founded in 1564 on the banks of the river of the same name. Offering cobbled streets, charming “portales” (covered corridors with archways), the bandstand in the square Plaza de Armas, and old mansions with large internal portales and wrought ironwork, the city also has typical gardens and areas that take you back to days gone by. Don’t pass up the chance to visit the recently renovated fortress (today a museum), walk along the boardwalk, and take a raft tour down the Rio Fuerte river during your visit. Get close to nature before enjoying a delicious meal at the restaurants along the banks of the river or in the city, which serve exotic dishes like silversides, freshwater crayfish, quail, pigeon, and bass, and lots of shrimp. HUNTING TOURISM Los Mochis forms part of the migratory route of a number of birds that fly south to the region every year. The best time to go hunting in Los Mochis is from November to the beginning of March, which is when you can hunt different species like duck, goose, dove, and quail. It won’t be difficult to find hotels in Los Mochis that offer hunting trips; some of them even have their own hunting clubs. 6 LOS MOCHIS DINING Cookbooks and ingredients have filled the culinary panorama of Mexico, and the region of Los Mochis is highly regarded for its cuisine. Thanks to its proximity to the coast, there is an abundance of fish and seafood. The waters of the Sea of Cortez provide impressive fish, renowned for their favor and size, the standout of which is bass. Some of the dishes you can enjoy here include “camarones almendrados” (shrimp topped with almonds), octopus cocktails, and the unbeatable “calamari relleno” (stuffed squid). The restaurants in Los Mochis can cater to any taste, serving delicious specialty dishes with unique flavors, including quail, pigeon, and other birds cooked in a variety of different ways. EL CHILORIO One of the most popular and traditional dishes in the region is the famous “chilorio”, which consists of fried shredded pork with lots of herbs and spices. The dish is normally accompanied by flour tortillas. TRADITIONAL DESSERTS Some of the standout desserts from the region include “jamoncillo” (Mexican fudge) or “dulce de leche” (a caramelized milk), preserves, and “piloncillos” made from ground sugarcane. Don’t pass up the chance to try the “tacuarines”, which are biscuits made from flour and corn in the shape of rings or figures. 7 LOS MOCHIS SHOPPING The people of Sinaloa have a habit of revealing their thoughts and feelings. This feature of their identity can be seen in their handicrafts and is present in the history and culture of Los Mochis. The artisanal products here have been recognized for their quality, with goods including pottery, wickerwork, metalwork, fabrics made from istle fibers, and saddles. The locals tend to support all kinds of artistic expressions by attending events and exhibitions, or by creating cultural spaces.