About San Carlos Sonora Mexico

San Carlos Sonora Mexico is located on the Sea Of Cortez. Whales, dolphins and beautiful sunsets are just another day in this tranquil town just south of the US border. San Carlos offers some of the best big game fishing in the world. There are many charter boat rentals to get you into the action. It is also an ideal place to scuba dive and enjoy the warm waters of this ocean front community.

Location

San Carlos is located in Sonora Mexico, home to pearl farms and the largest marina on the Sea of Cortez. The town of San Carlos, one of the favorite destinations of nearby US southwestern states and is 7 hours south of Phoenix or 5 hours from Tucson on a 4 lane divided highway.
Major highways are very good for travel throughout the state.

Sonora has approached tourism in the same way the Baja does in welcoming
foreigners. A tourist visa is available for up to six months at a time for visitors.
Foreigners are allowed full property ownership even in the restricted zones using a “fideicomiso” or a trust.

San Carlos is home to a predominately expatriate population and most locals
are fluent in English. The international airport is15 minutes from town has one flight daily from/to Phoenix-Guaymas and is served by US Air. Once you arrive at the turnoff to San Carlos you are greeted by a beautiful four lane highway with palm trees down the middle and ocean off to the side. This is the only access to the town leaving it very easy to manage.

One of the big draws to vacation is golf, and there is one Pete Dye designed
golf course with 2 more golf courses are in the active planning stages. A recent
announcement features a 27 hole course up near the beach by Club Paradiso. The project is managed by one of the largest developers in the region and a deal is close to being inked for another world class course by the largest landowner in the area.

Looking into the near future, the state of Sonora is halfway through the
completion of a new coastal highway from San Diego through to San Carlos. The
highway is currently complete to Puerto Penasco and the next leg is through to Puerto Libertad.

TRAVEL

DIRECTIONS

San Carlos is located just 320 miles due south of Tucson, Arizona. You'll find our office in the plaza behind the Pemex station in the heart of San Carlos, which is located 10 kilometers north of the city of Guaymas. As you approach Guaymas the road signs for San Carlos are clearly marked.

>From Tucson you take Arizona State Highway #19 to Nogales. At the outskirts of Nogales take the Highway #189 bypass (Exit #4) (be sure to be on "Mariposa Road") which then becomes Mexico Highway #15 after you cross the border.

All roads on the way to San Carlos are 4 lane divided highways and are generally in very good shape. There are three "toll roads" you will encounter along the way. The first toll booth you'll encounter charges 37 pesos (about $3.35) and the other two charge 19 pesos (about $1.75) and 57 pesos (about $5.20 ) respectively each way.

There are ample gas stations along the way, however, if you happen to need roadside assistance, Mexico has a fleet of emergency vehicles, known as the “Green Angels” who assist all travelers on Highway 15. Just raise the hood on your car and they'll stop to help you out. They speak some English and charge only for parts or towing.

Finally it is important to note.. do not have guns or ammunition in your vehicle or possession!! If you are caught with either you will be jailed immediately (no exceptions!) and your car will also be confiscated as well. Remember that you are in a foreign country and the laws of the US do not apply here. Mexico is a delightful country with warm people and rich traditions. Just remember that you are a guest in this country and “don’t leave your brains at the border”.

MEXICAN AUTO INSURANCE

You will need to purchase Mexican auto insurance before traveling to Guaymas-San Carlos. You can purchase this insurance before heading south, on the way down in at several locations in Nogales, or finally purchase your policy directly at the border in the same office where you register your vehicle. We recommend buying your insurance before leaving as it will save you time on your trip down. You can order it online at the Mexico Insurance section on our links page.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

In an effort to enhance security and efficiency at U.S. borders, the U.S. government will soon enforce new passport requirements for all travelers entering or re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, and other locations.  These new rules include US Citizens.

By Air:  All travelers will need to have a passport, including US citizens returning to the US by air on Jan 23, 2007.

By Land & Sea: A passport or other qualified travel document will be required at all land border ports-of-entry prior to June 1, 2009.  The final exact date has not been set.  Effective January 31, 2008, all travelers are required to have documented proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate and photo ID and be prepared to show these documents when entering the USA.

THE FREE ZONE AND TOURIST CARDS

The Sonora Free Zone program for vehicles has expanded!!  This means that those who plan to travel with vehicles in the state of Sonora north of Empalme/Guaymas no longer have to register and obtain a vehicle permit.  If you plan to travel to the San Carlos-Guaymas area and no further into Mexico, this option applies. This also applies to trailers, boats, etc. Tourist cards are still required but for stays of 7 days or less. You can get a no-fee tourist card at KM 21 station located south of Nogales.
If you plan to travelling south of Guaymas-Empalme, you must obtain an All Mexico permit for the vehicle which is good for 6 months and is valid for travel in all other areas of Mexico. You will need a credit card to post a bond of about $20 to guarantee you will not sell the car in Mexico. The new vehicle permit station is south of Empalme, at KM 98.

TOURIST CARD AND VEHICLE PERMITS

Obtain both at the Tourist Permit location at the "21 KM" checkpoint area south of Nogales.
NOTE: This process can take 1/2 hour or more depending on the time you travel. This is why we recommend getting both the 6 month tourist visa and if necessary, the 6 month car permit, so you can get through this last crossing into the interior of Mexico in just a minute or two! These options are detailed below.

TOURIST CARD - OBTAINED IN THE BUILDING MARKED "MIGRATION".

NOTE: You must have your visa issued here before proceeding to get your car permit at the building marked "ONLY SONORA" (which is located about 30 feet to the right) .

1) All Destinations (including San Carlos) past the 21 Km checkpoint require a tourist visa. You have 2 choices:

a) 7 Day Tourist Visa - There is no charge for this visa which allows you to travel exclusively in Sonora for 7 days. You must have either a valid passport or both a birth certificate and a driver's license/photo I.D.

b) 6 Month Tourist Visa - This visa is valid for a period of 6 months and allows you to stay in the "interior" of Mexico for up to 6 months and/or to travel back and forth as often as you want (during the 6 month period). After completing the application in the office, you'll be instructed to make the payment of $20 (US dollars) at the Banjercito payment window. As with the regular "no charge" 7 day visa, you'll need to present either a valid passport or both a birth certificate and a driver's license/photo I.D. Again, the payment for the tourist card will be made at the Banjercito payment window. After your payment is received, return to Migration to have your tourist card stamped.

2) Any minor children traveling with only one parent will need notarized affidavit from the other parent to travel beyond the "free zone". In case of a divorce, a notarized affidavit written statement is still required from the non-custodial parent authorizing the travel plans.

VEHICLE PERMITS - OBTAINED IN THE BUILDING MARKED "ONLY SONORA"

Note:  If you do not plan to travel any further into Mexico than Guaymas-San Carlos, you do not need any permit for your vehicle. If you do plan further travel or travel outside the State of Sonora, the following procedures will apply.

1) You will need the following documentation to obtain a vehicle permit:

a) A valid driver's license

b) Proof of ownership of your vehicle including registration and title (or notarized bill of sale in lieu of a title)

c) If you have a lien holder listed on your registration or title, you will need a letter from the lien holder giving you permission to take the vehicle to Mexico. Lien holders such as credit unions etc. are familiar with such requests and will generally be able to issue you a statement in a matter of minutes. Although this is the official policy, this document is seldom if ever requested.

d) Finally you'll need proof of citizenship for you and all passengers. These requirements were outlined above under tourist visas.


2) Currently there are two types of vehicle permits you can obtain: a "Only Sonora" Permit, or a 6 month "Mexico Auto Import Decal". Here's a description of the differences.

a) "Only Sonora" - This vehicle permit is currently free of charge. This permit allows you to drive in Sonora and must be turned in upon your return to the states. You will need photocopies of each listed above document (other than the tourist visas), which you can bring with or have copied there. After receiving your permit, place it on your windshield and are on your way to Sonora Bay. When you return home, you just turn the permit in at a booth outside the station at this same station at Kilometer Marker 21. You can't miss it because the "Only Sonora" return lane is well marked. Simply pull in by the booth and wait in your car for an attendant to come and remove your sticker.

b) "Mexico Auto Import Decal" - This 6 month vehicle permit requires all of the documents listed above. There is currently a $15 fee that you are required to pay a via a credit card (AMEX, MC or VISA) . This permit will allow you to drive in all of Mexico, not just the state of Sonora, and if you expect to make multiple trips during the six month period, this permit saves you the time it would take to obtain and return the "Only Sonora " permit each trip. Whatever vehicle permit you choose, remember to return it to the station at kilometer 21 before it expires!!!
Climate
The weather ranges from average of 18-25 degrees Celsius (64-77 F) in the
winter to 32-37 C (90-99 F) in the summer. Water temperatures range from 16 – 36 degrees Celsius (61-97 F)(winter/summer). The climate is semi-desert with only a few cloudy/rainy days each year.

Safety
The town is very clean and essentially crime free due to the presence of an
active local police force. Although the area is near a seismic zone, the fault line is
deep in the ocean and is a slip fault which has never generated a tremor large
enough to be felt. It is also located at the north end of the hurricane band but is
essentially protected by the presence of the Baja. Hurricanes that reach the region are generally downgraded to tropical storms. This is comforting for homeowners and a wonderful advantage of this region of Mexico.

Health Care
The quality of health care is equal to anywhere in North America and at a
fraction of the cost. Although health care insurance is available to foreigners and is very affordable, it is relatively unnecessary as public health care is very inexpensive (probably due to the courts not allowing frivolous lawsuits). The town of San Carlos has its own emergency rescue station called Rescate which is run by volunteer efforts. (You are never more than 5 minutes from emergency or fire rescue). The CIMA hospital in Hermisillo is rated #2 in the country and is only one hour away by ambulance.

Activities and Amenities
San Carlos offers a variety of recreational activities limited only by your
imagination. A world class fishing and diving destination, San Carlos also offers
sea and sand sports, bicycling, hiking, sailing, yachting, kite boarding, windsurfing, tennis and golf. The arts are also alive and well with monthly musical
performances, and an active art league for the artistically inclined. A first class
fitness centre and beautiful yoga studio have recently been constructed to these
many recreational offerings. The town of San Carlos contains numerous restaurants and nightclubs with enough diversity to satisfy a variety of tastes and ages. Locals come from all over the state to be entertained here. Food is cheaper than in most areas of North America from basics to fine dining.
There is a strong community spirit with an active and vibrant expatriate
community. The locals are very welcoming and friendly, and most speak very good English. Spanish classes and exciting cultural and educational tours for local residents and expatriates are available as well as numerous volunteer opportunities.

Local Area Trends
Two new hotels, the Grand Posada starting construction immediately
bringing 460 rooms and the Holiday Inn Express starting summer 2008 bringing
140 rooms to San Carlos. Sonoran Resorts luxury condos starting spring 2008. This brings enough hotel rooms to the area to attract major airlines such as Alaska Airlines who already serve most of the Baja. In the next town, Guaymas (a city of 350,000 people 10 minutes away) a general upgrading is underway initiated by local, state and federal governments for town improvements including upgraded facilities for cruise lines which will be starting to use its docking facilities in fall 2008. In addition under construction is a Fiesta Hotel with 120 rooms. There is a very large 8-screen theatre under construction, a Walmart opening in the fall, a Burger King and KFC to augment McDonald’s and the exquisite local cuisine. Home Depot is close to inking a deal to open up a new store as well.

Economic Status
Our closest neighbor, and largest trading partner the US, is experiencing an
economic downturn at the moment related to the housing industry but is starting to show signs of recovery. It is predicted to come back in the first quarter 2009.
Marketing efforts in Arizona recently have produced little results as there is so
much competing inventory on their domestic front. For that reason, and also the
strong Canadian dollar, marketing is best focused in Canada at this time.

Economic Stability
Mexico underwent the huge devaluation of the peso in 1994 and essentially
the American government assisted them in return for a veto power over critical
aspects of economic policy. This effectively tied the Mexican peso to the US dollar. Even during recent elections in Mexico the peso remained strong and stable. In the States of Sonora and the Baja both Governors are strongly
encouraging tourism and making great strides in this regard with infrastructure
development in transportation, roads, accessibility, ownership and safety.
Fonatur is the federal agency responsible for tourism and Escalera Nautica,
the nautical ladder on Sea of Cortez. This strategy is one of the newer programs bringing cruise ships filled with tourists to Guaymas, Sonora as early as 2009. This initiative will bring wealth to Guaymas and area while making the area more prominent as a tourist destination. In addition the adding and refurbishing of marinas along the Sea of Cortez will bring large numbers of marinars to the area as the west coast marinas of the US are saturated.

Mortgage Availability
Traditionally Mexico has been a pay as you go culture. Recently the local
Mexican banks as well as the Internationals have begun to offer mortgages. Thus
Canadians, Americans and locals now have mortgage availability. Also mortgages are available for Americans by third party lenders. Despite this most people looking at 2nd homes have primary residences which are usually paid for or have substantial equity, so potential purchasers can simply re-mortgage their home to pay for their 2nd residence. This is the path of least resistance as local mortgages require a lot of time and paperwork. Despite the slowdown in the US market, or perhaps because of it, a lot of American money is looking to invest itself outside the country and Mexico is high on the list so we may see mortgages becoming easier and faster.

Summary
San Carlos is a town poised for takeoff. The infrastructure is in place. The
natural beauty, mild climate, pristine ocean, pure drinking water, proximity to
major cities and the US border, world class shops nearby, multitude of activities to choose from, friendly community atmosphere, and aging demographics are all
drawing people here. Northwest and Alaska Airlines who service most of the Baja
require 300-400 more hotel rooms (which will be realized by half the projects
underway) and a second golf course which is to be completed by 2009. Hence, as the US economy recovers we expect San Carlos to flourish.

Hope to see you soon!