How to Get to Puerto Penasco, Mexico

Also known as Rocky Point, Puerto Penasco is the closest beach to residents of much of Arizona and has become one of the most popular road trip vacation destinations for southern Arizonans. Miles of beach on the turquoise blue sea of Cortez, kayaking trips, snorkeling adventures and whale watching tours await the traveler to this still relatively unknown paradise. Puerto Penasco is a three hour drive from the Arizona border town of Lukeville. However, since Puerto Penasca was little more than a fishing village until recently, and Mexican roads may be unfamiliar and confusing to the visitor, getting there can be half the battle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Getting to Puerto Penasco

Things You’ll Need:

Map of Sonora State Car or Rental Passport
Map of Sonora State
Car or Rental
Passport

Step 1

Lukeville is the closest border crossing to Puerto Penasco. To get to Lukeville you must take Interstate I-10 to State Highway 85 south, which is just west of Phoenix. Take 85 all the way to the U.S. Mexican border, which is at the town of Lukeville.

Step 2

Cross the border. You will need to present your passport at both the U.S. customs and the Mexican customs. You will not need a visa or auto permit to visit Puerto Penasco as it is within the tourist border zone.

Step 3

From the Mexican border town of Sonoita take Mexican route 8 south; there will be signs in town that point you toward "Puerto Penasco."

Step 4

Drive 70 miles south on Mexican route 8 until you get to beautiful Puerto Penasco. It is a straight shot from Sonoita.

Tips & Warnings

The road to Puerto Penasco is well paved and even, however, if unfamiliar with Mexican driving laws, it is advisable to do this drive in the daytime and avoid night driving.

Article Written By Vincent Madrone

Based in San Francisco, Vincent Madrone is a professional freelance travel writer and voiceover artist. He has written extensively for online and print publications, including USA Today Travel Tips, A to Z World Travel and Viva Travel Guides. Madrone also writes health-related articles for various online publications.

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