Things To Do In San Carlos, Mexico

Almost a millennia ago, the poet-king Nezahualcóyotl wrote of the land that would become Mexico, “I love the sound of the mountain birds of 400 voices, I love the color of jade, and the unnerving perfume of the flowers. But I love my brother more, the man.”

Few places in the country reflect the truth of his romantic imagery as boldly as San Carlos: a beachfront town within the larger city of Guaymas, in the Mexican state of Sonora. The volcanic Cerro Tetakawi mountain is a backdrop and an emblem of the city, lifting up the birdsongs and human dreams.

At the edge of the Sonoran desert, San Carlos has a front-row seat to the rich perfumes of the spring wildflower bloom, filling the air with the greenery and scent of desert marigolds, owl-clover, and poppies.

Yet, it is the love running through every square inch of San Carlos—that oft-praised brotherly love—that makes the poet’s words so deeply resonate with the town’s spirit.

Where Is San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico?

San Carlos Guaymas rests on the shore of the Sea of Cortez. It’s about a four-hour drive from the U.S. border. It only takes 90 minutes or so to get there from Hermosillo, the nearest city with an airport.

The Best Things To Do When Visiting San Carlos, Sonora

Here are some of the best experiences in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

Hike Cerritos Tetakawi Trails

For an outdoor adventure, hike the Cerritos Tetakawi Trails on the mountain. There are two routes to the mountaintop, both of which are challenging. At the top, hikers are rewarded with a breathtaking, panoramic view of the region.

If you’d like a good view, but aren’t feeling the challenge, take a trail only halfway up. The bottom half of the mountain is far easier to traverse.

Explore Estuario del Soldado & Cajon del Diablo Biosphere Reserve

To immerse yourself in the seaside town’s natural wonders, explore the Cajon del Diablo Biosphere Reserve.

Visitors can explore the treetops using the reserve’s zip lines, enjoy birdwatching in the estuaries, and go camping under the stars in Nacapule Canyon.

Ride Horses On The Beach At El Rancho del Desierto

For those seeking something a little different, try riding horseback along San Carlos’ seaside shore. Horseback riders are led by an equestrian guide from El Rancho del Desierto.

Take a Scenic Ride On The Copper Canyon Train

The Copper Canyon Train is also called the Chepe Express. It’s a leisurely, scenic journey of 220 miles on the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway through the Sierra Madre mountains and canyons.

Explore Pearl Farming Up-Close In The Sea of Cortez

Travelers seeking both figurative and literal hidden gems can visit Perlas del Mar de Cortez. A pearl farm and jeweler in the San Carlos Marina, they offer guided tours of each phase of pearl jewelry making.

The tours teach guests about the process, guide them through the marine mollusk farm by kayak, and offer guests a hands-on lesson in pearl jewelry making.

Swim, Snorkel & Sight Sea Lions At San Pedro Nolasco Island

The best attraction for a whole-family day out is San Pedro Nolasco Island. The island is a 90-minute boat trip out from the San Carlos Marina.

San Pedro Nolasco Island is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore scenic coves, coral reefs, and all sorts of colorful fish and seastars from the island’s many dive points.

On any given day, visitors are likely to see hundreds of sea lions. Watching the sea lions play and care for their young is often the highlight of a trip.

Try Authentic Sonoran Carne Dishes & Seafood

Cattle ranching has long been a centerpiece of San Carlos,’ economy, and it’s a core element of the town’s history.

As such, many of the most iconic meals in the Sonoran town feature beef: carne asada, carne deshebrada con papas, and carne con chile are all memorable, authentic Guaymas dishes—as are dried beef snacks like machaca and carne seca.

Is San Carlos Mexico Safe?

Usually, San Carlos, Mexico is a fairly safe travel destination.

However, the U.S. State Department has recently put out a Level 3 travel advisory, urging Americans to “reconsider non-essential travel” to the state of Sonora, Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy specifically restricts all U.S. government employees’ travel to eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos). The department completely prohibits travel to “areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16…as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.”

Currently, these areas are the location of highly dangerous, violent, organized criminal activity—including human trafficking.

Mexican authorities have sent increased police, security, and even military forces to address the problem.

Authorities are hopeful crime in San Carlos will be brought back down to its typical, relatively low level soon. Alleged cartel leader Rafael Caro Quintero (and 28 others) was finally captured and arrested in February after months of pursuit.

Please wait to travel to San Carlos, or any other part of Sonora, Mexico, until the current violent threat has passed. Once authorities can bring the region back to normal, it’s likely San Carlos will return to its more usual, low-crime state.

Experience San Carlos Guaymas With Caravan’s Copper Canyon Train Tour

At Caravan, our curated trips to beautiful destinations, like San Carlos, Mexico, are 100% inclusive. Every activity, meal, and overnight stay hand-picked by our expert guides is bundled into the tour’s single, affordable rate. Everything is booked well ahead of time. All you have to do is buy your ticket!

If you’re intrigued by San Carlos, we invite you to our Copper Canyon Train Tour of Mexico. To learn more about our weeklong adventure through Mexico by train, boat, and scenic drive, call us at 1-800-312-321-9800. Or, just call 1-800-CARAVAN, and book your ticket today!