Highway Conditions in Mexico
The highway from Sonoyta to Puerto Penasco is very nice to drive on. It is a wide 2 lane pothole free highway with center and side striping and plenty of places to pull off in the event of a breakdown. You need to watch for cows, horses, goats, pedestrians, bicycles and slow moving vehicles.
On the highway, Mexicans use their left turn signal to indicate that it is clear to pass them, but be sure there are no oncoming cars. The highway from Sonoyta to Rocky Point is approximately 60 miles.
From Arizona: Cross the border at Lukeville/Sonoyta border. Puerto Penasco is 63 miles south on Mexican Hwy. 8. The border is closed from midnight until 6am. There are also several shuttle companies between Phoenix/Tucson and Puerto Penasco.
From California: Take US Hwy. 8 east from San Diego or US Hwy. 10 east from Los Angeles area. You have the option of driving through to AZ Hwy. 85 (Gila Bend) and heading south to the Lukeville/Sonoyta border or crossing the border at either Algodones (across from California) or San Luis Rio Colorado (across from Arizona, soth of Yuma).
You can then drive Mexican Hwy. 2 east through the beautiful Desierto del Altar desert. Although you are on a highway, there are not alot of stores, etc. between San Luis and Sonoyta so make sure you are stocked up on supplies and water. The highway is maintained by the services of Green Angels. The Green Angels organization provides vehicle assistance throughout the Mexican Highways and freeways. Its FREE, dial 078 for more information. This is also the northern entrance to the Pinacate Reserve.
Tips: If you do drive your vehicle to Puerto Penasco, you must have Mexican auto insurance, it's the law. You don't need a car permit to drive to Puerto Penasco, but if you are heading south after your visit, please read the following information: Car Permit: Sonora Only is the name of the simplified vehicle registration program for travel only within the State of Sonora, good for a period of up to 180 days. This permit sticker is only given at the Nogales Port of Entry at Kilometer 21. Make sure all papers for the vehicle have the same name on them. Have two copies of all the following:
• proof of ownership (vehicle title)
• original of the vehicle registration
• valid driver's license for identification
• proof of citizenship
• current Mexican Tourist Permit (get it stamped at the Migración office next door)
You MUST surrender the sticker as you cross into the US. You may not travel outside of Sonora with this sticker.
Breaking Down on the Highway If you happen to break down on the highway from Sonoyta to Puerto Penasco, don't worry. Many people usually stop to help. Do the best you can at speaking Spanish. A lot of times, sign language and your limited Spanish will get the problem across.
The Mexican Government maintains "The Green Angles" (Angeles Verdes). Their function is to assist road travelers. The Green Angels are bilingual mechanics in well marked green and white pickup trucks (always going slow) who patrol major stretches of highway all over Mexico.
The highway between Sonoyta and Puerto Penasco is patrolled from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Services offered are mechanical aid for your vehicle, towing, tourist information and basic medical first aid supplies. If you need help, lift the hood of your car and they will stop and lend assistance.
