Culture & Traditions in Puerto Peñasco

Experience local culture & traditions while staying at Encantame Towers in Puerto Peñasco. The landscape surrounding the towers spans the Sea of Cortez and the vast desert stretching toward the Pinacate mountain range. Moreover, within this embrace of desert and sea, Mexican culture mixes with the indigenous roots of the region and newer traditions celebrated by diverse visitors to the area.

Pinacate Biosphere Reserve

One can see the outline of the Pinacate mountain range on the horizon to the north of Encantame Towers. The indigenous Tohono O’odham revere this area as part of their creation story. Furthermore, historians report the peak of the Pinacate was the vantage point from which Padre Kino first noted Baja California was a peninsula and not an island. The mountain range is now part of the grander Pinacate Biosphere and Desert of Altar Reserve. This UNESCO Natural Heritage Site is also one of the 13 Natural Marvels of Mexico. Stop into the Schuk Toak Visitors Center just off the Sonoyta- Puerto Peñasco highway to learn more about the volcanic landscape, shifting dunes, maar craters, and rich cultural legacy of the Pinacate.

Fishing traditions

Puerto Peñasco’s history dates back nearly 100 years to its beginning as a fishing village. The large shrimp fisherman monument on the malecón in the Old Port harks back to the early days when fishermen flocked to the area to rake in the “pink gold.” The fishing industry continues to be an important part of the city’s economy, with fresh seafood at local restaurants as an added bonus!

Culture & traditions: Holidays

As any city in Mexico, Puerto Peñasco loves to celebrate traditional fiestas! Whether you are here for Mexican Independence Day in September, Día de los Muertos at the beginning of November, the Revolutionary Day parade in November, or the busy Semana Santa Easter period, you will surely be whisked into a world of wonder. Over the years, people from different parts of Mexico, the U.S., and beyond have moved to the area. This all contributes to varied cultural experiences along these inviting shores.