Sea of Cortez Premiere Vacation Club - Directions
Getting There
San Carlos lies about 250 miles south of the United States / Mexico border in Nogales, AZ.
Map of Sonora, Mexico
- Download Sonora Map (pdf)
Map of San Carlos
- Download San Carlos Map (pdf)
By Air
The nearest airport to San Carlos is in Guaymas (GYM) and is approximately 15 miles away. This airport is currently serviced by America West (US Air). You may also choose to fly into Hermosillo (HMO) and rent a car to drive the remaining 75 miles into San Carlos.
By Car
Assuming normal driving conditions, it should take visitors around 4 hours to travel from Nogales to San Carlos. If you plan on driving into Mexico, you will need to have the vehicles title and registration, a tourist visa issued by Mexican Immigration authorities, and a valid U.S. Driver's License. Please check with your insurance agency about options for obtaining temporary Mexican automobile insurance – it is required by Mexican law and foreign insurance is not valid!
The route you will need to use to travel to San Carlos is Mexican Federal Highway 15. Highway 15 is a four lane road will take you through Hermosillo en route to San Carlos. The route will take you through four major cities in Sonora, Mexico: Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Anna, and Hermosillo. Currently, there are three toll stops en route to San Carlos (Nogales, Magdalena, Hermosillo) – please bring with you $20 to ensure you have adequate toll funds.
By Bus
TUFESA Bus Lines currently offer bus trips to San Carlos originating from Phoenix ($53), Tucson ($36), and Nogales ($23). http://www.tufesa.com.mx
- Phoenix: 602-415-9900
- Tucson: 520-294-3722
What to Bring
Visitors are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Special Notes
Road Travel
The Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) have been helping motorists on major Mexican highways for decades. The Mexican Tourism Ministry operates a fleet of nearly 300 vehicles that patrol fixed sections of the major highway routes in Sonora twice daily.
The Angels provide mechanical help, first-aid, radio and telephone communication, basic supplies and mechanical parts, towing, and tourist info. To reach the Angeles Verdes call 1-800-903-9200.
Currency
The monetary unit in Mexico is the peso. You may exchange dollars for pesos at banks or various exchange houses, also known as 'Casas de Cambio'. You will receive better rates at the banks, so try to use them first. Additionally, avoid paying for items in American dollars. Change will be given to you in pesos at an undervalued exchange rate. ATMS are available at most banks in Mexico, but they will not always accept American cards. To be safe, you may want to consider bringing traveler's checks or cash in case of emergency.
Miscellaneous
Any and all firearms and ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Please check your vehicle and luggage to ensure that you are not bringing either of these items into Mexico as the consequences are severe for any infraction.