ALAMOS TRAVEL GUIDE

RESTAURANT KEY   Around $5;   $$ =$5 to $10;   $$$ = more than $10 For a typical meal without beverage, tax or tip.

Dining

La Reyna
($; see our Meal Deal page).

Ricardo’s ($; on the main plaza) offers cheap, yummy tacos in the evening.

Hotel Colonial ($$$; Calle Obregon 4; 647/428-1371; www.alamoshotelcolonial.com) has great pizza, as well as other things.

Hotel Hacienda de los Santos ($$$$, Calle Molina 8; tel. 647/428-0367; www.haciendadelossantos.com) offers regional and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a romantic setting.

Hotel Recommendations

HOTEL KEY   $ = less than $50;   $$ =$50 to $100;   $$$ = $100 to $200   $$$$ more than $200 For a typical meal without beverage, tax or tip.

Hotel Colonial ($$$;
Calle Obregon 4; 647/428-1371; www.alamoshotelcolonial.com) is a lovely remodeled colonial home surrounding a courtyard.

Hotel Dolisa ($; Calle Madero 72; 647/428-0131) is not right in the center of town, but on the entrance road.

Hacienda de los Santos ($$$$, Calle Molina 8; tel. 647/428-0367; www.haciendadelossantos.com). A series of beautifully restored old mansions surrounding sparkling swimming pools and snug courtyards. Ask for a fire in the game room or spend time in the excellent gym. In the evenings meet your hosts for cocktails in the bar and then dine to romantic music in the adjacent restaurant. Lovely!

Posada de don Andrés ($$; Calle Rosales 24-A; tel. 647/428-1110) offers eight moderately priced rooms in a pretty setting right downtown.

Outside town, Posada el Palomar ($$; Domicilio Conocido; tel. 647/428-0182; www.ranchopalomar.com) is the place for people who want to ride horses, hunt doves, or just relax on this ranch in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. Includes Continental breakfast. Fab dinners several times a week, by reservation only.

Things to Do

Area adventures: For birding, river trips, mountain biking, and other eco-tours, contact Dave and Jennifer MacKay of Solipaso (Calle Obregón 3; tel. 647/428-0466; www.solipaso.com)

Fly fishing: Felipe Acosta of Posada El Palomar (tel. 647/428-0246; www.ranchopalomar.com) leads fly-fishing expeditions.

House and garden tour: Held during the high season only, they provide a glimpse into Alamos’ restored mansions, and proceeds go to area charities.

Shopping: El Nicho (Across the street from el Palacio Municipal) looks like a combo curio and junk shop. You’re sure to find something you like in this warren of rooms. On the road out of town, the Mercado de Artesanías has some treasures among the kitschy souvenirs and homemade potholders. It’s a fledgling co-op of local artisans, so stop in and give it a look.

Annual Events:November 19 & 20: Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Opera and chamber music are featured for the 9-day Festival Cultural Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, usually near the end of January.

Tourist Information: On the plaza, Calle Guadalupe Victoria 5, tel. 647/428-0450

Websites: www.visitasonora.com and www.alamosmexico.com

Arriving: Frequent buses from Navajoa, about an hour away on Hwy 15.