A mixture of saltpeter from the coast and the subtle fragrance of the sugar mills in the area are the perfect hosts for those visiting Los Mochis, a beautiful and prosperous city in the north of the state of Sinaloa located approximately 200 kilometers from Culiacan.

State: Sinaloa

Coordinates:
25°47'37"N 108°59'49"W

Altitude: 12 meters above sea level

Area:
km²

Time Zone: Mountain Time (UTC -7) Summer UTC -6

Population: 256,613 inhabitants (INEGI, 2010)

Area Code: 668

Dressed in history and tradition, Los Mochis is known as the Place of Tortoises named for the abundance of these reptiles.

A city that is the cornerstone of the municipality of Ahome, it is located between the fertile valleys of El Fuerte and El Carrizo and has a close link with the port of Topolobampo, which is located just 26 kilometers from there.

Los Mochis is characterized as an important urban center whose economic and industrial development put it as the third largest city in the state.

Its birth and foundation are relatively young. Its history goes back to the 19th century, when Benjamin Franklin Johnston began construction of what would be an important sugar complex, around which an American colony of immigrants attracted by the wealth and potential area was established.

This modern city has wide streets, a result from the minds of its founders. The innovative architecture can be seen in the buildings such as the Torre San Bernardo, which is visible as a reference point from anywhere in the city, the modern City Hall, surrounded by beautiful palm trees, or the attractive Plaza de Toros.

Linked to Los Mochis is the beautiful Bay of Topolobampo, which is separated from the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortés) by strips of sand just 2 kilometers across the islands of Santa Maria and Punta Copas. This small sea is characterized as one of the richest for catching shrimp. Topolobampo is known for its vast dunes, crystal clear waters, and for having the most important commercial port in the north of the state as it is the main entrance and exit of goods and passengers on international trade routes of the state of Sinaloa.

Getting There

Los Mochis is located in the northernmost part of the state of Sinaloa. Bordered on the north by the Gulf of California and the state of Sonora, on the west and south by the Gulf of California and to the east with the cities of Guasave and El Fuerte.

This town offers four different transport options. By land you can take the highway Carretera Federal 15 and Maxiautopista.

By air the Valle del Fuerte Airport.

By sea there is the ferry Topolobambo - La Paz.

By train you can take the famous El Chepe train route of Los Mochis - Chihuahua.

Distances from Los Mochis to other destinations in Mexico

• Culiacán, Sinaloa: 210 km.
• Mazatlán, Sinaloa: 419 km.
• Ciudad Obregón, Sonora: 234 km.
• La Paz, Baja California Sur: 245 km.
• Ensenada, Baja California Norte: 1420 km.
• Zacatecas, Zacatecas: 956 km.
• Torreón, Coahuila: 915 km.
• Monterrey, Nuevo León: 1251 km.
• Mexico City, Federal District: 1427 km.
• Guadalajara, Jalisco: 891 km.
• Chihuahua, Chihuahua: 857 km.
• Veracruz, Veracruz: 1821 km.

Climate

Los Mochis has a warm humid climate. The average temperature is 22 ° C.

During the past 28 years the lowest temperature recorded was -1.5 ° C in February 2011 and a high of 45 ° C.

The hottest season runs from July to October and the coldest temperatures are from November to February.

What to Pack

Since this destination is a land of warm weather, it is recommended to wear light clothing.

If you want to escape to Topolobampo bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals, and light clothing such as shorts, tank tops, and flip flops.

Activities and Tourist Attractions in and around Los Mochis

Church of the "Sagrado Corazón de Jesús" (Sacred Heart of Jesus), elegant construction of white quarry next to the beautiful and representative Plaza 27 de Septiembre.

Park Sinaloa, a botanical garden in the green areas of the former home of Benjamin F. Johnston, which has beautiful specimens of flora and fauna brought from India, Spain, the Philippines, and Cuba, among others.

Regional Museum of Valle del Fuerte, located in the old Chapman House, an American-style mansion which displays pieces relating to the history of the city.

Visit the Museum Casa del Centenario, a small adobe home located in the former American colony. It has an exhibition of objects, documents, and photographs about the founding of Los Mochis.

Visit the "Cerro de la Memoria" (Hill of Remembrance), located just outside of Los Mochis where one of the icons of the city, the statue of the Virgen del Valle, can be seen.

Off the port of Topolobampo are the small islands of Redo, Baradito and San Juan.

Tour Ohura Bay (Topolobampo Bay), an alternative for water sports such as swimming with dolphins, boat tours, and kayak. Playa Maviri is a beach which opens into the sea of ​​Cortes where its rough waters are ideal for surfing. It also has excellent restaurants to sample the fresh local seafood.

Visit the "Cueva de los Murciélagos" (Bat Cave), home to thousands of species of migratory bats Tandaria brasiliensis.

Visit Farallon Island, off the Bay of Topolobambo which emerges from the Sea of ​​Cortez and serves as a refuge for waterfowl, sea lions, and other species. Here you can go fishing for Sailfish and Dorado.

Take the El Chepe, the train that runs through Los Mochis to Chihuahua City with 86 tunnels and 37 bridges at a distance of 653 kilometers from the sea level at Los Mochis to a maximum height of 2,600 meters, before descending to Chihuahua about 800 meters.

Feasts and Events in Los Mochis

On June 1 is Navy Day in Topolobampo Bay. The harbor is decked out to welcome Defines and with commemorative ceremonies and a popular fair. During the festivals there are soccer tournaments, volleyball and traditional cheerleading competition.

On September 15 and 16 : the El Fuerte Valley celebrates Mexican Independence Day with games, contests, dancing.

October 31-November 2: Day of the Dead Celebration (Día de Muertos).

On December 12, all of Mexico celebrates the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.