Getting to Las Palomas Resort
in Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) Mexico


 


Driving Directions

Driving from PHOENIX to Rocky Point

  • Starting from downtown Phoenix, go westbound on I-10 to Buckeye.
  • Take highway 85 South to Gila Bend.
  • Continue through Gila Bend until you reach McDonalds.  Turn right at the sign just before the McDonalds for Mexico/SR85 South.
  • Take SR 85 South to Ajo (39 miles).
  • Continue on SR 85 South to Lukeville, Az. (37 miles).
  • Lukeville is the border between the US and Mexico. Once you cross the border, you will be in Sonoita, Mexico. At this time, distances change from miles to kilometers. Figure 5 kilometers for every 3 miles.
  • Continue on the main road for approximately 1.8 miles. You will arrive at a 2-way intersection with a stop sign. At this time, you will see a monument and signs for PTO Penasco and Santa Ana to the left. Make a left at the stop sign (watch for cars coming from the left - be careful), and then move to the right and follow the signs for PTO Penasco.
  • Stay to the right towards Puerto Penasco/Caborca at the Y on the road. There is a traffic light soon after you bear right. Continue straight through this traffic light to Mexico Highway 8.
  • Once you have gone through Sonoita, continue on Highway 8 from Sonoita to Puerto Penasco (60 miles). Along the way, there is a sign that says El PTO Penasco. Do not turn at this sign.  It is in the middle of the desert.  Keep going on the main road. As you begin to enter Puerto Penasco, turn right at the THIRD traffic light (there is a large ‘Bienvenidos’ sign on that corner) onto the street named "Calle 26" or "No Reelección". Continue straight on this street.  After crossing the railroad tracks, the Las Palomas Sea Side Community's property begins where you will exit to the left around the traffic circle. A short distance farther, the street will curve to the right.  Continue straight on this street along the sand dunes to a traffic circle where exiting to the left leads to the security gate of the main entrance of Las Palomas.   If asked where you are going, just tell them you are a guest of the owner of Coronado #1101 and you are there to check in. They will tell you how to get to the Phase II Lobby.  You may park temporarily near the entrance to the lobby to register.

 

Driving from TUCSON to Rocky Point

Valencia Road is the largest major street in Tucson that then becomes State Highway 86 - heading West.  You can also use Ajo Way or I-19 (Ajo Exit) - both heading West. Once on Highway 86 continue West through Sells and Quijotoa (these towns are on the Papago Indian Reservation - Tohono O'Odham) to the town of Why. At Why turn left onto State Highway 85 South.  Follow Highway 85 South to Lukeville, Arizona at the mexican border.

Just over the U.S./Mexican border is the Mexican town of Sonoita. Stay to the right and there are signs which direct you through town to Puerto Penasco. Just keep a lookout for them. They will place you on Mexico Route 8 and an almost straight run to Puerto Penasco, commonly known as Rocky Point.  There are a few sharp turns though, so stay alert and preferably drive only during the daytime.

Once you have gone through Sonoita, continue on Highway 8 from Sonoita to Puerto Penasco (60 miles).  Along the way, there is a sign that says El PTO Penasco.  Do not turn at this sign -- it is in the middle of the desert.  Keep going on the main road.  As you begin to enter Puerto Penasco, turn right at the THIRD traffic light (there is a large ‘Bienvenidos’ sign on that corner) onto the street named "Calle 26" or "No Reelección".  Continue straight on this street.  After crossing the railroad tracks, the Las Palomas Sea Side Community's property begins where you will exit to the left around the traffic circle. A short distance farther, the street will curve to the right.  Continue straight on this street along the sand dunes to a traffic circle where exiting to the left leads to the security gate of the main entrance of Las Palomas.  If asked where you are going, just tell them you are a guest of the owner of Coronado #1101 and you are there to check in.  They will tell you how to get to the Phase II Lobby. You may park temporarily near the entrance to the lobby to register.

Driving from CALIFORNIA to Rocky Point

(Take US–101 S, then take I–10 E toward SAN BERNARDINO (Crossing into ARIZONA 337.6 miles), Merge onto AZ–85 S via EXIT 112 toward GILA BEND (36.5 miles). Turn RIGHT onto AZ–85. (80.2 miles to Lukeville, Az). Cross the border. As you begin to enter Puerto Peñasco, turn right at the THIRD traffic light onto the street named “Calle 26” or “No Reeleccion.”   Continue straight on this street. After crossing the railroad tracks, the Las Palomas Sea Side Community's property begins where you will exit to the left around the traffic circle.  A short distance farther, the street will curve to the right. Continue straight on this street along the sand dunes to a traffic circle where exiting to the left leads to the security gate of the main entrance of Las Palomas. If asked where you are going, just tell them you are a guest of the owner of Coronado #1101 and you are there to check in. They will tell you how to get to the Phase II Lobby. You may park temporarily near the entrance to the lobby to register.
 

Additional Information

When you arrive to the Mexican border, drive slow and roll down your windows so that the authorities can look inside. You will either get a green light (which means keep going) or a red light (which means pull off to the side for inspection). You will stop just ahead and to the left.  They might ask you where you are going and what you are carrying.   I normally tell them that I have no more than $ 200.00 of food, beverages and other daily necessities for a 3-day trip to Rocky Point. They will sometimes ask you to open the trunk of your car.  When they see that you do not have too much, they will ask you to continue.  DO NOT TAKE GUNS OR AMMO INTO MEXICO! They do not appreciate drugs either.

In Mexico, unlike the US, pedestrians do not have the right-of-way.  Be careful when you cross the street.

As you are driving into Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point), you will probably wonder if you took the wrong turn somewhere.  Don't worry.  It is mostly desert until you approach the resort.  If you get lost for whatever reason, ask someone how to get to Las Palomas on Sandy Beach. (In Spanish: “Cómo llego a Las Palomas en Sandy Beach?”)
 

IMPORTANT: Remember to Get Auto Insurance

You will need to obtain Mexican auto insurance for coverage while in Mexico. You can do so online or when you are on your way to Rocky Point. Several companies sell auto insurance in Ajo, Arizona, which is approximately 30 miles north of the Mexican border.  Online you can purchase your insurance at www.AAA.com under Mexican Auto Insurance. You can print the policy right away. Make sure you put it in your car! The cost is approximately $18 to $30 dollars per day depending on the type of coverage you get. Longer periods of time cost less per day. You can purchase insurance for 6 months for somewhere between $300 and $400 dollars, so if you plan to travel in Mexico for more than 12-15 days in the next 6 months, it may pay to get the longer term insurance.

You MUST purchase Mexican auto insurance.

Being insured in the US does not help you in Mexico in case you need it.