If you happen to be traveling in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, be sure not to miss the chance to explore the dual cities known as “Nogales.” Nogales has a portion on the Arizona side in the US, and another section in the border town of Sonora on the Mexico side.
The two cities share a rich history. In fact, guests who cross the U.S. border into the Sonora side will walk in the same footsteps as the early Spanish Conquistadors who explored the western area of North America.
One of the main reasons why people decide to visit Nogales is for its shopping – the entire downtown area is a marketplace for any and all things Mexican. You can find everything here from Tabasco sauce and jalapeno salsa to Mariachi instruments and avocados.
Another one of the town’s main attractions is, surprisingly, its healthcare. Upon crossing the border, you’ll likely see dozens of clinics, pharmacies, and dental surgeries. These establishments offer affordable medical care to patients from all walks of life, though it is recommended to find a reputable provider before going through with any kind of procedure.
If you’re curious about what else this town has to offer, consider reading our list of recommendations below.
The 5 Most Popular Things To Do In Nogales, Mexico
5. Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi
4.3 ★★★★☆ (7 reviews)
Credit: U.S. National Park Service
Location: Nogales AZ
Tel: 520 377 5060
The Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi served as a settlement for the O’odham people in the 1960s until it was discovered by Catholic Jesuit Father Kino and Salvatierra. The settlement was then established as a mission and renamed it to San Gabriel de Guevavi, which means either “big spring” or “big well.”
Over the next years, the mission established a district headquarters and a church in the settlement. However, the mission was abandoned in the 1770s after the Apaches attacked.
Today, the settlement is overseen by the National Park Service which offers guided tours by reservation for the months of January to March.
4. Cerro de la Pirinola
4.4 ★★★★☆ (8 reviews)
Credit: Gildardo Quijada | Wikimedia Commons
Location: 84103 Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
The El Cerro La Pirinola is a majestic mountain located northwest of La Tinaja in the community of Bacadéhuachi Sonora. The hill is mainly visited by locals, but tourists who come out to see the La Pirinola are treated to spectacular views of the city.
People who visit La Pirinola are encouraged to hike in the park. In the winter season, the La Pirinola is often covered in snow, allowing tourists to make snowmen and take a lot of photos.
3. Nogales Art Museum
4.2 ★★★★☆ (70 reviews)
Credit: Jonathan McIntosh, License, Flickr
Location: Av Adolfo Lopez Mateos 120 Fundo Legal Centro Nogales Son
Tel: 631-313-9165
The Nogales Art Museum, also known as the Museo de Arte de Nogales, is a free museum where guests can view updated displays of photographs, paintings, and other fine art. Guests can also purchase a piece of art for their personal collection.
The Nogales Art Museum is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The museum is closed on Sundays.
2. Nogasplash Parque Recreativo
4.3 ★★★★☆ (155 reviews)
Credit: Noga Splash Facebook Page
Location: 84106 Agua Zarca Sonora
The Noga Splash Parque Recreativo is an amusement park where guests can splash, slide, and dive into a number of different pools. The water park is open year-round, but it’s best to visit in the summer season to beat the heat. That being said, expect a lot of traffic during the hot season.
1. Monumento a la Razón (Mono Bichi)
4.5 ★★★★★ (1,306 reviews)
Credit: FaithoverFear, Google Maps
Location: Av Alvaro Obregon Moderna Nogales Son
Ask any Nogales local for a symbol that represents their city’s identity and culture, and they will likely name the Mono Bichi. The monument, which translates to the “monument to reason” features a man spearing a creature at its feet.
The statue was originally named the Monumento a la Razón. However, it earned its moniker “Mono Bichi” when a local priest opposed displaying the status of concerns about its nudity. Some locals also suspected Anti-Juarista sentiments.
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Nogales, Mexico! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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