Town in Sonora, Mexico
Puerto Peñasco
Sonora's beach town on the Sea of Cortez, a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix, with condos, seafood and tide pools. Easy for Americans; summer heat, spring-break crowds and Sonora's security issues need care.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,540–2,470Comfortable, one person · MX$28,000–45,000Details
- Value for money39/100Better value than 38% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 36°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–55Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashPesos preferred; US dollars accepted at poor rates.Details
Where to stay in Puerto Peñasco
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sandy Beach | Condo resorts, long beach and the main tourist strip |
| Old Port (Viejo Puerto) | Malecón, seafood restaurants, fish market and local feel |
| Cholla Bay | Quiet houses, tide pools and a laid-back crowd |
Apps that work in Puerto Peñasco
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Listed for the town on Uber's city page; confirm in the app |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Restaurant delivery; check your address in the app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Uber lists the town; confirm in-app. Else agree taxi prices first or ask your hotel to book a driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mixed: cards and cash Pesos preferred; US dollars accepted at poor rates. Cards at hotels, condos and many restaurants; cash for tacos, markets and taxis.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.