Los Mochis,
Sinaloa
"Place
of Turtles"
The city of Los Mochis is a relatively new
city in Mexico but has quickly developed into a commercial
center for the large agricultural area in the basin of the El
Fuerte River. It has become a transportation hub for
Northwestern Mexico situated on the border between the two
states of Sinaloa and Sonora. It is also the Pacific rail
terminus for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad, and is sometimes
referred to as the "Gateway to the Copper Canyon." Los Mochis
is also the main terminal for ferries to the Baja linking to
the Capital of the Baja Sur, La Paz, with the mainland,
Los Mochis Fast Facts
Location – Strategically located on
the coast of the Sea of Cortez in the northwest corner of the
state of Sinaloa.
Weather – Semi-arid. Extremely hot
summers with very high humidity. Warm winters with little if no
rainfall.
January average Highs 37C (98F) Lows 12C
(55F)
July average Highs 43C (110F) Lows 23.9C
(75F)
Population – 257,00
Elevation – 10 m (30 ft)
Founded – 1893 by a group of
American utopian socialists
Medical – Many hospitals, doctors,
dentists
Money – Banks and ATMs
Airport - Los Mochis International
Airport or Valle del Fuerte Federal International Airport has a
terminal building and parking for 3 commercial aircraft.
History:
Los Mochis was founded by Americans in the
late 1800’s; one group under Albert Kinney Owen (a civil
engineer) was organized under the principals of utopian
socialism an envisaged a perfect cooperative colony. Owen
started the Texas, Topolobampo and Pacific Railroad and
Telegraph Company and called the now town of Topolobampo “Ciudad
González”. He sold bonds to build a railway and city and in 1886
the settlement began. Two years later 300 colonists arrived from
New York and by 1892 over 1200 colonist had arrived and tried –
but failed – to develop a large agricultural based community.
The development was all but abandoned by 1893 and most of the
colonist moved back to the US.
The other founder was Benjamin F. Johnston,
a capitalist who wanted to develop and exploit the natural
resources of the area. A quick business man he developed the
sugar industry by starting a sugar mill for the area in 1898.
Rapid growth followed and the town grew rapidly. Johnston built
factories, an airport, church, lighthouse and dam. He owned or
was a major partner in over 20 different companies. He mapped
out the city plans and founded what is known as Los Mochis
today. When he died in 1937, his family returned to the US.
Los Mochis has prospered and is the
commercial center for the most prosperous agricultural area in
the country.
Festivals
Things to See and Do
Sinaloa Park and Botanical Gardens:
Previously the site of Johnson's home. Includes domestic as well
as foreign plats and tree.
The Regional
Museum of the El Fuerte Valley
Six exhibition
rooms and a petroglyph mural.
Ph. (+52-668) 812-4692
Bird watching: Thousands of
migratory birds such as ducks and Canada geese, white-winged
dove, the quail and come to this region. Ask for guides at your
hotel.
Sports fishing –Deep-sea fishing
arrangements for marlin, wahoo, and dorado can be made in
Topolobampo. Freshwater fishing opportunities are available near
the dams.
Copper Canyon:
Arrangements can be made to take a unique
rail trip from Los Mochis to the Copper Canyon. – said to be
eleven times the size of the Grand Canyon in the US.
Chepe
(Chihuahua al Pacifico scenic train, which goes to the Sierra
Tarahumara).
out Los Mochis-Chihuahua: 6:00 hrs.
Arrive in Los Mochis: 19:50 hrs.
Tickets and information: Ferromex, tel. 8.24.11.51
Port of
Topolobampo
Go to the port
and enjoy a tour of the area.Visit
the walrus sanctuary, enjoy the
seafood!
Accommodation
Hotel
RV Parks Los Mochis
Los
Mochis Copper Canyon
Directions:
Los Mochis is located on Highway 15 in the
Northern Area of the State of Sinaloa.
You can also reach Los Mochis via a ferry
from La Paz or by air.
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