El DiscóboloIn the heart of the Yaqui Valley, an extraordinary city has arisen. This city has grown quickly and enjoys a promising future. Abundant in nature and generous in opportunities, Ciudad Obregón opens its doors to us and invites us to experience this great city in all its glory.
Passionate since the beginning, Ciudad Obregón is a model city that boasts a solid infrastructure and strong economic development. In addition, this city strives to provide its visitors with both a successful and pleasant stay. Here, businessmen and investors alike find the most productive of settings while those traveling for pleasure enjoy innumerable attractions, surrounded by nature, culture and commerce.
As the main city in the municipality of Cajeme, Ciudad Obregón is strengthened by the virtues and vitality of its people who live, study and work with intensity and harmony. They define and support this metropolis, which is in a constant state of renovation. It is a city that remembers its past to build its future.
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Cathedral
Built in 1977, this cathedral is a symbol of Ciudad Obregon’s faithful citizens and their spiritual fervor. In a modern architectural style, its interior exhibits a beautiful altar. At 12 meters (39 feet) wide, 7 meters (23 feet) high and weighing 2.5 metric tons, the altar is truly breathtaking. It is composed of 30 marble pieces with gold and bronze inlays. 5 de Febrero and Allende, Tel. 01 (644) 415 1646.
Álvaro Obregón Plaza
This traditional and pleasant plaza serves as a reference point for visitors. Surrounded by symbolic buildings such as the Cathedral and the Municipal Palace, the plaza allows visitors to admire many of the city’s other attractions including the Monumental Clock and the monument dedicated to General Álvaro Obregón. 5 de Febrero and Hidalgo.
Náinari Lagoon
For the last 50 years, this legendary natural pool has served as a get-a-way spot for families, athletes and all those looking to lose themselves in the peacefulness of nature. This two-kilometer (1.2-mile) wide lagoon is surrounded by evergreen vegetation, such as the lush yucateco tree. This important area of the city invites visitors to enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, water sports and healthy, harmonious living. Prol. Calle Guerrero.
Kid’s Park
Built inside the Ostimuri forest, this family paradise offers many possibilities for fun, especially for kids. Activities include a miniature train that runs through the park, kid’s rides, playground equipment and rest areas. Within the park, visitors can also enjoy the state’s original planetarium as well as a wonderful zoo. In addition to its aviary, the zoo exhibits many spectacular animal species such as the whitetail deer, the grey fox, the blue gnu, Gila monsters and many more. Prol. Guerrero and Calz Streets. Ostimuri, south side of Náinari Lagoon. Tels. 01 (644) 413 4917 / 414 2937.
Álvaro Obregón Sports Center
Since 1975, this comprehensive facility, nestled among yucateco and eucalyptus trees, has offered athletes all the necessary amenities to play various sports (baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, frontenis, swimming and gymnastics). This sports center has played a major role in forming many of the city’s greatest athletes. North side of Náinari Lagoon.
Álvaro Obregón Dam
Better known as the Oviachic Dam, this engineering marvel was built in 1952. With a storage capacity of some 3,226 million cubic meters (852,219 gallons) of water, it is the largest dam in the state and is the favorite site for fishing, jet skiing and boating enthusiasts. Don’t miss the scenic lookout, whose surrounding areas are perfect for many eco-tourism activities such as cycling, hiking, bird watching, etc. Located nearby is the Oviachic Recreational Park, ideal for family days in the country. Forty-five kilometers (28 miles) northeast of the city.
Dr. Óscar Russo Vogel Theater
Belonging to the Sonora Institute of Technology (ITSON), this modern cultural space provides the best facilities and services for various theatrical works, musical concerts and business conventions. The theater can accommodate 757 people and proudly displays a painting by master Hector Martínez Arteche. Blvd. Rodolfo Elías Street and Sonora, Tel. 01 (644) 417 0075. E-mail: teatro@itson.mx.
Modelo “Antonino Fernández” Cultural Center
Created by the Grupo Modelo brewing company, this modern center serves as both a cultural and instructional space. In an illustrative manner, visitors can learn about Sonora’s historic development as well as the evolution that beer has had since its creation. The center presents temporary sculpture, photo and painting exhibitions. It also includes an auditorium with room for 120 people where various cultural and business events are held. Guided tours are offered. Federal Highway 15 Kilometer Marker 1849, Tel. 01 (644) 410 1010. cnoroeste@gmodelo.com.mx.
Huivulai Island
Huivulai, or long neck in the Mayo language, is the perfect word for this more than 20-kilometer (12.5-mile) long island. It has tall dunes perfect for 4-wheelers and an impressive 97-meter (318-foot) deep Pozo de Agua fresh water pond. These two natural phenomena, together with the multitude of palm trees, attract a large variety of birds (pelicans, cranes, herons, etc.). Forty-five kilometers (28 miles) south of the city and 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the coast.
The Northwest Agricultural Research Center (CIANO)
Of great importance in Sonora and other states, this Regional Center offers highly professional services to farmers, industrialists, teaching institutions and the government in agricultural, livestock and forestry research. Operating in 81 research centers, this organization also investigates human nutrition. Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Kilometer Marker 12, Tel. 01 (644) 414 5700. www.inifap.gob.mx.
The Town of Cócorit
Founded in 1617, this big sister to all the cities and towns of Cajeme is an excellent source of information about the historic Yaqui Culture. Rural mansions, emblematic buildings and a vast folkloric richness, as seen during Lent and Holy Week, are all part of this town’s cultural heritage.
International Airport
To meet the demands of this dynamic and competitive city, this international airport operates commercial flights to the country’s main cities and to the United States. Other airport services include car rental agencies, a snack bar, a restaurant and souvenir shops. Eighteen kilometers (11 miles) south of the city on International Highway 15, Tels. 01 (644) 445 0004 / 18. E-mail: cdobregon@asa.gob.mx
Expo-Obregón
The biggest and best businesses frequent this important event, which lasts for 15 days. In addition to exhibiting an extensive variety of agricultural, industrial and artisanal products, this exposition invites visitors to enjoy artistic and cultural shows of international caliber. Third week of May. Tomás Óroz Gavtán Baseball
Stadium Esplanade. www.expoobregon.com.mx
Yaqui Museum
Built in 1890 and recently remodeled, this museum is now home to the largest cultural display of the Yaqui tribe. This building previously served as military barracks, a hotel and a home. The museum is located in the town of Cócorit, one of the most important Yaqui towns and a crucial part of the Yaqui Valley. The museum illustrates the history, customs and traditions of this indigenous group in its many different exhibition halls. Exhibits include art and craftwork such as masks, drums, embroidery, clothing and many other original pieces. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions related to other regional cultures. In the town of Cócorit, 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) north of the city. Tel. 01 (644) 418 3200. E-mail: centrodeculturas@hotmail.com.
Center for Popular Cultures
In addition to offering a wide array of information about different ethnic groups (publications, music, etc.), this center also holds temporary exhibits about urban and indigenous cultures. The center coordinates six cultural centers in the municipality, which organize and hold forums locally as well as in other regions of the state. Activities include a radio show and two television programs. www.isc.gob.mx
Casa Rosalva
This is a traditional and historic Cajeme home, which holds numerous events in order to promote the plastic, musical, scenic, literary and cinematographic art forms. Here, contemporary national and international painting, sculpture and graphic arts are on display in the house’s excellent galleries. www.casarosalva.org.mx
The Cócorit Mansion
Built in 1894 and displaying colonial architecture, this building offers visitors permanent exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography as well as other artistic works in its many different halls. Among its distinguished artists is painter and sculptor José Luis Cuevas. In the town of Cócorit, 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) north of the city.
Golf Club
With 38 years of tradition, this golf club boasts a spectacular 60-hectare (148-acre), 72-par, 18-hole course. Designed by Percy Clifford, it is the seat of the renowned Annual Tournament, which draws professional golfers from Mexico and the United States. This golf club also provides a bar, swimming pool and events area. International Highway North Kilometer Marker 7, Tels. 01 (644) 4180 151 / 044.
