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Ures is a fantastic little 19th-century town in the wind-swept desert mountain air of Sonora. Founded way back in 1636, it used to be a mission to the indigenous peoples, although the area had been settled by Europeans even earlier in the 1530s. Still, it hasn't grown a lot since then. Long known as the Athens of Sonora,  it's a place of tremendous cultural significance and it's still sometimes known as a first stop on the incredible Sonora River Route. With staggering waterfalls and more scenery than you can remember, it's a popular tourist trail and a nature-lover's dream.

People come to visit the old hacienda, La Quinta de Nápoles, and the San Miguel Arcángel Church. There are a number of similar historic sites like the General Ignacio Pesqueira house museum, and the Plaza de Armas as well as the regional museum and house of culture. Nearby, the Hacienda Bella Vista is most famous for the stretch of the Sonora River that runs right across the property. It's a great place to stay, too. But more than anything, Ures is a place to wander the few central streets and head off into the surrounding desert. It's simply a magnificent landscape. 

Food is northern, hearty, and there is a lot of it. Machaca burritos are just a start and most of the tortillas here start with wheat.  Restaurants are concentrated along the west side of town, and nearby the local artisans will tempt you with all kind of local goods. Think leather and ranchero traditions.  

With just about 2,000 people, it's not a big town, although local celebrations will frequently swell the town's streets and cantinas. The vast majority of visitors will have made at least a stop in the state capital of Hermosillo. It's about one hour to the west/southwest. Turismo Martinez runs the route regularly from the Central de Autobuses de Hermosillo. It's a pleasant journey and the surrounding landscape is unforgettable.