Touring the Churches and Missions in Northern Sonora.
Departing from Puerto Peñasco, take Highway 37 past a farming region until you
reach Caborca, which lies 150 km (93 mi) southeast. This historic city is known
for its important agricultural activity and the beautiful architecture of the
Templo de la Purisima Concepcion, a mission built at the end of 18th
century, which is a structure supported using a pedestal, or inverted pyramid
form. From there, take Highway 2 for about 12 km (7 mi) to Pitiquito, where you
can visit the Templo de San Diego,
built in the 19th century. This edifice has an austere façade with a
doorway flanked by columns and a frieze adorned with plant motifs. When you?re
ready to move on, take Highway 64 for about 30 km (19 mi) until you arrive at
the San Antonio de Oquitoa Mission,
which was founded by Father Eusebio Kino in the 17th century. The
façade is of two bodies and has scallop decorations. Continue along Highway 64,
which will lead you to the Atil Mission, which was founded by Jesuit Friar
Jacobo Sedelmayer in 1751. This mission still has its nave intact and you?ll
see the remains of its original adobe walls. Finally, the last stop on the
route is Tubutama, located 235 km (146 mi) east of Puerto Peñasco. Here you can
check out the Templo de San Pedro y San Pablo, founded by Father Eusebio Kino
in the 17th century. This edifice has a brick façade decorated with
plant motifs and an arched doorway with a pair of recesses.
