international airport in Puerto Peñasco

Just out today! "Arizona's Beach" will now be only a short flight away.

A new international airport in Puerto Peñasco — also known as Rocky Point — is to open next week. Initially, there will be service for private and executive flights, and the hope is to have commercial flights to and from Tucson, Phoenix and Hermosillo beginning in January.

The Mar de Cortes International Airport was built by Operadora Aeroportuaria Golfo de Cortes. S.E. de C.V. with an initial investment of $45 million, said Fernando Antillón, airport director.

"This is a terminal that is going to keep growing … according to the demand," said Antillón.

The airport is 20 miles south of Puerto Peñasco and about 60 miles from the U.S. border. Puerto Peñasco is 35 minutes by air from Phoenix and one hour from Los Angeles.

The terminal will be inaugurated next Thursday by Mexico's president, Felipe Calderón, as well as representatives from the tourism industry.

It will be fully operational by 2012, but currently its 1.55-mile concrete runway is capable of handling all types of service and aircraft up to Boeing 757s and similar aircraft, according to airport officials.

Antillón said the next phase of the construction will bring the total investment in the project to nearly $80 million.

The airport is operated by a subsidiary of conglomerate Grupo Vidanta, which is currently building several resort and residential developments in the region. Grupo Vidanta built and operates the Mayan Palace in Rocky Point.

Airport construction started in 2007. At that time, Grupo Vidanta built in six months a provisional airport to accommodate a Mexico-U.S. border governors conference in Puerto Peñasco.

By Mariana Alvarado, Arizona Daily Star

Tucson, Arizona Published: 10.28.2009

Upcomming Events Rocky Point, Mexico!

November 2009

9TH ROCKY POINT RALLY:
Classic and luxury motorcycles owners, ride their machines over the streets of the port. A celebration for motorcycles lovers.

Date: NOVEMBER 5TH - 8TH
Place & Time: Puerto Peñasco, Son. Mex.
Contact Info: (638) 388 0444; 01800 552 2820 when calling from México. From USA dial 602 288 6710 or 1 877 50RALLY

For more information visit: www.rockypointrally.com
Book your stay!

3RD JAZZ BY THE SEA FESTIVAL:
Come and enjoy international jazz bands

Date: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14TH
Place & Time: from 5:00 to 10:00 pm
Contact Info: (638) 388 0444; 01800 552 2820 when calling from México. From USA dial 602 288 6710
Book Your Sandy Beach Condo

THANKSGIVING:
A time when American family enjoy a delicious turkey

Date: NOVEMBER 28TH
Place & Time: USA
Contact Info: N/A
Book your Beach front Condo

IRON CHEF COMPETITION:
Culinary competition from different locals

Date: NOVEMBER 27TH
Place & Time: N/A
Contact Info: (638) 102 0275 when calling from México.
Book your Sandy Beach Resort

TASTE OF PEÑASCO:
Restaurants from throughout the city will setup food booths, for all who attend this wonderful feast, to sample the best culinary fare of the town

Date: NOVEMBER 28TH
Place & Time: BELLA SIRENA RESORT. FROM NOON TO 6:00 PM
Contact Info: (638) 102 0275 when calling from México.
Book Your Stay


December 2009

4TH ANNUAL PEÑASCO CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION:
Inc. New Year´s Eve Banquet: This Charity event benefits the Peñasco Children´s Foundation and will include: Dinner, champagne toast, music, dancing, silent/live auction, raffles and more! Join us for an evening of fun and celebration to benefit the children of Puerto Peñasco.

Date: DECEMBER 31ST
Place & Time: PUESTA DEL SOL RESTAURANT AT PLAYA BONITA RESORT
Contact Info: (638) 383 0700 when calling from México.

A charming little sea town called Puerto Penasco, that takes your breath away!

You know I love the Beach, grew up at the beach, I came across this article in the Travel Examiner written by Anita Kaltenbaugh, and I just had to share, I have to tell you that I could not have said it better myself.

Who doesn't love an ocean? Nature created this vast entity bigger than all of us, teeming with life and energy to enrich our lives. Something happens to me when I gaze at the water, something wonderful. The closeness of the sea fills my soul with calmness, liberating any stress I may be holding tight inside and energizing my spirit.
Just returning from two weekends in Southern California brought me to the realization that I love all oceans. Waves breaking, blue straight horizons as far as the eye can see and soft sand for walking on and lounging on, relaxing as if the work world stopped and there is not a care in the world as you sit by the water's edge.
Yes, I love all oceans, but after two weekends in Southern California I have a strong urge, deep passion bubbling up inside me to go back to my favorite body of water the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.
Now, many friends and relatives of mine live in Southern Cal so this it not a slam on their beautiful piece of the world. However, this is about urges and withdraws for something you love that rests inside your heart and nothing else can fulfill that place to create an inner feeling of peace and freedom.

Here are 7 reasons why I love the Mexican coastlines more (especially a charming little sea town called Puerto Penasco) over the California beaches.

1. Color of the water- turquoise, blue clear and clean. Warm describes the Sea of Cortez, here 9 months of the year no wet suits. I prefer my water warm, turquoise and full of glittering diamonds.

2. Can we say California traffic?- my experience in the last two weekends, no parking, drive around look for a spot to park, to go just 5 miles in a taxi- $20 cab ride, 20 minute ride in traffic to get anywhere, all day, every day. Sirens? Stayed in a hotel in La Jolla and counted 15 sirens in one night. No offense I like to park next to the beach and carry all the fun beach items 50 feet.

3. Prices- food prices, hotel prices, drink prices. Mexico even with a slower economy is less than half of the prices in Laguna Beach, La Jolla even Pacific Beach. I have credit card receipts to prove the cost difference. In Puerto Penasco you can stay in new condos for less than $100 a night. Does not exist in La Jolla, Laguna or Pacific Beach

4. Travel time from California- load your car up with all your favorite beach toys, bicycles, clothes and coolers and from Phoenix or Tuscon you can be sitting on the beach in less than 4 hours ( that includes unpacking the car and putting your chair in the sand)

5. Beaches are free in Mexico- no $10 car charge, no blocking off of the beach for walking the beach due to a resort hotel, no tags. Open to all. Best thing all the new developments are right on the beach and you can just walk back and forth to your condo or room. Economically hard to beat!

6. Rules and Regulations- Where did all the rules come from? Example of a sign in San Diego on the beach
NO alcohol on beach
NO dogs on beach
NO smoking on Beach
NO fires on beach
NO sleeping on beach
NO vehicle on beach
NO shell picking
In Mexico go to Sandy Beach, take your cooler, your dog, your food, drinks relax and take a nap all for free. Where did all the rules come from?. It must be that inner voice inside my head but I hate to be told what to do when I'm on vacation. Beach combing of washed up shells is an age old pastime. Also, just like the Corona commercials which you know are not shot in California, you too can have a cervaza on the beach in Mexico, staring at blue water.

7. Crowds, packed bars, restaurants- on a Saturday in Pacific beach we went to three different bars to find a place to sit and have a cold beverage. I like crowds as much as the next guy at the right event but sometimes you want to be able to sit down have a drink and enjoy the view without waiting. Walking down Sandy beach with miles of empty beautiful beaches is hard to pass up.
Yes, I love the California surf just as much as the next guy but spending two crowded weekends there sure gave me the Mexico withdrawals. Sorry California friends! Anita Kaltenbaugh

Are you ready to go to Puerto Penasco? Special 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo 7 Days for just 675.00 + tax/fees for a beach front Luxury condo that sleeps up to 6 guests.
Contact sales@nettravelease.com to check if your week is still available!

When planning your trip, you do not need to exchange your dollars, they are accepted all over Puerto Penasco, as well as your credit cards. Also you can get your passport card for just 45.00

Daily shuttle service is available from Phoenix airport, and the drive to Puerto Penasco is just 3.5 hours.

Check our list of fun things to do in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
Life is so much better at the Beach!

DEEP SEA FISHING IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ
Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) is a majestic beach resort community located at the base of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), Mexico, and can be found in the same geographical region as Cabo San Lucas. See Photos Here!

So I suppose you want to know what happened on our trip to Rocky Point this month? Yes?

Deep sea Fishing! My freezer is full of fresh caught fish. My son, had 2 fish on his line, 6 times! The Sea of Cortez is healthy! Here is how this works, they pick you up at the resort take you to the fishing boat, you fish, they bait the hooks for you, remove the fish from the hook and at the end of the trip, your fish are fileted for you.
You can see more photos here Talk about service! The people from Santiago's Ocean Services were exceptional!

Well, we had an awesome dinner catered by Chef Mickey Medina, Winner of the 2009 Iron Chef Contest, on the penthouse patio at the Sonoran Sun Resort it was truly a delight!

Chef Mickey will also prepare your catch of the day for you, “ You kill it, I’ll grill it!” He has a reasonable price for his talent and services and has provided them for some of our guests at the Sonoran Sun Resort already.
$50 for parties of 1-4 plus food and gratuity
$100 for parties of 5-8 plus food and gratuity
$150 for parties of 9-12 plus food and gratuity

This is a BIG weekend in Rocky Point! See all event details here!

What's happening at the Sun?

Friday, 8:00pm until 10:00 Come and Salsa dance in the Patio. Bring the drinks of your choice to keep you cooled down

Saturday We are planning on volleyball on the beach, Horse shoes, Football and Soccer (tide and weather permitting). Guards will have those play items available at the gates by the east pool/Jacuzzi area Don’t have a team? Meet some new friends and voila! Instant team.
7:15 pm-10:00 Parrott Mafia Concert, tickets available at the door. $25.00 Please check on posters in elevators on price at the door.

Sunday, volleyball on the beach, Horse shoes, Football and Soccer (tide and weather permitting), with all you new and old friends ~ 8:00 pm PG rated movie by the pool for everyone’s enjoyment

There is still time to Book your getaway for this weekend, at the Sonoran Sun and other Sandy Beach Resorts! Daily Shuttle Service is available from Phoenix Airport!

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS Thanksgiving Weekend - Nov. 25, 26, 27, 28

After three years of legal battles the Mexican Secretary of the Environment determined that the Sandy Beach Resorts Marina, between Sandy Beach and La Cholla, could not be authorized to continue. read more....

Be sure to check out the top exclusive deals that WOW'd us this week

Awesome Bahamas Deals this month!

Upcomming Holidays Rocky Point, Mexico!

Let's go to Mexico, Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico a charming little beach town with great fishing on the Northern tip of the Sea of Cortez. See Puerto Penasco/ Rocky Point photos

Upcomming Holidays Rocky Point!

Tourism is raring to go and Puerto Penasco (known as Rocky Point to most Americans) is ready to be desiginated as the next new hot spot.

With miles of sandy caramel colored beaches and blue turquoise water and a plethora of beach front resorts the local businesses are excited and ready for the upcomming holidays and events.

Columbus Day Weekend - Oct. 9, 10, 11
School's Out - Bring the Kids!

16th Annual Rocky Point Roundup - Oct. 16, 17, 18
This AA event with Al-Anon participation is being held for the 4th year in a row at Sonoran Spa Resort. For pre-registration go to their website

Puerto Penasco getaway just a 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix with daily shuttle service available to the Sonoran Sun Resort, Sonoran Spa Resort and other Sandy Beach Resorts!

9th Annual Rocky Point Rally - Nov. 5-8
Thousands of motorcycles fill the streets of Penasco. It is quite a site to see! Proceeds for this super fun event go to Rocky Point Charities. For info about the Rally click here

Thanksgiving Weekend - Nov. 25-28
Yum yum yum!

Iron Chef Competition - Nov. 27
Chef Mickey will be defending his title at the OceanView Restaurant at Sonoran Sky Resort.

Taste of Penasco - Nov. 28
Restaurants from all over Penasco will be setting up booths and selling some of the most scruptious foods - at reasonable prices. This annual event is tentatively planned to be held at the Shrimp Park.

EVENT DETAILS

Book your stay at the
Sonoran Sun Resort
Sonoran Spa Resort
Sandy Beach Resorts!

Horseback riding on the BEACH!

What's better than riding horseback through the surf? WE FOUND PARADISE!

If you enjoy horseback riding and beautiful scenery, one of the most popular and romantic places to be on a horse is along the beach.

In most southern states, horseback riding on the beach is either uncommon or not allowed. Come to Rocky Point and make your dreams come true!


Rocky Point’s Sandy Beach - is a beautiful seaside retreat where you can enjoy the sand, surf and water sports, such as swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, fishing, clamming, or just basking in golden sunshine, and yes horseback riding on the beach.

The miles-long, crescent-shaped Sandy Beach on the Sea of Cortez is a sun-kissed paradise with miles of sand dunes flowing inland. With the most pristine beaches and undisturbed dunes in the background, Sandy Beach is one of the most enviable stretches of beach anywhere in the world.

Come to Puerto Penasco for the Unbeatable views of the Sea of Cortez and stunning white sandy beaches, that can be enjoyed from your private balcony at the Sonoran Resorts Luxury condos, on Sandy Beach.

Natural Stress Releif can be found by removing yourself from the hustle and bustle of a busy city, and horseback riding alongside the waters edge, especially during sunset, come to PARADISE see more photos here!

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs Outlawed in L.A.

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

(Picture courtesy of Masa Assassin)

We spent the 4th of July holiday in Mexico this year, I was just a bit apprehensive spending 4th of July in another country. I also heard many of the fireworks in Phoenix would be canceled, due to the economy this year.

We decided to go to Rocky Point, and what a pleasant surprise and wonderful holiday it turned out to be!

We spent the 4th of July at the Sonoran Resorts on Sandy Beach, Pool Party! Live Band! So there we were, beach side, live band, ocean in the back round, drinks in hand while in the pool. The kids got to ride on the Banana Boat all day long, in the eve, we had a Movie by the Pool, Salsa Dancing Lessons, Treasure hunt for the Children, fire works, Mexican dancers, and all sorts of fun things to do! A good time was had by all! See photos on Face Book! and we also had Mexican hot dogs, which is the point of this whole story!

The hot dog looked different then what we are used to, and as far as hotdogs go, it was by far one of the best I have ever had!

by El Gitano a while back, asking for opinions about the best eateries in Rocky Point, Eduardo opined that the best thing in town is "Sonoran style hot dogs" and recommended a spot to find them. As it turns out, those hot dogs are wrapped in bacon and grilled, their history apparently going back to some entrepreneur selling hot dogs from an unidentified hot dog cart in Mexico City's Parque de la Alameda.

The regional differences lie in the trimmings that are put on them. In Sonora, those trimmings are sauteed onions, finely chopped tomatoes, 5 to 7 beans (its about the dog!!), some mayonaise and some mustard.

What Eduardo said was this: "As a sonora style hot dog lover I must say, and I am opening this secret to all gringos, the old man in the corner of Constitucion Ave and Benito Juarez has the best "sonora style hot dogs" in town, must go early 'cause he only makes around 250 once they are sold he's gone for the day, luckly he is teaching his sons about the secrets of dog cooking and it seems they like it too!!!

"The glory of Sonoran style, bacon wrapped hot dogs is just one more reason to visit-- or move to-- Puerto Penasco, especially if you live in Los Angeles, CA. Because, you see, L.A. has decided they are a hazard to your health, and has made them illegal.

The story, as reported by the L.A. Times (The Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog: So Good It's Illegal), is really a little more complicated than that, but only marginally when you really look at it. Who the County Health Department and various law enforcement agencies are really targeting appears to be only street vendors in the heavily Hispanic southeastern section of downtown L.A.'s commercial district, making no distinction between the legal, licensed, regulated, tax paying vendors and the illegal vendors. Quite understandably, those vendors are upset about it and feel that racism is in play there.

The story in the Times centers on a legal vendor, who has been hawking her wares from her cart for more than a dozen years. When she ignored warnings to stop selling the bacon wrapped dogs she was arrested and jailed for 45 days. Needless to say, she no longer sells them and her business has plummeted as a result.

It's a very interesting story and I recommend that you read it. But in the meantime, if you really need a fix of bacon wrapped hot dogs, you can get them any time you want-- in Puerto Penasco / Rocky Point Mexico!