Mata Ortiz: Northern Mexico
Birding and Pottery
Birding in Alamos -
Tropical Deciduous Forest
and Rio Mayo
Cultural Tour of Mata Ortiz: Pottery & People
The Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico: Museums, Galleries, and Great Food
Costa Rica: Birds, Rainforests, and Wildlife
Alaska: Birding from Denali to the Sea
nce immensely wealthy, Alamos today survives without the riches of its historic silver mines. Instead, this "National Monument" is preserved in the mountains and benefits from an expatriate community of Americans and Canadians who provide a 
major source of income. Building codes protect its colonial architecture, with 18th and 19th Century treasures being well maintained. Hotels are historic buildings; haciendas have been and are being repaired. Streets and plazas are clean? so clean they call attention to themselves. The weather is year-round pleasant, and inviting gardens are a swirl of colors and a choice of fruit.
Points of Note -
- President Zedillo declared 188 structures in the Colonial City of Alamos as National Historic Monuments on November 23, 2000.
- The city is in position for being considered a United Nations World Heritage Site of which there are fourteen sites in Mexico.
- Alamos has been named one of a limited number of 'Pueblos Magicos' in Mexico, a special designation that has brought funds for undergrounding the electric wires.
Tirado Festival
T
he ten day cultural festival celebrates the life of Dr. Alfonzo Ortiz Tirado, world renowned singer, surgeon, philanthropist and humanist. Dr. Ortiz Tirado, an extraordinary tenor, was a native of Alamos. During the last ten days of January, Alamos opens its arms to pianists, symphony orchestras, choral groups, quartets, and dancers who entertain at fixed venues throughout the city. Art walks and cultural workshops are presented. Activities are co-ordinated under the auspices of the Instituto Sonorense de Cultura.