Magdalena de Kino is about 135 km north of Hermosillo, roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive on Federal Highway 15 toward Nogales, with Tufesa and TAP buses also running the route from Hermosillo's Central de Autobuses. The town's central attraction is the Plaza Monumental Padre Kino, a mausoleum-style crypt in the main plaza holding the remains of Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino, discovered in 1966 and now displayed beneath a glass viewing area. A morning visit allows time to see the crypt, the adjoining Templo de Santa María Magdalena, and the plaza's murals depicting Kino's missionary journeys across the Pimería Alta. Midday suits lunch at one of the market stalls or restaurants near the plaza serving Sonoran-style carne asada and flour tortillas, and the afternoon can include a short walk through the town center or a stop at the municipal market for local crafts. October through May offers comfortable travel weather, and early October draws large crowds for the Fiestas de Octubre, a pilgrimage and fair honoring Padre Kino that fills the plaza with vendors and processions. The return drive to Hermosillo takes about the same hour and a half, making the trip comfortable as a single day out.
How to get there
- Bus: Tufesa or TAP from Hermosillo Central de Autobuses (about 1h45m)
- Car: Federal Highway 15 north from Hermosillo toward Nogales (1h30m)
- Rideshare or private taxi from Hermosillo
- Combine with a stop in Santa Ana or Imuris on the return drive
Location
Plaza Monumental Padre Kino, Centro, 84160 Magdalena de Kino, Son., Mexico
30.6339, -110.9581 View on map
Highlights
- Plaza Monumental Padre Kino and the missionary's crypt
- Templo de Santa María Magdalena adjoining the plaza
- Murals depicting Eusebio Francisco Kino's Pimería Alta missions
- Fiestas de Octubre pilgrimage and fair each early October
- Municipal market for local crafts and Sonoran food stalls
Tips for visiting
- Take a Tufesa or TAP bus from Hermosillo's Central de Autobuses, or drive Federal Highway 15 north
- Visit outside early October unless specifically planning around the Fiestas de Octubre crowds
- Check the crypt's opening hours before arriving, as access can be limited on non-festival days
- Combine the visit with a stop in Santa Ana or Imuris on the return drive
- Bring small bills for market stalls near the plaza, which mostly deal in cash
When to visit
Visit October through May for mild travel weather, or plan for early October to experience the Fiestas de Octubre pilgrimage.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Magdalena de Kino from Hermosillo?
About 135 km, roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive north on Federal Highway 15.
Who was Padre Kino?
Eusebio Francisco Kino was a Jesuit missionary who established missions across the Pimería Alta region in the late 17th century; his remains are enshrined in the town's plaza crypt.
What are the Fiestas de Octubre?
An annual pilgrimage and fair held in early October honoring Padre Kino, drawing large crowds to the plaza for processions, music, and vendors.
Is a car necessary for this trip?
No, Tufesa and TAP buses run directly from Hermosillo, making the trip accessible without a rental car.