About Nogales – “Los Dos Nogales”
Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora Mexico were referred as “Los Dos” meaning “The Two” and sometimes “Ambos” meaning “both Nogales”. Today they are two adjoining cities separated by a fence defining the border between the United States and Mexico. The histories and cultures are tightly woven beginning in about 1650 when Jose Romo de Virav of Spain is thought to be the first European to come to the area that would become known as “ Nogales”. Interestingly, the original spelling was “Nugales” which is the Spanish word for “walnut” named for the abundance of walnut trees that once grew abundantly in the mountain pass between the two cities of Nogales.

The area was the trade route called “El Cid Real” or “The King’s Highway” where regiments of Spanish Conquistadors passed in search of gold and silver riches. Early in the eighteenth century, Father Francisco Eusebio Kino established several missions in the area as far north as the San Xavier del Bac Mission, perhaps the most well known, just south of Tucson.

The original name of what was to become Nogales was “Isaactown” named after Jacob Isaacson an itinerant peddler in the Arizona Territory who built a store and warehouse near the present day site. The area was also once known as “ Nogales Rancho” which was a stagecoach station and livestock center. In the late 1870s plans were completed to build a railroad simultaneously built from Guaymas to the border and southward from Tubac with the two ends to meet at Nogales Pass. Since the eventual railroad station was called Nogales, the name of Isaactown was changed to Nogales.

Nogales Arizona
The charming Arizona border town of Nogales is a popular point of entry into Old Mexico. Millions of visitors experience the Mexican culture and rich historical traditions on both sides of the border. Nogales Az with a population of around 21,000 is located about 60 miles south of Tucson on Interstate 19. At an elevation of 3,865 feet the summer temperatures are mild averaging a high during the summer months of 92 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also the County Seat of Santa Cruz County.

The area offers great fishing and boating at the nearby Peña Blanca Lake and Patagonia Lake. The area mountain ranges of Santa Rita and Huachuca Mountains area offer scenic opportunities for hiking and camping. The Tumacacori National Historical Park in upper Santa Cruz County offers the ruins of ancient colonial missions. The Patagonia – Sonoita Creek Preserve is known for 290 bird species many of which are en dangered. The Preserve Creek is fed by surface and underground water and supports native fish species and harbors wildlife including mountain lion, bobcat, deer javelina, coyote and coatimundi. Between Nogales and Tucson is the famous San Xavier del Bac Mission that attracts throngs of visitors each year.

While in Nogales, Az visit the Old City Hall built in 1914 before Arizona became a state. Architectural enthusiasts will enjoy the diversity of historical buildings of Sonoran style and Queen Anne Cottage to Pueblo Revival and Mediterranean style. Be sure to stroll historic Morley Avenue where shopping venues still occupy structures built in years gone-by. For more information, visit the Nogales Chamber of Commerce.

Nogales, Sonora Mexico
Nogales Sonora is a bustling city of over 300,000 people where you’ll discover the color and historic traditions of hundreds of years past. You’ll love shopping here where the local artisans and shop-owners thrive on negotiating. It’s almost a form of entertainment to win the game of bartering for pottery, paintings, furniture, leather goods, jewelry and unique items that are only found in Mexico. One thing for sure…always checks the quality of the product before bargaining. But generally you can count on some very good deals. The streets are alive with vendors competing to make the sale.

The city has many fine dining establishments and nightlife entertainment. Nogales is a relatively safe city with friendly people that realize the importance of tourism to its economy. But, like all travel to foreign countries, know its laws and regulations and behave yourself.

The best way to visit the fun and experience of Nogales Sonora is to park your vehicle on the Arizona Nogales side and walk across the border unless you plan on driving deeper into Mexico. Always carry identification verifying country citizenship. If you plan on purchasing prescription drugs be sure you have prescriptions in your name. And, by all means, do not carry firearms or ammunition into Mexico unless you’re on a hunting trip and have the approved proper documents for such. We highly recommend visiting the Nogales/Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce website for useful information and regulations. You can call the US Customs Office for help, assistance and current laws in Mexico at (520) 885-0694 which is available 24 hours daily.