Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico

Whale watching on the Guaymas bay.   Sunset from the Guaymas bay.	The "El Pescador" monument, a statue of a fisherman, has come to symbolize the city of Guaymas.
San Fernando Church, the oldest church in Guaymas, and the bay of Guaymas.

Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico was selected as Mesa’s first Sister City in 1981 for several reasons. Then-Governor Bruce Babbitt was strongly encouraging all Arizona cities to form sister city relationships with a city in Sonora, Mexico as part of his program to promote greater understanding and increased trade between Arizona and Sonora. Guaymas, like Mesa, is the third largest city in the State.

Guaymas is located about 250 miles south of the United States border on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) and is accessible by car (an 8-9 hour drive) or by air (a direct 1-hour flight.) The city is home to more than 200,000 people. Guaymas, in addition to its active seaport, is known for its water recreation opportunities. A resort area, San Carlos, has been developed about 15 kilometers northwest of Guaymas, and attracts visitors to its beaches, marinas, and hotels.

Guaymas is Mesa's most active Sister City, due to the proximity of the two communities. For many years, the City of Mesa and the Mesa Sister City Association have sponsored a float in Guaymas’ annual Carnival parade, and have sent a delegation to take part in the festivities. Most recently, Vice Mayor Giles led a group of Councilmembers, staff and Mesa Sister City Association members in February 2000. Guaymas delegations have been hosted at our Cinco de Mayo celebrations or on other occasions during the year. Invitations are routinely exchanged between both governments when new leaders are inaugurated. Individual Sister Cities members have hosted exchange students, delivered medical and school supplies requested by Guaymas, and supported the Casa Franciscana Mission.

Since 1993, there have been efforts on the part of both communities to include economic development in the relationship. Mesa's Economic Development Division, has played an active role in matching groups of Guaymas business representatives with local business interests in Mesa. With the passage of NAFTA, there continues to be strong interest in strengthening business ties between the two communities. The Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau has also focused on increasing tourism between Mesa and Guaymas/San Carlos,as well as encouraging Canadian winter visitors who are interested in Mexico to consider a San Carlos visit if they go.

For more information on the activities of the Guaymas Committee, contact Chris Strauch at 480-8332322.