Planning your trip to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

THE BEST WAY

Getting there:

From LAX, nonstop service to Puerto Peñasco is offered on Aeromexico. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $277.

Most visitors drive from Arizona. By the existing highways, it’s about 550 miles from Los Angeles, 440 from San Diego, 215 from Phoenix, 60 miles from the border. A new highway, due to be completed later this year, will follow the Gulf of California coastline more closely, shaving about 100 miles from the Southern California drive.

Because Peñasco is still a driving destination, only a handful of rental cars are available at the airport. And even though Alamo has a new desk at the airport -- neither the company’s website nor its phone operators are taking reservations for Puerto Peñasco yet. Taxis, however, are common and affordable.

TELEPHONE

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 52 (country code for Mexico) and the local number. (Do not use that combination for toll-free numbers.)

WHERE TO STAY

Peñasco del Sol hotel; (800) 259-6976 or (638) 383-0302, www.hotelrockypoint.com, recently remodeled with 204 rooms. Pool, restaurant, beachfront location. Considered the best hotel in town. Rates $89 to $249 per night, plus 12% taxes, breakfast included weekdays.

Hotel Viña del Mar, 1 de Junio Street and Malecón Kino; (638) 383-0100, www.vinadelmarhotel.com. A modest lodging in the Old Port area. 111 units. Rates $67 (single room) to $152 (Jacuzzi suite), tax included.

Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort, 150 Boulevard Costero; (877) 802-7484, www.laspalomascommunity.com, is a vast condo project (11 buildings), but has about 350 studios and suites available for short-term rental. One-bedroom units rent for $175 to $272, plus 5.5% in taxes.

Mayan Palace, Kilometer 24, Carretera Peñasco-Caborca; (800) 292-9446, www.mayanpalace.com/penasco. Time-share resort featuring golf course, tennis, indoor and outdoor pools. Rates $395 to $655 per night, plus 2% taxes.

Condo rental agencies include Sea Side Reservations, (888) 262-4508, www.seasidemexico.com; Oceano Luxury Vacation Rentals, (888) 328-8491, www.gooceano.com; FMI Rentals, (638) 388-0773 or (no international dialing code before this number) (602) 288-8609, www.fmirentals.com; Fiesta Beach Travel, (800) 713-6259, www.rockypointmexico.com.

WHERE TO EAT

Casa del Capitán, 1 Aqua Ave., (638) 383-5698, has the best views in town and a menu long on seafood. Entrees up to $18.

The Point, Malecón Fundadores, (638) 383-8660, in the waters just off the Old Port area. Seafood and steak. Entrees up to $16.

Balché at Mayan Palace, (638) 383-0400, might be the one thing that’s affordable at this exclusive resort. Main dishes up to $13.

TO LEARN MORE

The Sonora Tourism Commission runs www.gotosonora.com. Operated by a travel agency, www.puerto has a detailed website.