Álamos is located in the southeastern part of Sonora, and 396 km (246 miles) from state capital Hermosillo, 54 km (34 miles) from Navojoa via Sonora State Highway 162, and 663 km (412 miles) from the northern border town of Nogales. It is adjoined by the State of Chihuahua on the east, and the State of Sinaloa on the south. The population of the municipality is 24,493 and its area 6,947.27 km². Average temperature is about 14 °C (58 °F); maximum 47 °C (117 °F).
Álamos is known as "La Ciudad de los Portales" (portales
are tall, arched, covered verandas or walkways fronting many of
the cobble-stoned streets or calles). Alamos boasts
numerous buildings exhibiting classic architecture from Mexico's
Colonial period, including the Plaza de Armas, the Church of La
Purísima Concepción, La Capilla and the Palacio Municipal ("city
hall"). The great wealth created by the silver mines from the
surrounding mining towns of La Aduana, Minas Nuevas and San
Bernardo enabled the founders and residents of Alamos to build
scores of colonial Spanish mansions throughout the town; most of
which were destroyed in the early 20th Century, and replaced by
the i
mages
of what Americans who had bought the ruins thought the colonial
princes wanted as homes. Although attractive there is little
original or accurate there today of the colonial period. The
economy of Alamos has long been depressed, contributing in large
to the exodus of population and business. Nevertheless, in
recent years much interest has developed in "birding." and many
enthusiasts visit annually. True industry in the form of copper
and silver mining have developed in the past three years in
predominantly two areas, silver mining in the Cerro Colorado
region to the south of Alamos and copper mining in the Piedras
Verdes location to Northwest. The Sierra de Alamos Ecological
Reserve, offers serious 'birding' opportunities. About 16 km to
the West is the Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez Dam and Reservoir known as
“El Mocúzarit”, whose waters irrigate 80,000 acres (320 km²).
Cattle ranching is seasonal and declining due to impoverished
grazing lands. Numerous chicken and pig farms, called "granjas,"
contribute substantially to the economy.
Many Festivals and fiestas occur in Álamos year-round, most
notably the Festival of Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado ("F
AOT"),
attended by many national and international musicians, and
celebrities. Dr.
Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, born in this community in 1894,
achieved recognition for being "El Tenor de las Américas." An
impressive exhibit of Ortiz Tirado is found in the Museo
Costumbrista, located in front of and to the east of the Plaza
de Armas. The annual
Festival Alfonso Ortiz Tirado is a nine day event that takes
places in Alamos annually in late January.
The first President of Modern Mexico---post Mexican Revolution---Alvaro Obregon was born on a farm near Alamos on February 17, 1880.
The renowned Mexican screen actress, María Félix, was also
born near Alamos on a farm in Quiriego onApril 8, 1
914.
The creek of Cuchujaqui, which is in the ecological reserve is the most subtropical area in the Northern Hemisphere. Cuchujaqui is the subject of international scientific study and the southern migration destination of hundreds of different species of birds. , Álamos was named a "Pueblo Mágico" in 2005. "Pueblo Magico" is a designation given by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism to towns that offer a 'magical' experience by reason of their natural beauty, cultural riches and historical relevance.
Nearby, in the small town of La Aduana is the "Mexican jumping bean ("brincadores") capital of the world."
