John Garcia

San Carlos is about 6 hours south of Tucson, AZ. It is easily accessible by driving on a mostly 4 lane divided highway. The tolls are about $12, depending on the exchange rate. San Carlos is accessible by Tufesa Express Bus from Phoenix and Tucson. The bus arrives in neighboring Guaymas, and a local bus service connection across the street delivers you to the Marinaterra Condominiums and Hotel. Flights to Hermosillo, the capital of the state of Sonora, arrive daily. You can take a rental car or connecting bus to San Carlos, as well. Hermosillo is about 1 1/2 hours from San Carlos.

Our condo is located in a cluster of condominiums surrounding gated gardens and pools adjacent to the San Carlos Marina, named the Marinaterra Condominiums. The condos share the main lobby with the Marinaterra Hotel. A separate elevator allows condo guests to enter the lobby and go directly to floors 2-4. Our condo is located on the 4th floor, giving our guests what we call the "Most Beautiful View in San Carlos."

Yes! There are many restaurants within walking distance. The Embarcadero restaurant serves a variety of dishes from breakfast to the later evening right on the marina. Ruby's wine bar serves wine, tapas, a variety of special meals, and it is also on the marina. Tequilla's, the Marina Cantina, and the Five Palms also offer a variety of meals with specials throughout the week. Steak houses, taco stands, and many more restaurants are on Beltrones Blvd as you enter San Carlos.

No, but it would be less expensive and more convenient if you have pesos because of the exchange rates charged locally. Most people can go to an ATM in the Banamex Bank or the the hotel lobby and withdraw cash from their American (or other) accounts for about 29 pesos (about $2), plus whatever your own bank or credit union charges. You will need to notify your bank that you will be in the area so that they do not flag your account. In addition, some businesses may not accept dollars, especially outside of San Carlos. You can also order Pesos from many banks in the U.S. ahead of time for your trip.

Yes! A new Santa Fe Market is located about 100 yards from the condo. Like most markets in the area, it carries food items, everyday items, a pharmacy, and fresh meats. A small, more traditional market, Bimbos, is located just beyond the condos. It also carries a variety of items including water barrel refills, fresh veges, and alchohol. And if you are just looking for some ice or cold beer, the Beer Store is right next to the condos. On the main boulevard, you will find Ley's, a popular store like the Santa Fe market, and the Santa Rosa market, known for its fresh beef. If you would like to go to an American-style SuperMarket or Sam's Club, they are located in neighboring Guaymas, about 15 minutes away.

No, but it is sure handy if you want to visit beaches. However, local bus service is just outside the lobby of the hotel/condos, and it connects to the beaches, San Carlos, and Guaymas for about 10-15 pesos (about $1).

San Carlos is a small town in a strikingly beautiful location between the Sonora Desert and the brilliant blue waters of the Sea of Cortes. Because our condo is located on the San Carlos Marina, it caters to those interested water sports, fishing, sightseeing, and boating. Charter boats are available for rent on the boardwalk, dive shops such as OceanSports are in the marina complex, and a variety of cruises and sightseeing trips can be chartered. Just ask one of the captains or mates on the marina. Most will speak English and be glad that you are interested in a trip. Trips to swim with the Sea Lions with snorkels or dive gear are a real highlight for the area. Fishing trips with Team Margarita are always fun 10-35 miles out into the Sea of Cortes. Arrangements can be made ahead of time, including multiple-day trips, trips across to Baha and back, and of course, there are fishing tournaments during most American holiday weekends.

Beautiful beaches include Algodones Beach with the Soggy Peso Bar (popular, live music), La Palapa beach (within walking distance, live music) has palapas and a restaurant, and San Franciso Beach (next to the Estuary) goes for miles. Bring your own skin block, as it is pricey in Mexico! All the beaches have a relaxed atmosphere with very casual attire.

Kayak the estuary. Bring your own or rent one from San Franciso Beach at Bahia Delfin. Dolphins appear here daily, and often come very close while people swim in the beautiful waters between the estuary and San Francisco Beach.

Horseback riding is available at the at the hotel at the end of Algondones Beach. Just ask at the Soggy Peso for directions.

Because of the warm temperatures and humidity of the summer months (June-Sept.), you will need to bring light clothing, swimwear, and sandal-type footwear as part of your wardrobe. A wide-brimmed hat and light-colored longsleeve cotton shirts may help deflect some of the summer sun, especially around the water or on a charter boat. You will also want to bring your own beach towels and gear, or purchase some in San Carlos for your stay. Palapas surround the pools, but chairs are not always available, so we recommend portable beach chairs for your trips to the pools and the beaches (backpack type work very well). A larger umbrella and a good sun block are recommended for a day at the beach because of the intense sun rays. These may be available locally or in neighboring Guaymas.

Food, additional toiletries, and everyday items are available at local stores. Water is available locally in individual bottles and in 5 gallon refills for our water cooler. Our property managers can also help you find what you looking for in San Carlos.

Six people can sleep in 4 beds in the condo. There is a king suite for two, a queen suite for two, and a small guest bedroom for two.

The condo is supplied with sheets and bathroom towels. There is also a washing machine and a dryer in the condo for your use. However, beach and pool towels are not supplied, and you will have to bring your own or purchase them in San Carlos. Maid service is available, if desired for an additional nominal price for a thorough cleaning of the condo.

Yes! The condo is supplied with dishes, silverware, glasses, cookware, and a variety of kitchen essentials. We have a GE Profile glass cooktop, a microwave oven, a toaster oven, and gas BBQ on the the balcony, so you have a variety of ways to prepare and cook meals in the condo. We have a refrigerator with top freezer, a 5 gallon water cooler, a coffee maker, and a blender in the kitchen. If there is something you need, the Santa Fe Market is just up the street

The grill is great for cooking the catch of the day, a favorite steak (rib eye steaks are common in San Carlos), or a variety of other meats and favorites. If you are in doubt as to where to find something, just ask our property managers. They can be very helpful.