El Pedregal - Hotel en la Naturaleza — Hotel in Sonora

El Pedregal is a delightful eco casita lodge, one mile southwest of Alamos, Mexico. ||We were an 11-person birding group, which filled the entire nature lodge. We had all received our vaccination shots and wanted to travel but continue to be safe. This facility, with its beautifully appointed but separate adobe casitas, was ideal. In addition, all of our on-site meals were served outdoors on the porch or under the spacious palapa. ||Some of our best bird sightings were right on the grounds near the palapa. The MacKays and their staff replenish the ingeniously constructed feeders that attract Blackthroated Magpie-Jays, Hooded and Streak-backed Orioles, Hummingbirds, Varied Buntings, Woodpeckers, Chachalacas, and more. There was nothing better than beginning the day with a hot cup of coffee only a few feet away from incredible birds arriving for the water and feed just beyond the palapa...unless it is sipping a Margarita while watching the afternoon and evening arrivals. After dark, the Western Screech Owls and Nightjars continue the chorus. ||One of the advantages of El Pedregal and this location at the southern edge of the Sonoran Desert and the beginning of the deciduous Sierra Madre bio-zone is that the night skies are very dark. It was a delight to lay on a lounger by the pool at 2:00 A.M. and look into the Milky Way. ||El Pedregal feels remote, but it is an easy walk to services. I enjoyed morning walks as dawn broke over the village. I kept searching for a place to have coffee along the way but found none near the Plaza Alameda. Fortunately, the morning traffic led me to the Pemex station on the western edge of town. A helpful Policia Municipal showed me the espresso machine among the displays. Remember, PemexOxxo is the place to find a decent espresso in Alamos as the sun comes up. ||Alamos is a small community with plenty of surprises. It is THE place to listen to Alfonso Ortiz Tirado's beautiful tenor voice. He also happened to be Frida Kahlo's physician in the years around the Revolution. Although our visit didn't coincide with the music festival held in January of each year, we peeked at the main opera venue: the Municipal Government Office Building. It is a red brick building with an interior concert hall with offices located around the perimeter. The Plaza and its adjacent businesses and shops are open in the morning and later in the afternoon and early evening. ||El Pedregal is part of the fabric of Alamos. The MacKay’s have lived and raised their family there for over twenty years. They have played a part in building a crafts cooperative to continue Sonoran textile skills and help women enter the pueblo magico economy. Knowing that many restaurants have suffered this past year, they arranged for meals in downtown restaurants and at the Lodge. On Taco Tuesday, a family business arrived to make us dinner. They proved what we had previously only known to be a rumor. It turns out that Sonoran tacos really are the very best!!!||Alamos is well worth a visit. The key, though, is to stay at the El Pedregal Nature Reserve. At night it is tranquil, much quieter than the town. ||The MacKays and their staff provide attentive, excellent service. They and the natural preserve they have created adjacent to the Parque La Colorada are a delight. We will not soon forget the good times we had at El Pedregal Hotel en...

Our group of eleven just returned from a visit to Alamos, Sonora, Mexico. We stayed at the El Pedregal Nature Lodge. It was the first time for some although I had been there before. Everyone fell in love with the gorgeous setting; the different plants and trees found in the area, numerous birds and other wildlife, a lovely pool and an extensive area set aside for hiking and bird watching. The casitas are large and spotless, with very comfortable beds and all of the necessary amenities Our group consisted of couples who chose the king rooms and friends who shared casitas that can hold up to four occupants. There are a number of areas designed for groups to gather. A number of our group met for "happy hour" in a comfortable setting where they could watch a variety of birds, including hummingbirds, feed. Their breakfasts are wonderful. You have a choice between a hot breakfast of eggs etc. or a lighter meal of homemade goodies, yogurt, and granola. Everyone gets a delicious smoothy along with excellent, endless coffee. On our last morning we had to leave early to get back to Tucson before dark. Although we were leaving long before their normal breakfast hour they made sure we got cofffee and pastries before we left. We frequently visit Alamos, a “Pueblo Magico” as there is so much to see and do in the area. Having such an excellent place to stay is "icing...

Jen and David have created the most perfect hotel in the equally perfect town of Alamos. My husband and I were in awe at their vision and the obvious time and fortitude it took to implement. ||||The cabins blend into the surrounding trees and plants naturally and provide maximum privacy and solitude, something you will appreciate if you are looking to get away. My minimalist sensibilities really liked the decor. Every piece of furniture and art was chosen with a purpose, not simply to fill space. In the midst of such a lovely natural setting, it was nice to have a plush king bed for sleeping. ||||The staff is extremely welcoming and friendly. Even though we aren’t always keen on breakfast, we looked forward to the fresh juice, fruit, bread and other delicious options every morning. The pool area, though too cold to use during our stay, is stunning. You can also enjoy the trails on the property, the adjacent park or the easy walk into town. ||||Jen and David have lived in Alamos 26 years, raised their daughters there and are true members of the community. We loved talking to them about their experiences and getting their advice on other places to visit. The only downside of staying at El Pedregal is...