Sr. Jesus Felix introduces himself. He's the owner of Rancho Las Tinajas. It's a ranch with its own mountains, river with fresh water bass, a microclimate where he raises avocados. He's hoping to expand his ranch with facilities for the hunter and sports fisherman.

I've got an appointment with Sergio Cesaretti, Director of Tourism Promotion for the State of Sonora. We're having coffee downstairs in the Hotel Gandara. Sergio is offering ideas. I'm interested in the Cowboy Culture and Hacienda Heritage. Sergio mentions Ures, a small town, just north of Hermosillo, a cattle ranching area now famous for cheese and "jamoncillo" a type of creamy fudge.

Cabeza de Vaca arrived in Ures and the Yaquis presented him with 600 dear hearts. Game and hunting is still popular here and two of the haciendas are open to the public.

While were talking, a gentleman at the next table asks if he may interrupt.

Of course, we agree. Sr. Jesus Felix introduces himself. He's the owner of Rancho Las Tinajas. He owns 5000 hectares, that's about 12,000 acres, nearly 20 square miles. It's a ranch with its own mountains, river with fresh water bass, a microclimate where he raises avocados. He's hoping to expand his ranch with facilities for the hunter and sports fisherman.

The ranch is on the road to Guaymas, my next destination. Sr. Jesus Felix moves over takes my note pad and draws a map. To get to his ranch, I'll turn right on the road just past the Oxxo Minimarket, continue west to Rancho Las Tinajas then I'll need to pass through 4 gates. He explains the gates are locked.

I say I'd like to visit on my way Thursday to Guaymas. Sr. Jesus Felix reaches into his pocket, pulls his hand out and gives me the blue-banded key to the ranch. He tells me to introduce myself to Manuel, the majordomo of the spread.

This story is from my Forty Days in Mexico.
The previous story in the series is Hermosillo and Quinta Nápoles.
The next story in the series is Rancho Las Tinajas.