Ajo, Arizona, is a charming town located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, about two and a half hours west of Tucson. With a rich mining history and a vibrant artistic renaissance, Ajo offers a unique experience that combines nature, culture, and heritage.
The name “Ajo” comes from the Spanish word for “garlic,” although it is believed to be an adaptation of the O’odham word “o’oho,” meaning “paint,” in reference to the red pigments used by the local Indigenous people. Mining has been central to Ajo’s history since the 19th century, with the New Cornelia Mine being the most notable, fueling the community’s growth until its closure in 1985.
Ajo is notable for its Spanish colonial architecture, especially its central plaza, designed in the 1920s as part of a master plan inspired by the C