The nearby hamlet, El Sabinito, located within the municipality, also derives its name from a tree, the sabino ("Montezuma cypress").

His expedition of 1540 camped at the confluence of the two major arroyos (Escondido and the Aduana) of present-day Álamos and made reference to local geographical landmarks, including two large rock formations on Mount Alamos known as Los Frailes, 'the monks' in English.

As historian David Leighton explained, “Its first known name was Real de los Frailes or “Mining Camp of the Friars,” a designation taken from some tall white rocks that appeared like hooded monks near the village.”[3] The church records of Álamos date to 1682, but it was founded on December 8, 1685, by the Spanish soldier, Domingo Terán de los Ríos, after the discovery of the silver mines at Promontorios, La Aduana, Las Cabras, La Quintera, and others of lesser importance nearby.

[5] A major expedition led by Juan Bautista de Anza II departed Álamos in 1775 to discover a route to Alta California.

While it has much in common, architecturally, with Mexico's other “Silver Cities,” Álamos has not succumbed to large-scale commercialism and has managed to retain the charm and pace of earlier times.

The great wealth created by the silver mines from the surrounding mining towns of La Aduana, Minas Nuevas, and others enabled the founders and residents of Álamos to build scores of colonial Spanish mansions throughout the town; most of them went into ruin in the early 20th century but in the late 1940s, a number of Americans and Canadians began buying and restoring the houses.

Vacant mansions went into disrepair until foreigners began restoring homes in 1946 after three decades of abandonment, bringing employment to locals with building and housekeeping skills.

About 16 km to the northwest is the Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez Dam and Reservoir known as “El Mocúzarit”, whose waters irrigate 80,000 acres (320 km2).

“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.

Most notable is the annual Festival of Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado (“FAOT”), a nine-day event in late January that is attended by many national and international musicians and celebrities.

[citation needed] Cuchujaqui is the subject of international scientific study and the southern migration destination of hundreds of different species of birds.