Arteaga, Coahuila

The small town of Arteaga is located just 18 km to the east of Saltillo.

Arteaga resembles an oasis in the middle of the desert area, which conquers travelers with beautiful landscapes of forests, fruit flavors, and an impressive mountain range, affectionately called “Little Switzerland”.

Walk through the quiet cobbled streets, try tasty regional cuisine, and visit the temple of San Isidoro Labrador, next to which there are souvenir shops with authentic products. And, of course, climb the mountains.

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

The Copper Canyon (“Barranca del Cobre”) is a chain of canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara in the state of Chihuahua. It is one of the most remote places in Mexico due to its location in the Tarahumara Mountain range.

From here you can enjoy an incredible view of the snow-capped mountain peaks!

The numerous waterfalls and hot springs of Najeno Copper Canyon region are hidden from curious tourists’ eyes. You can reach these nature wonders on foot on your own, or with a guided tour (on horseback or donkeys).

Spending the night under the open star sky on countless sandy islands is magic.

There are enough travelers and tourists in the region, but it is not crowded. Most likely, small towns maintain the right balance: there are enough visitors, so you can meet like-minded people and go on expeditions together.

Mexiquillo, Durango

Mexiquillo is a very attractive nature park for mountain lovers.

Mexiquillo is located in the west of the state of Durango. A significant part of its territory is covered by virgin coniferous forest with several endemic species of pine trees, as well as ravines, tunnels, canyons, and waterfalls.

The park is not included in the national park system of Mexico, nor is it a natural monument, but it is of interest to tourists due to the opportunities for active recreation: tracking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking down rivers.

In 1981, in the Mexiquillo, Ringo Starr starred in the movie “The Caveman”.

Sombrerete, Zacatecas

Not far from the large city of Zacatecas is one of the oldest cities in Mexico – Sombrerete, founded in 1555. It is worth noting that the city of Sombrerete has preserved its unique cultural and historical heritage to this day.

The grandeur of the architectural monuments, a large number of interesting sights, snow-capped mountains, caves, and ancient gold mines have made Sombrerete one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

Nevado de Toluca is the 4th highest volcano in Mexico. It is located about 80 km west of Mexico City, on the territory of a national park also named Nevado de Toluca (after the volcano).

The volcano is a popular destination for sledding and a variety of improvised means. This is one of the few places in Mexico where there is snow not only in winter but when the temperature and humidity contribute to it.

Before you go make sure you don’t need a visa

The Mexico Tourist Card is a travel document introduced in 2015 to increase tourism. Travelers from some countries have the opportunity to obtain an electronic permit to enter Mexico online with the Natvisa service.

The key advantage of this document is saving time that you previously spent visiting the embassy or visa center. The card is also linked to your passport, so you can go through all migration procedures at the airport.

Please note that the Mexico Tourist Card does not have visa status. Passport holders from some countries may still need a visa in addition to the Mexico Tourist Card to have a comfortable and legal stay in Mexico.

Mexico is the embodiment of an ideal tourist destination for a holiday.

The country meets the most optimistic expectations of travelers and impresses with unexpected discoveries. Holidays in Mexico is not only tequila, Mexicans in sombreros, and human-sized cacti, but also ski resorts!

These are possibly the snowiest places you can visit in Mexico. These destinations offer a unique combination of winter wonder and Mexican charm, making them ideal for those looking for a snowy vacation in Mexico.

All these destinations offer a unique winter experience and enchanting natural beauty.

Monterreal, Coahuila

Monterreal, located in the Coahuila highlands near Arteaga, is Mexico’s premier ski resort.

In winter, especially from December to January, this area turns into a snowy paradise. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Monterreal while taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains surrounding you.

Arteaga, Coahuila

Arteaga is a small cozy town on the outskirts of Saltillo. Known as the “Switzerland of Mexico,” Arteaga exudes a charming winter vibe. Stay here for a winter weekend and explore quaint streets and snow-covered landscapes.

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Copper Canyon becomes a winter wonderland, best seen from the Chepe passenger train passing through the Sierra Tarahumara. Snow-covered pine trees, frozen lakes, and periodic snowfalls create a magical scene.

Creel, Chihuahua

Creel is a charming town on the Chepe Route, to see snow-covered views, frozen waterfalls, and the serene beauty of winter in the Sierra Tarahumara. Visit Creel in winter to see snowy pines, waterfalls, and frozen lakes.

Mexiquillo, Durango

Mexillo National Park, located in the Sierra Madre, attracts adventurers and nature lovers.

Frost-covered landscapes, abandoned tunnels, and icy waterfalls await exploration. Adventurers and nature lovers will enjoy rock climbing and hiking along the many trails of Mexico National Park in their winter gear.

Sombrerete, Zacatecas

Sombrereteis an old mining town is full of charm and colonial architecture. Sombrerete turns into a snow-covered paradise in winter. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the picturesque churches set against a white backdrop.

The city’s colonial buildings offer visitors a winter landscape rarely seen in Mexico.

Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

For extreme adventure seekers, the stratovolcano Nevado de Toluca offers an exciting winter playground. Stroll along snow-covered trails of the volcano slopes and enjoy panoramic views from this towering stratovolcano.

La Malinche (Malintzin), Tlaxcala

La Malinche National Park, located next to the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley, is ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The park’s natural beauty is especially noticeable when it is covered with white snow during the cold winter months.

Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl

These two majestic volcanoes are a challenging adventure for experienced climbers and hikers, especially Popocatepetl. Both volcanoes are not for beginners – it is best to explore them only if you already have some experience.

Pico de Orizaba

Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico to climb and admire the unparalleled snowy landscapes. Due to the dizzying heights and challenging terrain, this adventure is designed for those who do not suffer from vertigo.

Mexico City is located in a valley surrounded by large mountain ranges.

These mountain ranges act as a barrier to the cold air needed to form snow. The city’s low altitude and a subtropical high-altitude climate zone also contribute to milder temperatures, making it less favorable to snowfall.

Snow has occurred only a few times in Mexico City’s entire history. These snowfalls are usually very significant events and are often accompanied by excitement and amazement from the residents and tourists.

One of the recorded snowfalls in Mexico City occurred on March 5, 1940. The next time it snowed was 27 years later, on January 12, 1967, when 5 cm of snow fell in the center of Mexico City and the historic center.

Since these rare climate events, Mexico City has experienced several more notable snowfalls in 2007, 2016, and 2020. All of these events resulted in light to moderate snowfall only in various parts of Mexico City.

Although snowfall is a rare occurrence in Mexico City, it is more common in the surrounding mountainous areas, where higher elevations and cooler temperatures create more favorable conditions for snow formation.

On mountain peaks and volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico, the thickness of snow ranges from 12 to 25 cm. These areas experience annual snowfall on the high elevations, but such events are usually isolated from Mexico City.

Mexico City typically experiences moderate to warm temperatures throughout the year. The city’s climate was relatively stable in terms of temperature and precipitation, with snowfall occurring on only a few occasions.

Usually, snow requires certain temperature conditions to form, usually around or below freezing. Average temperatures in Mexico City rarely drop low enough to support snow formation, especially in the city center.

The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and human activity, can further increase temperatures. This effect can prevent the formation and accumulation of snow even during cold weather.

The town of Sombrerete maintains its colonial era layout with wide streets that connect small streets and alleys dotted with plazas.

The main plaza is surrounded by the government building. The Diezmo stream bisects the town.

It also maintains many of its colonial era monumental constructions.
The largest of these is the San Mateo monastery complex, which includes a church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi (Third Order). The monastery was constructed in the 16th century and was the main religious center for the region until the 19th century.

The main church has a main altar made of gold-plated wood.
There are also sanctuaries dedicated to Our Lady of Solitude, the Holy Cross, Saint Peter and Our Lady of Guadalupe all constructed in the 18th century.

The Santo Domingo Church, begun in the 18th century, was one of twenty two constructed in the state by Count Fernando de la Campo, along with the Santuario de Plateros. It is Baroque with the interior containing valuable religious art. It is also the final resting place of the count.

Next to it is the Santa Rosa Monastery and in front is a public garden.

The San Juan Bautista Church dates from 1777. Its facade is Baroque with three levels decorated with niches, sculptures and gargoyles. The interior contains a number of valuable paintings along with a main altar topped by an imaged of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. In its atrium, there is a bust of Benito Juárez.

La Capilla de la Candelaria is dedicated to an image brought from Seville. Spain, a figure of the Virgin Mary, made of wood donated by Juan de Tolosa in 1556. The small building has a stone altar, with its roof held up by fifty two thick beams. Each year the image has its feast day.

The Santa Veracruz Chapel was built in the 16th century. Its interior is completely empty, not even pews. In the floor there are over a hundred graves of unidentified children, women and men. It is somewhat deteriorated as it has not been restored as of 2013.

The La Soledad Church dates from the 18th century, distinguished by its Moorish belltower and Churrigueresque facade.

The municipality has one museum which was opened in 2000. It contains exhibits that recount the economic, social and cultural development of the region beginning with the pre Hispanic period.

The town of Sombrerete acts as the local government for a number of other communities that surround it, extending over 3571 km2.

Many of the smaller communities of the municipality were the sites of former hacienda mansions. The most important of these communities include Colonia González, Charco Blanco, Colonia Hidago, Villa Insurgentes, Ignacio Zaragoza, Benito Juárez and San Martín. These communities are dedicated to agriculture, livestock and some commerce.

The municipality is bordered by the municipalities of Miguel Auza, Río Grande, Sain Alto, Fresnillo, Valparaíso, Jiménez del Téul and Chalchihuites with the state of Durango to the west and north.

The town and municipality of Sombrerete is located in the northwest of the state of Zacatecas about 168 km from the state capital.

The region is between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the central highlands of Mexico.The municipality is in a valley is surrounded on all sides by small mountain ranges such as the Sierra de Sombrerete and the Sierra de Santa María with prominent elevations such as the Cerro Grande, Cerro Reyes, Cerro Sombreretillo and Cerro Alto. The town has an altitude of about 2,300 meters above sea level with the highest elevations over 2,500.

The main river is the San Antonio-Barajas which passes through the towns of parade, Buenavista, Los Terreros, La Capillos and Los Sauces. Other important streams are Grande-Las Adjuntas, El Pino-Linares, Los Mimbres, La Guera-Espiritu, Santo Loberos, San Juan, Milpillas, Zaragoza, Las Varas, Charco Blanco, La Batea, El Salto and Peñuelitos. The main bodies of water are Charco Blanco, Dolores, Santiago, San Ignacio and La Honda.

For about half of the municipality, the climate is temperate and semi-moist with rain mostly in the summer. The other half is slightly drier than this. The average temperature for the municipality is 22.1 C and the average annual rainfall is 635.6mm.

The most common type of vegetation is grass, on about a third of the territory and is used as animal feed. About twenty six percent of the area is forest with pine, holm oak and oak. Dry areas with cactus are only two percent of the territory. The rest is under cultivation growing corn, beans, oats and wheat.

The earliest known culture of this region was that of the Chalchihuites, which existed from the late Pre-classic to about 900 AD, and was mostly sedentary and agricultural. It is not known why the settlements of this area were abandoned, but theories center on climate change, attacks from nomadic peoples and the fall of the large cities of the central valleys of Mesoamerica. From then until the arrival of the Spanish, the nomadic Chichimecas dominated the area.

In 1555, nine years after discovering silver in what is now the city of Zacatecas, Juan de Tolosa and a small group of Spaniards and allied indigenous arrived to find more. They settled near a small spring, calling the area Real y Minas de Sobrerete. The name came from Frair Jerónimo de Mendoza, who notices that one of the mountains (Cerro de Sombreretillo) that surround the valley looked like the common three-corner hat of the time, when viewed from the side.

Soon after, the main became important producers of gold, silver, lead, tin and mercury and by 1570, the settlement had grown enough to be officially declared a town by the Audiencia de Guadalajara with the name of Villa de Llerena. In 1567 the San Mateo monastery was established to be the main evangelical center of the region.

During the colonial period the town and region continued to grow economically, with the addition of agriculture and ranching as important economic activities. However, mining still remained primary, with the two largest and most productive mines being Pabellón and Vetanegre, which made the Fagoaga family rich, giving it the title of the Marquesado del Apartado. The importance of the town of Sombrerete grew in the 17th century, with the establishment of a Royal House to collect taxes from as far as Chihuahua and Sinaloa. At the beginning of the 19th century, the town has a population of about 30,000 and a coin mint (casa de moneda) was established to create a coin called “Vargas.” Outside the mines, the various agricultural and ranching haciendas dominated the area until the beginning of the 20th century.

During the Mexican War of Independence a number of the miners sent financial support to the insurgents, especially to Guadalupe Victoria. In 1824, the town was declared a city by the state of Zacatecas and made a regional capital. The area remained politically important during the 19th century, but suffered an attack by Apaches from the United States in 1845. During the French Intervention and Reform War, it was the provisional capital of Zacatecas, with Benito Juárez passing through in 1866. The first newspaper, La Campana, was published in 1867. A major mining accident occurred in the San Amaro and San Francisico mines in 1897, with 116 dead.

When the Mexican Revolution broke out, the area’s agriculture was known for its production of cotton and grain. The war brought attacks on both haciendas and mines, which deteriorated the economy even though the town was made a provisional capital of Zacatecas from 1913 and 1914, with a visit from Venustiano Carranza.

The end of the Revolution brought an end to the hacienda system and efforts by the new government to suppress the Catholic Church brought on the Cristero War, which mostly affected the rural communities of the area.

Since then the area remains an important mining and agricultural center for the state and a commercial center for the north of Zacatecas. Notable events since the early 20th century include the establishment of the Colegio de Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in 1947, a forty-hour snowfall in 1987, the declaration of sister city status with Llerena, Spain in 1992 and the founding of the Instituto Tecnológico de Zacatecas-Occidente in 2000.

The town has two main festivals. One celebrates its founding on June 6 and the other focuses on the Virgin of Candelaria in February. In festivals such as these the most traditional music of the area, called tamborazo, is played. Another important event is the Noria de San Pantaleón Fesvial (July 27).

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

SNational Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700