These northern states showcase the lesser-known side of Mexico, offering unforgettable adventures through stunning natural wonders, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Sonora is a vast northern region of arid beauty, offering a striking contrast between its expansive deserts and coastal area, where travelers can explore everything from massive dunes to stunning, serene beaches.

• Gran Desierto de Altar
• Pinacate Biosphere Reserve
• Sea of Cortez Coastline

Chihuahua is renowned for its vast desert landscapes and rugged mountain ranges, a stunning natural wonder offering adventurous travelers amazing scenic views, hiking trails, and the famous Chepe train journey.

• Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre)
• Sierra Tarahumara
• Paquimé Archaeological Zone

Coahuila is a diverse region known for its vast deserts, unique ecosystems, and historic mining towns such as Parras de la Fuente and Real de Catorce, where visitors can explore vineyards, mystical landscapes, and rich history.

• Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve
• Real de Catorce
• Parras de la Fuente

Nuevo León is a state renowned for its rugged Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, offering vibrant outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and exploring natural wonders and the scenic Cola de Caballo waterfall.

• Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
• Cola de Caballo Waterfall
• Chipinque Ecological Park

Tamaulipas invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its remarkable natural diversity, stunning coastal wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico, lush subtropical forests, and rugged mountain ranges in the Sierra Madre Oriental.

• El Cielo Biosphere Reserve
• Playa Miramar
• Soto la Marina River

Sinaloa offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty and rich cultural heritage, with its stunning beaches along the Pacific Ocean, lush valleys, vibrant cities, delicious cuisine, lively music scene, and deep-rooted traditions.

• Mazatlán
• Las Labradas
• El Fuerte

Durango boasts a striking blend of deserts, majestic mountains, and lush forests that have graced numerous films. This diverse terrain offers hiking, rock climbing, and exploring nowadays abandoned mining towns.

• Zona del Silencio
• Sierra Madre Occidental
• Old West Film Sets

Baja California is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes and breathtaking coastal beauty. This dynamic region offers a unique blend of all kinds of outdoor adventures, rich cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine.

• Valle de Guadalupe
• Ensenada
• Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park

Baja California Sur is known for its beaches, marine life, and landscapes where the desert meets the ocean. The region offers snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking, alongside opportunities to relax on its sandy shores.

• Cabo San Lucas
• La Paz
• Loreto

Plan your trip now and explore the hidden gems of Northern Mexico!

Monterreal has a cold semi-arid climate.

The surrounding mountains capture more moisture and receive higher levels of precipitation, presenting an oceanic climate. The summer months see the most precipitation, and winter snow showers occur when cold fronts from Texas reach the Sierra Madre Oriental.

The air is chilly, even during summer.

It is generally possible to ski between December and February, with natural snow.

Monterreal claims to be Mexico’s only all-year ski resort. And while snow covers the slopes in winter, in the summer — when people still come to practice their moves — the runs are down a 200-yard artificial slope of plastic, a lattice-textured mat that is kept wet to remain slippery.

The Monterreal ski center has two runs.

The main slope has a run of 230 m long and has a spring-box-type drag lift and the teaching/play area has a conveyor-type lift. The main track has a slope of about 20 degrees. In terms of difficulty, it can be considered as a blue run.

A separate 45 m long slope was specially designed for beginners and toboggans.

Golfing is a big summer draw here as the golf course and clubhouse are situated at the cloud level among pine trees. Each of the nine fairways ends with two different greens, so golfers can play 18 holes.

Nestled among the trees is one log cabin after another. The resort property is a mix of hotel log cabins and lots with private second homes of Mexico’s affluent. It dates back two decades but has been built in stages.

The varnished-log cabins, mostly spaced so far apart you cannot see the next one because of the trees, are the star attractions. Solidly built with flagstone-veneer foundations and Saltillo-tile flooring, they are handsomely furnished, complete with kitchens, appliances, and dishes.

Some cabins are three stories high and include four bedrooms and three baths. The large cabins can accommodate 10 people easily, making it perfect for weekend family reunions. Fireplaces are accented with antler chandeliers.

There’s a fine restaurant, but most guests bring food to cook at their cabins.

The resort also offers horse riding, tennis, an indoor pool, and cycling.

• Some activities are free, such as hiking and the indoor pool.
• Fees apply for horseback riding, ATV rentals, and cycling.
• Ski equipment can be rented.
• Fees are charged for the ski slope and golf course.

From Monterrey to Bosques de Monterreal:

• Take Highway 40 toward Saltillo, exiting on Highway 57 south toward Matehuala.
• Take the exit for the town of San Antonio de las Alazanas.
• Signs along Highway 57 also indicate that Monterreal is in the same direction.

Cuatro Ciénegas is an official Mexican biological reserve. The biological reserves are small ecosystems with unique fauna and flora that are highly protected by government authorities.

Recently, NASA stated that the biological reserve of Cuatrociénegas could have strong links to discovering life on Mars since the adaptability of bioforms in the region was unique in the world.

There are some 150 different plants and animals endemic to the valley and its surrounding mountains, including some 30 aquatic species in the Reserve, eight of which are fish.

Live stromatolites inhabit Cuatro Ciénegas’ pools. These are cyanobacteria colonies, extinct in most of the world, linked to the origin of an oxygen-rich atmosphere over 3 billion years ago. A tiny copepod crustacean, Leptocaris stromatolicolus, is known only from the interstices of these stromatolites and bottom sediments in the saline pools.

The pools are an oligotrophic environment with little available phosphate, leading one local bacterial species, Bacillus coahuilensis, to acquire the genes necessary to partially replace its membrane phospholipids with sulfolipids through horizontal gene transfer.

Several environmental conservation leaders are working to protect the valley, including Pronatura Noreste.

The organization owns a private reserve, called Pozas Azules, and has several ongoing projects that include the protection of native species, including stromatolites, and the eradication of invasive flora and fauna, as well as community development and water-efficient agriculture combined with organic techniques.

Cuatro ciénegas has several natural tourist attractions, they include among them the white dunes and many wetlands which have unique ecosystems. The most famous natural attractions are:

Poza Azul

Poza Azul is a protected wetland, located 9 km (5.6 mi) from Cuatrociengas seat. It is one of the best-known wetlands in Cuatrocienegas. There is a photographic exhibition hall of the flora and fauna of the reserve, viewing platforms, and self-guided trails.

La Poza de la Becerra

La Poza de la Becerra (Spanish: The Pool of the Calf) is located 16 km (9.9 mi) from the county seat, on road number 30 Cuatrociénegas-Torreon. It is part of the biosphere reserve of Cuatrocienegas. The area contains many species endemic to the region.

Poza Churince

Poza Churince is located 18 km from the Cuatrociénegas seat by the federal highway 30 Cuatrociénegas-Torreon. It is an area of Spa-spring waters and varying temperatures.

Las Playitas

Las Playitas is a large extension of wetlands located close to the municipal seat.

White dunes

Also known in Spanish as “Las dunas de yeso”, white dunes cover a large area of white sand that consists of calcium sulfate. They are considered the largest in the country, and the third largest in the Americas.

Other tourist attractions

Other featured wetlands include “Nogalito” and the ecotouristic park “La Ilusión”.
As well as El Entronque and El Mesquite resorts.
The Sierra de la Campana, a mountain range with a huge crater called El hundido is also a tourist attraction.

Cuatro Cienégas is also an important wine-making region, the winery Bodegas Ferrino, founded by a 19th-century Italian immigrant near the town of Cuatro Ciénegas, is the second largest producer of wine in Coahuila, the site attracts many visitors who are immersed in the process of making wine and it offers guide tours around the Cuatro Ciénegas valley.

Scientists working in the basin and some local residents claim to have observed reduced spring discharge and a decrease in surface water in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB) in recent years, although these changes have not been well documented in the scientific literature.

Some have blamed the possible drying out on changes in climate and others have ascribed it to the introduction of large-scale agriculture in adjacent valleys over the past two decades.

Valeria Souza, an ecology professor and researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, found that based on genetic studies of microbes in the CCB and surrounding valleys, the aquifer extends far beyond the CCB and includes adjacent valleys.

She published her results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in April 2006.

Regarding the source of drying out, she wrote: “Similar to situations occurring with increasing frequency in various arid regions of the world, agricultural development, and associated water extraction in the region have placed new pressures on the ecological integrity of the unique ecosystems of Cuatro Ciénegas.”

Research by hydrogeologist Brad Wolaver at the University of Texas at Austin, now at Flinders University, also found evidence that the aquifer supplying the water that emerges at the surface of the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin extends far beyond the basin and thus is potentially impacted by agricultural water extraction in adjacent valleys.

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

Piedras Negras is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande River, which serves as the natural border between Mexico and the USA. The area is characterized by the riverfront, rolling hills, and arid climate typical of the region.

Climate and Weather

The climate of the region is semi-arid and hot. During summer the temperatures often surpass 45 °C. The hottest months are May through September with a daily average (mean) temperature between 26 °C and 31 °C.

The high temperatures recorded in Piedras Negras have earned it recognition as one of the hottest cities in the country.

The highest precipitation months are May, June, and September with an average monthly downfall in excess of 80 mm but that is highly sporadic lending to frequent drought conditions.

The period of lowest precipitation is between December through March, with a monthly average of 30 mm.

The ideal time to visit Piedras Negras is during the cooler months, generally from November to February.

During this period, the temperatures are more moderate, making outdoor activities and exploration more comfortable. Summers can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 38°C, so visiting during the cooler season is recommended.

The name “Piedras Negras” is Spanish and translates to “Black Stones” in English.

The origin of the name comes from the presence of dark volcanic rocks that can be found in the region surrounding the city. These black stones are a notable geological feature of the area and have contributed to the city’s name.

In 1888, the city was renamed “Ciudad Porfirio Díaz” in honor of the then-President of Mexico, Porfirio Díaz. This renaming was a common practice during that era to pay homage to prominent political figures.

However, after the Mexican Revolution, which spanned from 1910 to 1920 and resulted in significant social and political changes in Mexico, the city reverted to its original name, “Piedras Negras”.

Piedras Negras has a long and significant history, dating back to ancient times when it was inhabited by indigenous groups, including the Coahuiltecan people.

On June 15, 1850, a group of 34 men (commanded by Andrés Zapata, Gaspar Salazar, and Antonio Ramírez) met with Colonel Juan Manuel Maldonado to give the news that they had created a pass point at Piedras Negras, to the right of the Rio Grande, south of Fort Duncan.

They named it Nueva Villa de Herrera, but it later became Villa de Piedras Negras.

In Otto Schober’s “Breve historia de Piedras Negras”, the local historian points out that the 34 men were repatriates (Mexican Americans) who arrived on June 15, 1850, in what was then called “Colonia Militar de Guerrero en Piedras Negras”.

In 1855, the town was looted by a small force of 130 Texans who had been organized by Texas slaveholders for a punitive expedition against a nearby border settlement of fugitive slaves and Indians.

The force was led by a captain of the Texas Rangers and had recently been “repelled by a superior force of Negroes, Indians, and Mexicans who were waiting in ambush” inside Mexico, but they then looted Piedras Negras on the journey back to Texas.

Due to the discovery of huge deposits of coal in the region, in 1881 a railroad track was begun, finishing in 1883.

With this construction, the regional economy flourished and on December 1, 1888, it was granted the status of city; this time with the name of Ciudad Porfirio Díaz. After the fall of Diaz in 1911, the city reverted to being Piedras Negras, Coahuila.

Historic Centre

The Historic Centre of Piedras Negras is the place to admire the most representative buildings in the city.

Among the main buildings of this area are the Antiguo Hotel del Ferrocarril, the Former Municipal Presidency, Zaragoza Market, the House of Culture, the PRONAF building, and the Mail and Customs buildings.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Old yet firm religious precinct, capable of resisting the attacks of the 1927 Cristero movement and an explosion in 1934. Its construction dates back to 1859, being originally made out of cement and wood, even when one year after the explosion a final remodeling took place.

Macroplaza

The Macroplaza contains several tourist attractions for all tastes and ages: from a kids’ playing area to an acoustic area for events.

Among the many places to enjoy you’ll find parks and gardens, a kiosk, sporting areas, a tower with a clock, and the monuments of Los Fundadores and the Discovery of America. To make your time even more pleasant you’ll find snacks selling.

Plaza de Las Tres Culturas

This incredible place blends elements of the Mayan, Aztec, and Olmec cultures, perfectly outfitting it with comfortable spaces for tourism. It’s a great effort to make replicas of some of the main archaeological sites in the country.

Mission of San Bernardo

In the first years of the XVIII century, an order of Franciscans built this temple, nowadays in ruins that enclose the beauty and mystery of an ancient era.

The Mission of San Bernardo was part of the Franciscan Mission Complex of Rio Grande del Norte, headed by Captain Diego Roman, who, at its time, attacked the rebel Indians of the region that now is San Antonio, Texas.

Piedras Negras’ main tourist attractions

• Casa de Cultura
• Plaza de las Culturas
• Mercado Zaragoza
• Museo de la Frontera Norte
• Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
• Piedras Negras-Zaragoza International Bridge

Enjoy outdoor recreational activities along the riverfront, such as picnicking, hiking, and fishing.

International Day of the Nacho

The International Day of the Nacho takes place every October 21.

It was initiated in the 1990s in the United States and Mexico to commemorate the invention of nachos by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in 1943 at El Moderno restaurant in the border town of Piedras Negras, Coahuila.

Bike Fest

For 12 years in a row, the Annual Bike Fest has attracted visitors from 41 different cities in Mexico and the United States. Activities last for 2-3 days and include concerts, food sales, acrobatic shows, a drive-through town, and a drawing with a brand-new bike as the grand prize.

Commercial air service is available via Aeropuerto Internacional de Piedras Negras.

Established on July 25, 1577, Monclova became the first city in the region known as Coahuila, and later known as the State of Coahuila.

During the colonial period and the first years of the 19th century, Monclova served as the capital of Nueva Extremadura. It remained the capital during the early years of Mexico’s independence.

During the initial battle for Mexican Independence from Spain, fleeing rebel leaders who had been captured at the Wells of Bajan were first taken to Monclova before the long trip to the city of Chihuahua. The captured leaders were Juan Aldama, Ignacio Allende, Miguel Hidalgo, and Jose Mariano Jimenez.

With the adoption of the 1824 Constitution, which created the state of Coahuila y Tejas, the capital was transferred to Saltillo. In 1828 this decision was overturned when Monclova was declared the capital of the new state, however the state legislature continued to convene in Saltillo. On March 9, 1833, the state legislature settled the dispute in Monclova’s favour, and this decision was ratified by President Antonio López de Santa Anna on December 2, 1834.

With the enactment of the 1836 Constitutional Laws, whereby the federal republic was converted into a centralised one, the state of Coahuila y Tejas was divided into two departments, Coahuila and Tejas (or Texas, as it would later become), and Saltillo was finalized as Coahuila’s capital. However, 1835-36 was also the period of the Texas Revolution, and Texas became an independent republic.

Monclova sits at an altitude of 600 m above sea level, but over the years the sand sediments of the city have sunk it 8 meters below the original level due to the weight of constructions. It is located in the state’s central region (Región Centro), in the east-central part of the state.

Monclova experiences a warm semi-arid climate, with a median yearly temperature of 22.0 °C (71.6 °F).

The median temperature of the coolest month, January, is 13.6 °C (56.5 °F), although the temperature can climb as high as 30 °C (86 °F) during some days and it can drop0 °C (32 °F) some nights and mornings. In the 1970s the coolest temperature recorded was −4.2 °C (24.4 °F) on February 9, 1973. In the 1990s the same value was recorded on January 13, 1997. Since 2000 the lowest recorded was −2 °C (28 °F) on January 17, 2007. Probably the coldest snap in recent history took place on Christmas Day 1983, when the city’s temperature plunged to −9.5 °C (14.9 °F).

On the other hand, temperatures during late spring and summer can have bouts of extreme heat, with evenings above 40 °C (104 °F) for many consecutive days. In recent decades the hottest records have climbed as high as 43 °C (109 °F) on July 13, 2005 and 45 °C (113 °F) on May 4, 1984. However nighttime low temperatures are typically 15 degrees cooler than daytime highs, due to the very arid conditions. Even in July, the warmest month, temperatures have gotten as low as 10.6 °C (51.1 °F) in 1975. The median temperature July is 28.6 °C (83.5 °F). A typical summer day has a low around 21 °C (70 °F) and a high near 35 °C (95 °F).

In 1976 the wettest month on record took place in July, with 287.3 mm (11.31 in) of rain, more than half the median yearly value of 376.7 mm (14.83 in) ; however the average wettest month is September with 78.5 mm (3.09 in) . The warmer months of the year are typically wetter than the cooler ones. Cold fronts in winter have the possibility of drastically reducing temperatures in the area, and are responsible for the little rainfall of such period. Even snowfall has occurred in Monclova some winters, although most years it is a phenomenon reserved only to the nearby mountains. Precipitation occurs an average of 47 days, out of which 6 will be thunderstorms and at least one day with hail.

The Santiago Apostol Parish Church – Construction of this building began in the second half of the eighteenth century. Its façade consists of carved cantera stone.

The San Francisco de Asis Parish Church – St. Francis of Assisi Church, seventeenth century.

Ermita de Zapopan Church – Due to damage caused during the revolution and to conserve original details like its bells and walls, restoration was carried out at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

El Polvorin (The Powder Magazine) – Museum with collections of anthropology, biology, sociology, watercolor art, geology, mathematics, communications, archery, guns, other weapons, and Mexican sexual culture.

Pape Museum Library – For 28 years, this cultural and recreational center, promoted by the Pape Foundation, has given seasonal expositions of artistic works. Its permanent exhibit chronologically illustrates the life and work of the couple Harold and Lou Pape. It also has an auditorium for 300 people where plays and musical concerts are performed. Next to the museum is the Harold R. Pape Library.

Meteorological Observatory – The observatory is the largest in the state with a 16-inch opening. Controlled by a computer, it integrates a highly sophisticated video system that projects live images of the sun, the moon, and the planets onto a black and white screen. This observatory was constructed by the government to educate the people about the difference between astronomy and astrology.

Venustiano Carranza International Airport – The city’s airport.

Parks and gardens

Xochipilli Park I and II – More than 20 hectares (49 acres) intended for relaxation and recreational activities form this original concept from the Papes. Its complete facilities include large sports and cultural spaces surrounded by green areas, lakes, rivers, fountains, and waterfalls.

The Main Square

The Zoo

Arteaga sits at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level, which contributes to its temperate climate and rich flora. The town is renowned for its verdant forests and meadows, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Arteaga’s climate can be classified as temperate sub-humid, which means that it experiences distinct seasons.

Summers in Arteaga are generally mild and pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C, while winters are cooler but not harsh, with temperatures often staying above freezing.

Snowfall is not uncommon during the winter months, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

The best time to visit Arteaga

The best time to visit Arteaga largely depends on your preferences.

• Spring is ideal for those who wish to witness the region’s vibrant wildflowers and blossoming trees.
• Summer offers comfortable weather for outdoor activities and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
• Autumn brings a symphony of warm colors as the leaves change, making it a great time for photographers and nature lovers.
• Winter is perfect for experiencing the town’s charming snow-covered landscapes and cozying up by a fireplace.

Arteaga welcomes travelers year-round.

The area was first inhabited by settlers from Tlaxcala in 1580, who named it San Isidro de las Palomas.

On 29 December 1866, it was renamed in honor of General José María Arteaga Magallanes. General Arteaga played a pivotal role during the Reform War in the mid-19th century, fighting for liberal and constitutional principles.

As a tribute to his contributions, the town was named Arteaga.

16th Century: Arteaga’s history can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers and settlers arrived in the region. They established colonies and began to cultivate the fertile lands in the area.

19th Century: During the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821), Arteaga and the surrounding region witnessed significant upheaval as Mexicans fought for their independence from Spanish rule.

Early 20th Century: Like many parts of Mexico, Arteaga experienced turbulence during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). This revolutionary period brought about social and political changes in the country.

Arteaga, Mexico, offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking relaxation, here are some things to do in Arteaga:

Visit the Church of Saint James (Parroquia de Santiago), a centuries-old church.

Visit the Bosque Venustiano Carranza: This beautiful forest park is a must-visit place. This park features walking trails, picnic areas, and serene ponds. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a family outing.

The Sierra Madre Oriental mountains surrounding Arteaga are a paradise for nature lovers. Hiking and trekking trails abound, offering opportunities to explore lush forests, scenic viewpoints, and pristine landscapes.

Many local stables offer guided horseback riding tours through the countryside.

Getting to Arteaga, Mexico, is relatively straightforward, as it is well-connected to several major cities and towns in the region. Here are some of the primary ways to reach Arteaga from different locations:

• Saltillo is located approximately 20 km away.
• Monterrey is around 200 kilometers from Arteaga.
• Torreón is approximately 250 km from Arteaga.

The nearest major airport is Plan de Guadalupe International Airport (SLW) in Saltillo.

Remember to check current road conditions and traffic updates, especially during adverse weather conditions, as some routes may be affected by snow in the winter months (December – February).

Arteaga’s proximity to Saltillo makes it accessible by road from many major cities in the region, ensuring that visitors can easily reach this charming town nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains.

Torreón is near the southwest border of the state of Coahuila, within the Laguna region of the state. The border is delineated by the Nazas River that separates it from Gómez Palacio, Durango. The municipality covers 1,947.7 km2 (752.0 sq mi), including much of the rural area south of the city. Its elevation is over 1,000 m (3,280 ft), which is low for the Mexican interior. The terrain where the urban area is spread is generally flat, with somewhat prominent relief formations (up to 1,600 m (5,249 ft) south and southwest of the city, thus visible at well-nigh any given point in the city. Higher mountains, over 3,000 m (9,843 ft), are on the southern, mostly uninhabited section of the Municipality, the most prominent being El Picacho.

The cities of Torreón, Gómez Palacio, and Lerdo compose La Laguna (The Lagoon) or Comarca Lagunera, a basin within the Chihuahuan Desert, which has much economic activity. The name of the region stems from three nearby, and now dry lagoons, the Lagoon of Mayran, the Lagoon of Tlahualilo and the Lagoon of Viesca.

The region’s climate is arid: rainfall is scarce but more prominent in summer, whilst temperatures are very hot by day and cool at night, although the urban heat island effect causes temperatures on summer nights to be considerably warmer than nearby areas. Flora and fauna are those common to semidesert habitats.

The city is 56 km (35 mi) southwest of historic San Pedro de las Colonias, where some of the Mexican Revolution fighting occurred.

According to archaeological findings, the area of Torreón was populated around the 10th millennium BC.

The first Spanish mission arrived in 1566, led by Fr. Pedro Espinareda. However, the city developed only in the independent Mexican era, around a Torreón (“Big Tower”) built to monitor Río Nazas’s floods, in conjunction with the creation of a railroad connecting to the US border city of El Paso, which gave an economic boom to the city and therefore a population boom as well. The population grew from 200 in 1892 to 34,000 in 1910. Torreón received city status in 1907.

During the Mexican Revolution, the city was taken more than once; the most prominent character ever to take the city was the revolutionary general Pancho Villa. It was also the location of the Torreón massacre, where 303 Chinese immigrants were killed by the revolutionaries over a ten-hour period. During the revolution, Torreon was also the site to an important convention which led to a deal between the insurrected armies.

After the Mexican Revolution, the city continued to develop economically; during the first years of the 20th century the primary industry of the city was farming, although other industries later formed or were established in the area.

On September 15, 2007, Torreón celebrated its first 100 years as a chartered city. It held a series of cultural events from September 15, 2006 to September 15, 2007, culminating on the day that the city turned 100 years old.

Cristo de las Noas, at 21.80 m (71.5 ft), is the third tallest statue of Christ in Latin America, only smaller than the statue of Christ The Redeemer in Brazil and Cristo de la Concordia in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Situated on the top of a hill, this image of Jesus with extended arms symbolises protection for the inhabitants of Torreon. The hilltop has a Catholic church and offers a view of the entire city.

There are also several shopping centers in the city, including Galerias Laguna, Plaza Cuatro Caminos and Intermall.

The “Canal de la Perla” (the Pearl Watercourse), an underground watercourse built in the 19th century to drive the Nazas’ river water to the fields near the city, was re-discovered in 2003 and re-opened in 2014. It now passes under the oldest part of the city and it can be visited and walked through. It is also used for cultural and artistic exhibitions.

In 2006, the “Museo Arocena” (Arocena Museum) that holds art collections from the pre-Hispanic times to the present, was opened; it also has a section dedicated to Mexico’s and Torreón’s history. There are also temporal expositions, conferences, book fairs, movies, and activities for children.

Cotton and Grape Fair

The main annual festival in Torreón is the Cotton and Grape Fair (Feria del Algodón y La Uva) which takes place in September. It contains cultural events, music, food and amusement rides.

“Paseo Colón” (Columbus Stroll)

It takes place every Sunday, at the “Calzada Colón” (Columbus Roadway) the street is closed and families get together to ride bikes, see the musical and cultural performances, walk their pets or just walk around.

Independence Day

It takes place on September 15 and 16. There are celebrations all around the city, but the most important is the one celebrated in the Plaza Mayor. People wear traditional Mexican clothes, eat traditional dishes and “Antojitos”. At night the city mayor makes the traditional celebration of “El Grito”. The next day (September 16) there is a parade on the Morelos Avenue.

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)

National 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

El Cerro del Pueblo (The People’s Hill) and its 4-metre (13 ft) cross overlook the city. The city’s elevation, at 1,600 metres (5,200 ft), makes it cooler and windier than the neighboring city of Monterrey.

Saltillo lies near the city of Arteaga and in the Chihuahuan Desert. The city is flanked by the Zapalinamé mountains, which are part of the Sierra Madre Oriental. By looking at the relief of the mountains, one can see, according to local legend, the relief of Zapalinamé, chieftain of the Guachichil tribe.

Climate

Saltillo has a semi-arid climate. Saltillo is located in the Chihuahuan Desert but temperatures are cooler than other desert cities in Mexico because it is located in an altitude of 1,600 meters.

Summers are slightly hot with cool nights, and winters are sunny but cool.
Rainfall is scarce but more prominent in summer.

Founded in 1577 by Conquistador Alberto del Canto and Spanish colonists, Saltillo is the oldest post-conquest settlement in northern Mexico.

Fourteen years later in 1591 the Spanish resettled a community of their Tlaxcaltec allies in a separate nearby village (San Esteban de Nueva Tlaxcala), in order to cultivate the land and aid colonization efforts that had stalled in the face of local hostility to the Spanish presence.

Saltillo was a northern commercial center on the northern frontier which served as a bridge from central Mexico to regions farther northeast, Nuevo León, Nuevo Santander, Coahuila, and Texas.

Saltillo supplied the silver mines of Zacatecas with wheat. It never rose to great prominence, but it did develop a commercial core and an agricultural and ranching sector that supplied its own needs, with surpluses that could be sold.

Saltillo became administratively more important at the end of the eighteenth century, with the establishment of a branch of the Royal Treasury. Merchants, most of whom were Iberian-born peninsular Spaniards, constituted the most important economic group, handling a wide variety of goods and sold in shops. They were the provincial branch of the transatlantic merchant sector, with ties to Mexico City merchants. Peninsular merchants in Saltillo married into local elite society, acquired rural properties, and sought local office.

In the late seventeenth century, an annual trade fair was established, with goods from as far away as China and Europe, but also Mexican manufactures and livestock. Saltillo could produce wheat commercially so long as enterprises had access to water, but as with many other parts of the North, drought was a consistent threat. In the eighteenth century, there was a demand for draft animals, which Saltillo could supply.

In 1824, Saltillo was made the capital of the State of Coahuila y Tejas and included the area which is now the U.S. state of Texas until the Texas War of Independence and the founding of the independent Texas Republic.

On 23 October 1840 the Battle of Saltillo took place when 110 Texans and Tejanos crossed the Rio Grande and attacked the city, as part of a campaign to establish the Republic of the Rio Grande, a separatist rebellion in northeastern Mexico which had Texan support.

Alameda Zaragoza, located just west of the downtown plaza, has a pond in the shape of the Mexican Republic.

The Colonial Center of the city is built in pink marble, giving Saltillo’s architecture a distinctive flavor.

Prominent buildings are the cathedral (built from 1745-1800), the Palacio de Gobierno (state government building), the Ateneo Fuente and the Instituto Tecnológico de Saltillo.

The large cathedral is the best example of colonial religious architecture in northeastern Mexico; its facade is mainly Spanish Baroque, with less exuberant areas.

The Centro Cultural Vito Alessio Robles (Vito Alessio Cultural Center) is an 18th-century repository of antiquities and documents from historians Vito Alessio Robles and Oscar Davila.

The repository is also a temporal museum. The Casa Purcell (Purcell Manor) is a Victorian style mansion built in the 19th century by Irish merchant William Purcell. Today it is a cultural center.

Next to Casa Purcell, is Banco Purcell which is also a cultural center.

The city has two world-class museums:

• The Museo de las Aves de México (Bird Museum), featuring a collection of bird specimens from all over Mexico in realistic displays.
• The Museo del Desierto (Desert Museum) focuses on the geography, geology, paleontology (with dinosaur fossils) and biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert, and the history and culture of the local people through time. It includes a cactus greenhouse and exhibits, with dozens of species.

The Mirador is an amazing place to observe a panoramic view of the city.

Underground tunnels start in the Catedral de Santiago and end at the city’s limits.

Saltillo Metropolitan Area air traffic is served by Plan de Guadalupe International Airport.
It takes 15 minutes to get from downtown Saltillo to the airport.
It has several flights per day to Mexico City and a daily flight to Houston, Texas.

There is a comprehensive bus system in Saltillo along with many taxis.

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)

National 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

The town is located at 271 meters height above sea level.

The climate in this region is characterized by its arid conditions, which are influenced by its proximity to the Chihuahuan Desert. Here’s an informative post about the climate and weather in the Ciudad Acuña region:

Acuña experiences hot temperatures for much of the year.

Summers, from May to September, are especially scorching, the average highs often exceeding 37°C. Winters, from November to February, are milder but can still be quite warm during the day, with cooler nights.

Average winter highs range from 15.6°C to 21.1°C.

The Ciudad Acuña region has a relatively low annual precipitation rate, with most of the rain falling between June and September during the monsoon season. The annual rainfall in the area is around 200-250 mm.

Extreme weather conditions: Due to the arid climate, the region can experience occasional extreme weather events, including flash floods, thunderstorms, and dust storms, especially during the hot summer months.

Water conservation is essential to meet the needs of the local residents.

The local community and authorities have taken steps to adapt to the challenging climate, including implementing water-saving measures and developing infrastructure to manage the impact of extreme weather events.

The Del Rio-Ciudad Acuña Metropolitan Area (DR-CA) is a large bi-national metropolitan area along the United States-Mexican border. This metropolitan area is also known as “Tierra de la Amistad” (“Land of Friendship”).

• The Del Rio Micropolitan Area’s population was 55,000 people in 2015.
• The Del Rio-Ciudad Acuña Metropolitan Area’s population is 240,000.

In October, Ciudad Acuña and Del Rio, its USA sister city across the border, celebrate the traditional “Fiesta de la Amistad”. The main events of this celebration are parades and speeches by the Mayors of both cities.

• The first name of the local community was Garza Galán.
• Later the community received the status of town – Villa Acuña.
• Ciudad Acuña sometimes called also Las Vacas.

The first recorded settlement of Acuña took place on 27 December 1877.

Acuña was founded by a group of colonists led by Domingo Urias, Irineo Casillas Arevalo, and his wife Maximina Espinoza. The Governor of the State was General Hipólito Charles who posted a military garrison in the area.

In 1880 the place received the status of town under the name of Garza Galán.

In 1884 the locality was renamed Congregación las Vacas.

Congregacion Las Vacas was then renamed Villa Acuña in 1912 after poet Manuel Acuña. Villa Acuña was finally given the title of the city on 16 September 1951 by Don Jesus, when it got its present name of Ciudad Acuña.

On 24 October 1960, USA President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos met in Acuña to sign the initial agreements allowing the construction of the dam.

Construction plans were not finalized until December 1966.

Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Gustavo Díaz Ordaz met on the international bridge. Presidents Richard M. Nixon and Gustavo Díaz Ordaz met for the dedication of the Amistad Dam on 8 September 1969.

“Boy’s Town” was created to serve airmen at Laughlin Air Force Base. It’s an entertainment district south of Acuña. This area has some after-hours bars and brothels, but it’s off-limits for U.S. military personnel.

On May 25, 2015, a tornado struck the city, causing incredible damage.

• Monumento a las Aguilas
• Monumento a Tlaloc
• Casa de la Cultura Elsa Hernandez
• El Mirador
• Plaza de la Cultura

Main Plaza

Ciudad Acuna was designed around its central plaza and cathedral.

The plaza continues to be the main social gathering place for residents and tourists alike. Buy wares from local artisans, watch the street performers, and sample Mexican dishes at the restaurants around the square.

Visit the iconic Ma Crosby’s, a bar known for its margaritas and mariachi music. This bar has been a staple of Acuna since the 1920s.

Benjamin Canales Public Plaza

It is a traditional and pleasant site that brings together its inhabitants and those just passing through. Its spaces house distinct elements of the city: stores, arts and crafts shops, the Municipal Presidency, the museum, and the church.

Santa Maria de Guadalupe Church

The oldest church in the city was built in 1958 in the same location that housed the old church and stands out from its setting due to its modern, Cubist architectural design.

On its exterior, it displays three angel sculptures and decorative elements in granite.

Internacional Puerta de Mexico Bridge

Built at the beginning of the twentieth century, this work of engineering connects and strengthens the business relationships between Ciudad Acuña and the city of Del Rio, in the United States.

Through customs, it is a daily occurrence for people and vehicles to pass in both directions across the border.

Presa de la Amistad (Friendship Dam and Reservoir)

This marvelous engineering work was built across the Rio Grande jointly by the United States and Mexico. Fishing is one of the most common forms of recreation here.

On both sides of the reservoir, there are tourist facilities such as food vendors, camping sites, and boat rentals.

Los Novillos National Park

An important attraction near Ciudad Acuña is the “Parque Nacional de Los Novillos”. This national park boasts beautiful scenery, forests, hot springs, and “Presa de la Amistad” (Friendship Dam and Reservoir).

An extensively protected area, this park is appreciated for the richness of its flora and fauna.

Once inside, it is very common to observe the large variety of birds, squirrels, rabbits, and other animals among the colorful foliage of pines and oaks, surrounded by crystal-clear streams. It has basic facilities for camping.

Jose Angel Villarreal Municipal Museum

The simple cultural and historical building illustrates different stages of Ciudad Acuña’s history.

It exhibits land and marine fossils, pre-Hispanic tools (grinding stones and arrowheads), and old, everyday objects (coins, hills, arms, photos, and musical instruments, among others).

Alamo Village movie set

Another Acuña attraction is the Alamo Village movie set.

Built in 1959 for a John Wayne flick, “The Alamo”; the ornate set has been featured in countless movies and television shows since.

Today, when it is not occupied by a movie crew, it is open to tourists who want to stroll through an old-time western set; sometimes, the set will hold western-themed shows.

Other attractions open seasonally are the set’s gift shop and restaurant.

Corona Club

Rodriguez featured Ciudad Acuna’s Corona Club, a popular nightclub and dancehall, in “El Mariachi” as well as his 1995 film starring Antonio Banderas, “Desperado.”

The brightly decorated club has a fully stocked bar with top-shelf tequilas and a wide selection of foreign and domestic beers.

The Corona Club often features concerts at its 1,500-capacity venue; you’ll hear rock, mariachi, blues, and country bands perform here.

Nightlife in Ciudad Acuña

If there is any place in the state that can boast of fascinating nightlife, it is Ciudad Acuña. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are part of everyday events for Mexican and foreign tourists alike.

Traditional places in their festive environment and decoration in the purest of Tex-Mex styles welcome you at all-night hours.

Getting to Ciudad Acuña in Mexico can be done by various means, depending on your starting location. Ciudad Acuña is located, near the U.S.-Mexico border. Here are the general directions to get to Ciudad Acuña:

Many bus companies offer services from various cities in Mexico to Ciudad Acuña.

By Air: The nearest major airport is Piedras Negras International Airport (Piedras Negras is a city located right next to Ciudad Acuña). You can book a flight to this airport and then take a short drive to Ciudad Acuña.

By Car: If you’re coming from the USA, you can drive to Ciudad Acuña. You’ll likely cross the border at Del Rio, in the USA. Make sure to have the necessary documentation for international travel and a valid passport.

Please note that when traveling to Ciudad Acuña from the United States, you’ll need to go through the USA-Mexico border customs and immigration processes, so be prepared with the required travel documents.

Check the latest travel advisories and border crossing information, as these may change over time. Research transportation options, and any entry requirements, as they may vary depending on your point of departure.