Real de Catorce
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◈ In the midst of the semi-desert appears Real de Catorce, a town carved out of rock and ringed by massive hills. From up high, you can see the desert, still and echoing with the memories of its glory years when silver was plentiful.
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Breaking the silence, a group of cowboys amble through the streets looking for someone to listen to their stories while heading for Cerro del Quemado. At times, pilgrimages of Huichol people appear along the breathtaking pathways and mind-blowing scenery.
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◆Pick up a beaded mask or dream catcher crafted by Huichol artisans.
◆ Climb on top of a Willys 4×4 and explore the surroundings.
◆Ask about the legend of Jergas, a ghost who helped miners.
Walk through the Túnel de Ogarrio and catch many of the details that you probably missed when driving, such as a chapel!
❖ Cerro del Quemado
Ride to the holiest mountain in the Wirikuta area. On your way, enjoy the region’s vegetation, dominated by creosote bushes and yucca plants. The views from the top are spectacular. Make sure to check out the stone circles made by the Huichol people. Hold your own ritual by meditating or leaving an offering, such as a dream catcher made by you.
❖Cemeteries and Legends
The way to Panteón de San Francisco is quite pleasant, and there are several unique details that are visible from the cemetery’s entrance. The gate is decorated with peyote motifs, a glimpse of the region’s syncretism, and inside is a chapel dedicated to the Virgen de Guadalupe. Although its frescos have deteriorated, it is still very interesting. At your feet are the headstones of important figures from the past, and the four corners of the church’s dome feature paintings of women from the Bible.
❖ Antigua Casa de la Moneda
Culture and coin collecting all in the same spot.
Once a mint, today this building is home to the Casa de la Cultura. In 1815, this is where bronze coins called cuartillas began to be made. But it was in 1865, during the term of Benito Juárez, when it truly operated as a mint for 14 months. Then, Porfirio Díaz ordered it closed. The three-story interior has many galleries exhibiting coins, papier-mâché sculptures, photos, paintings, and Huichol art.
❖Take a Horseback Ride Between Hills and Mines
Go up to one of the guides with horses and arrange to ride with them through the area’s most iconic spots, such as the town’s streets, Cerro del Quemado hill, the ghost town, Socavón de la Purísima mine, Los Catorce, the Los Negritos and Los Milagros mines, or any other spot in the Sierra de Catorce area. While you are here, visit the Laguna Seca mescal factory (56 miles away) which was founded several centuries ago. A tour will give you a look at its stonework and ovens.
The Caballerangos are specialized guides carrying identification from SECTUR (Department of Tourism) that certifies them as guides. If you would like to ride with them, you’ll find them in the town’s streets or the main square.
❖ Try Typical Dishes
Ask for gorditas catorceñas (the local version of stuffed cornmeal patties) filled with pork rinds, potato with chorizo, or barbacoa (tender shredded meat) in El Rincón de Chabelo or the local enchiladas potosinas in La Providencia. If you are looking for something more organic, head to Mesón de la Abundancia, where they specialize in pizzas and salads made with ingredients grown in their own garden. Also, in El Cactus you can feast on pasta or eggplant parmesan.
❖Visit Estación Catorce and Climb Aboard a Willys 4×4
This is a tiny neighboring town where the railroad arrived in 1888. Here, you can kick back and cool off in Hotel del Altiplano, which also has a very special temascal sauna.
The dizzying road winds through mind-blowing scenery, making it the perfect setting for a photo safari—it would be a mistake to not try and capture this scenery. Have a semi-desert adventure on top of a “Willy” 4×4 and discover its mysterious allure!
❖Day of the Dead
On November 1st and 2nd, the Day of the Dead tradition is honored in the town’s cemetery, just in a solemn, silent way. Here, people do not normally bring flowers, food, and music, especially in the more deserted cemeteries.
Magical Towns in
San Luis Potosí
