Real de Catorce: A Timeless Pueblo Mágico in San Luis Potosí
The Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Real de Catorce is located three and a half hours away from the eponymous capital of the state of San Luis Potosí. This destination stands out on account of its mining heritage and its spectacular panoramic desert views.
The adventurer inside you will no doubt enjoy a tour of the desert aboard a Willys, an all-terrain vehicle that has become a favorite among travelers. Feel free to sit on the roof but be sure to hang on tight, since the winding roads are bound to make this fun experience a wobbly one.
How to get to Real de Catorce?On your way to Real de Catorce, the first attraction, which you'll need to cross, is the Túnel de Ogarrio (Ogarrio Tunnel). This subterranean passage measures 2,300 meters (7,550 ft) in length and can be traversed on foot or by car. However, if you choose to do so by car, you'll have to wait your turn, as traffic can be slow. If you decide to cross it on foot, spend the leisurely walk imagining miners crossing this cold and humid burrow on the way to work. A gratifying surprise awaits you at the end of the tunnel, as you will be immediately captivated by Real de Catorce's awe-inspiring beauty.
Stroll down its streets exploring every corner. Be sure to visit Plaza Hidalgo, with its wrought-iron kiosk and a marvelous garden that will leave you feeling calm and mystical. Take advantage of your time there by visiting the local shops and finding the perfect souvenirs to bring back home with you.
Taking about of mysticism, is Real de Catorce a ghost town? It is if you ask the locals. Real de Catorce has a significant number of abandoned buildings. However, several of these spaces have been recuperated recently, in order to accommodate restaurants and open-air bars.
Activities in contact with nature
The adventurer inside you will no doubt enjoy a tour of the desert aboard a Willys, an all-terrain vehicle that has become a favorite among travelers. Feel free to sit on the roof but be sure to hang on tight, since the winding roads are bound to make this fun experience a wobbly one.
We recommend a horseback ride up to the vestiges of the Concepción and Compromiso mines. Time seems to stand still there, so you'll be able to catch a glimpse of life in Real de Catorce during the mining boom.
Be sure to pay a visit to the City Hall, the Casa de Moneda, the Real de Catorce Museum, and the town square.
If you're wondering about hotels in Real de Catorce, please do not: this Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) offers lodgings that will accommodate any and every need and budget.
The best time to visit Real de Catorce is between February and December, as its average temperature is 28°C (82ºF).
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