An Enchanted Town in the Mountains of San Luis Potosí
The town of Real de Catorce was founded in 1779 with the discovery of silver in the region. It is in the heart of the Sierra Catorce mountains at an elevation of 9000 feet in the state of San Luis Potosí five hours north of Mexico City. Access into town is a through a 1.4-mile long tunnel cut through the mountains.
Tradition and Magic
The town still retains vestiges of the riches created during the time that the silver mines were in operation more than a century ago. Currently, there are about 1000 inhabitants down from a peak of 15,000 in 1910. At one point the population dwindled to 300 people after mining operations ceased. In its heyday, the mines of Real de Catorce along with the mines of Zacatecas and Guanajuato were leaders in the production of silver.
Few places with magic in the air like Real de Catorce remain. People say that just being there one changes inside.
Original Willys Jeep station wagons, which are the favorites of visitors, are one of the principal forms of public transportation.
A shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe in the corner of a building.
A Different Time
Time moves slower in Real de Catorce. One of the reasons a visit is so enjoyable.
Traditional Regional Recipe
If you enjoy traditional Mexican cooking, try this recipe for Gorditas Encarceladas from the nearby town of Estación de Catorce, San Luis Potosí.
Rugged Natural Beauty
Steep mountains, a high desert climate and vegetation and spectacular natural light give the area a rugged natural beauty.
Picturesque Ruins
Everywhere are picturesque ruins you can visit which give you a sense of how life used to be in town.
Beauty and Solitude
Natural beauty and the solitude inspire reflection.
A Destination for Spiritual Pilgrims
Real de Catorce is close to Wirikuta, a sacred place for the Huicholes. Thousands of pilgrims arrive each year to participate in Shamanic rituals.
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