Real de catorce and the best places to visit in town
What to do and what to visit in Real de Catorce?
Real de Catorce is a destination shrouded in history and mystery. It was once a prosperous mining town, made of stone, overflowing with silver that built an extensive tunnel, a symbol of its power and opulence.
Over time, it fell into neglect: a ruined site, marked by silence and the traces of the few who stood the test of time. Stray dogs and old men remained as the only witnesses of its lost splendor, and today, it is a destination that combines legend and nostalgia.
Where is the Magical Town of Real de Catorce?
In the heart of the Sierra de Catorce, in San Luis Potosi, lies Real de Catorce, a historic town that intertwines tradition, spirituality and ruins from an era of mining splendor. Its access, the Ogarrio Tunnel, is an imposing entrance, built in the 19th century, which transports visitors to a past full of mysticism and grandeur.
Real de Catorce is located 256 km (about three and a half hours) from the city of San Luis Potosi. If you are wondering how to get to Real de Catorce from San Luis de Potosí, it is very simple. From the city, head north on Federal Highway 57, passing approximately 140 km until you reach Matehuala. Once there, take State Highway 63 which will take you to Cedral and then to Catorce. After Cedral, drive about 11 km and you will find a detour to the left, which will take you on a cobblestone road until you reach Dolores Trompeta, where you will find the Ogarrio Tunnel.
What is the weather like in Real de Catorce?
The climate of Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosi's ghost town, is high sierra, characterized by cool temperatures. In summer, the average temperature is around 22°C, while in winter it can drop as low as 5°C.
What places to visit in Real de Catorce and what activities to do?
Visiting Real de Catorce is like stepping back in time and immersing yourself in bygone eras. With its old houses, classic cars and stone streets, this Magical Town is one of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico to visit. Take note of the best places to visit in Real de Catorce and activities to do!
Ogarrio Tunnel
The magic of Real de Catorce is so unique that to get to this town, it is necessary to go through the Ogarrio Tunnel, a journey of more than 2 kilometers long. When you cross it, you experience a sense of adventure and mystery, as if you were traveling through the decades, bringing you closer to a place full of history and legends that make it even more fascinating.
Huichol Ceremonial Center
Visiting the Cerro del Quemado in Real de Catorce is one of the activities that you must do when visiting this Magical Town. This is a place where, according to Huichol traditions, the world was born. This spiritual site, marked by stones arranged in a spiral shape, is where the Huichol people perform sacred rituals to connect with their ancestors, renew their energy and present offerings to their deities.
Crystal slide
Another activity to do in the ghost town of Real de Catorce is to enjoy the glass slide at the El Templo Hotel, located on the edge of the mountain range offering unparalleled views of the arid landscape. This 23-meter-long slide slides at a height of 550 meters, taking you to a stone lookout point. To enjoy it, all you need is a mat and a little courage to capture the best panoramic views of the mountain!
Mirador de cristal
Another attraction in Real de Catorce is the El Templo lookout. The terrace has a glass floor that gives you the sensation of being suspended in the air, while its glass walls offer views of the mountainous and arid landscape.
The Giant Hands
To the already impressive attractions of Real de Catorce is added a new wonder: the Giant Hands of San Francisco de Asis. The sculptures are a symbol of the local devotion to this saint and have become one of Real de Catorce's major tourist attractions that, along with the glass viewpoint, offers a unique visual experience.
Wirikuta
Wirikuta es considerado uno de los territorios sagrados más significativos para el pueblo indígena Wixárika (huichol) y para la humanidad en general. En este sitio, que abarca unas 140,000 hectáreas, la naturaleza es considerada sagrada. Cada rincón de Wirikuta, desde sus plantas, sus animales y los cerros, posee un profundo significado espiritual y cultural para los huicholes. Este territorio es un espacio indivisible y continuo, donde las tradiciones ancestrales y el respeto por la naturaleza se entrelazan para preservar su esencia y valor. Sin dudas, es una parada obligada durante tu visita al Pueblo Mágico Real de Catorce.
¿Cuáles son los mejores platos de Real de Catorce?
En Real de Catorce, los restaurantes y fondas locales invitan a degustar la auténtica cocina tradicional, elaborada con ingredientes frescos y propios de la región. Entre los platos favoritos de este pueblo se encuentran las gorditas, las cocadas, las conservas de frutas y el queso de cabra. Si estás pensando en visitar Real de Catorce, una de las mejores actividades es deleitarse con su gastronomía.
Gorditas de chicharrón prensado y nopales: este emblema culinario de Real Catorce se elabora con masa de maíz rellena de chicharrón prensado y nopales frescos. Cocidas en comales de barro, adquieren una textura crujiente por fuera y suave por dentro. Acompañadas con salsa roja y guacamole fresco, son un manjar que captura la esencia de la cocina tradicional mexicana. Cocadas: si eres un amante de los postres , debes probar este dulce de la cocina de Real Catorce. Este se prepara con coco rallado, azúcar y huevos, dando como resultado bocados suaves y llenos de sabor. Conservas de frutas: las frutas de la región, como duraznos, peras y ciruelas, se convierten en una delicia gracias a las conservas. Cocidas lentamente en almíbar, adquieren un sabor dulce y una textura suave que las hace ideales para acompañar quesos, postres o disfrutarlas solas. Queso de cabra: este es un orgullo de la gastronomía de Real Catorce que, sin dudas, debes probar si visitas este Pueblo Mágico. Elaborado con leche fresca de cabras locales, tiene un sabor suave y cremoso que lo convierte en un ingrediente versátil, perfecto para disfrutar en antojitos, ensaladas o incluso postres.
Definitivamente, Real de Catorce es uno de los Pueblos Mágicos más especiales para visitar. Con la renta de autos, es posible conocer todo el encanto que este lugar tiene para ofrecerte. ¡Comienza a planear tu viaje y reserva tu coche con Hertz México!