Mexico 2018 (part III): Sierra de Catorce

Sierra de Catorce, Mexico:

Real de Catorce

After the conference in San Luis Potosi was finished, I joined a field trip towards the north into the Sierra de Catorce.

Silver was found in the mountains of the Sierra de Catorce in the late 18th century and drew thousands of settlers into the region in the following decades. In the late 19th century, the silver mines of the town of Real de Catorce were among the richest of entire Mexico and its population reached 15,000 people. Nevertheless, silver prices plummeted in the early 20th century and the town became deserted. Only recently, tourists rediscovered the old ‘ghost town’ and brought with them some business opportunities. Fortunately, Real de Catorce has not lost its charms with its historic buildings including the beautiful Templo de la Purísima Concepción.

driving through central Mexico

passing the Tropic of Cancer

countryside of the Sierra de Catorce

cactus

Los Catorce

cactus

countryside of the Sierra de Catorce

cactus

countryside of the Sierra de Catorce

view towards Capilla de Guadalupe

Capilla de Guadalupe

view towards Real de Catorce

view towards the plains

aloe

view across Real de Catorce

Templo de la Purísima Concepción

old town of Real de Catorce

Centro Cultural

Palenque de Gallos

view across Real de Catorce

Templo de la Purísima Concepción

old road in the Sierra de Catorce

countryside of the Sierra de Catorce

cactus

aloe

countryside of the Sierra de Catorce

village in the Sierra de Catorce

countryside of the Sierra de Catorce

Mina Santa Ana

drill cores

countryside of the Sierra de Catorce

at the tunnel entrance

inside the tunnel

After our days in Real de Catorce, we traveled still a bit further north into Zacatecas, the neighbouring state.

6 responses to “Mexico 2018 (part III): Sierra de Catorce”

The variety of cacti is mind blowing!

wildlifeweeks July 10, 2018 at 11:54 am · · Reply →

yes, I was really surprised too… such immense diversity!! 🙂

This looks like an incredible place. I had never heard of it before reading your post.

wildlifeweeks July 13, 2018 at 8:31 am · · Reply →

I was really impressed by the beautiful landscape, but also the history and architecture of the town – I think it would be fantastic to have more time and go on a road trip through the region… 🙂 thanks for your comment!! 🙂