Durango: Archaeological Heritage, Mountains and Nature

Durango brings together striking landscapes and traces of a long cultural history. The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro runs through the state; at the same time, the region is home to archaeological finds, historic buildings and protected habitats. More than half of the state is mountainous, with elevations in this area rising above 2,500 metres above sea level. When planning your trip, you can therefore first decide whether you want to focus mainly on cultural history, nature or specific activities.

Cultural History Along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The Chapel of San Antonio de Padua in the municipality of Amado Nervo, in Nombre de Dios, Durango, offers a historical link to this route: it was built in the 18th century on the former Hacienda San Antonio de Juana Guerra and was an important overnight stop for travellers on the Camino. The chapel can thus be understood as part of the history of travel along this route—not as present-day accommodation, but as a historic site.

The Museo de Sitio de La Ferrería in Durango offers archaeological insights. It displays ceramic and stone finds from the Guadiana branch of the Chalchihuites culture. The finds include both ceremonial and domestic objects. Visitors interested in archaeology can therefore learn about different types of finds and how they are classified, rather than focusing on just one object or a single use.

La Ferrería in Lerdo de Tejada, Municipality of Durango, was an important religious centre. The architectural and artistic traces described there include the foundations of circular temples, a pyramid with a sunken courtyard, ball courts, shrines and terraces. There are also rock paintings and engravings. This combination of buildings, structures and markings on rock sets the site apart. It offers travellers interested in culture several aspects of Durango’s history to explore.

Landscape, Nature and Unique Activities

The nature-related attractions are also varied. In the municipalities of Mapimí and Tlahualilo, the Reserva de la Biosfera Mapimí protects the main habitat of the endemic and endangered Bolson tortoise and dune lizard. The protection of these two species shapes the reserve’s natural character. The Grutas de Rosario offer a different focus: they are more than 500 metres deep and feature stalactite and stalagmite formations. Durango thus brings together protected habitats and geological formations as distinct points of interest.

For a more active experience, there are two specific zip lines. El Salto del Agua Llovida has a zip line that crosses over a waterfall. The zip line at Puente de Ojuela is 330 metres long and runs more than 100 metres above a ravine. If you are looking for a holiday rental, it may therefore help to first decide which experiences you want to shape your trip, rather than treating the different places as a single destination.

Mezcal is also part of Durango’s culinary scene: it is mentioned as a spirit in traditional cuisine. Together with the cultural and natural attractions, this gives you more than one possible focus for your trip. Whether you first want to explore archaeological finds, historic sites, mountain landscapes, protected species or distinctive natural formations depends on your interests.

Subregions of Durango

For further orientation within the region, explore the subregions Santa María Del Oro, Durazno, Gómez Palacio, El Salto, Agua Prieta, Santa Clara, Pueblo Nuevo, Victoria de Durango, Adjuntas and Arcinas.

For the broader travel overview: Mexico.