Catorce: Desert Oasis and Hacienda History

Orchards and lush vegetation above the ruins of former haciendas give Los Catorce a surprisingly green character. At the same time, the place is considered a spring and an oasis in the middle of the desert. Catorce therefore brings together two appealing perspectives: the Sierra landscape and the history of ore processing. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Catorce, you might consider whether your trip will focus more on this distinctive landscape, its historical traces, or excursions along old and present-day routes.

Green landscapes and traces of former haciendas

The orchards lie above the ruins of former haciendas where ore was processed. Los Catorce is one of the villages with particularly lush vegetation. This contrast shapes the impression of the place: the haciendas recall its former use, while orchards and green spaces define the landscape. For visitors who enjoy combining culture and nature, this makes for a destination where both are closely connected to the history of the place.

Los Catorce formerly consisted of several haciendas where ore extracted from the mines was processed to obtain silver. These are therefore not merely individual historic buildings, but traces of a former way of working and making a living. One of the haciendas houses an old church that can be visited. Those interested in the history of the place can explore the church and the former haciendas as different ways of discovering its past.

Routes between Real de Catorce and Estación Catorce

Los Catorce lies about 4 kilometres from Real de Catorce, on the Camino de los Arrepentidos, which runs between Real de Catorce and Estación Catorce. This historic dirt-and-stone road wound through the mountains between steep slopes and once connected the two places. Before the Túnel Ogarrio was built, it was the only route to Real de Catorce. Its former role makes the Camino part of the region’s history and gives Los Catorce a clear geographical setting.

The Estación Catorce–Los Catorce route can also be understood geographically: it ends in Los Catorce, which lies in a natural hollow in the Sierra. The routes highlight different landscapes, from the Camino’s course between steep slopes to the hollow at the route’s destination. A route idea starting from Real de Catorce focuses exclusively on two destinations: Socavón de Purísima and Los Catorce.

Excursions by Willys or on horseback

Willys depart daily from Estación Catorce; their round trips include Los Catorce, among other destinations. A ride in a Willys is one way to include the place in a round trip. Specialised guides from the Municipio Catorce, accredited by SECTUR, also offer horseback rides that include Los Catorce. The two options differ in how you travel: when planning your excursion, you can choose between a round trip and a horseback ride.

When looking for a holiday rental in Catorce, it is worth first deciding what you want your trip to focus on. Are you particularly interested in the former ore processing and the old church, or would you like to include excursions into the landscape and routes between the places? The options described offer different focuses. Catorce combines a green oasis with the history of former haciendas and routes that were once important for connecting the places.

Other places you can also discover: Tamazunchale, Herradura, Ranchito, Pozos, Alfred M. Terrazas, Cedral, Damián Carmona and Matehuala.

For the broader travel overview: San Luis Potosí.