Durango

Founded in 1563, Victoria de Durango is a treasure trove of Mexican history and culture. As a crucial stop on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (the Royal Inland Road), the city accumulated immense wealth from nearby silver mines, which funded the construction of its breathtaking baroque and neoclassical architecture. Today, the historic center boasts over 1,000 cataloged historic monuments, making it an open-air museum of colonial design.

For fans of classic Westerns and cinematic history, Durango is the ultimate frontier playground. The town's historic narrow-gauge railroad and rugged landscapes famously served as the backdrop for nearly 30 films, including iconic movies like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and City Slickers.

Reasons to Visit

• Explore a UNESCO World Heritage historic center filled with stunning colonial architecture.
• Step into classic Western movies at the Paseo del Viejo Oeste theme park.
• Ride the Teleférico for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
• Experience authentic, off-the-beaten-path Mexican culture without the heavy crowds of coastal resorts.
• Taste unique northern Mexican cuisine, including the famous Caldillo Durangueño.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid drinking tap water; always opt for bottled or purified water.
• Do not underestimate the high altitude; pace yourself and stay hydrated.
• Avoid walking alone in the unlit outskirts of the city late at night.
• Don't forget to carry small denominations of cash for street vendors and local markets.

Local Transportation Tips

The historic center of Durango is highly walkable, with many major attractions located within a short distance of the Plaza de Armas. For longer trips, registered taxis and ride-sharing apps like DiDi and Uber are affordable, safe, and widely available. Local buses are also an option for budget travelers, though they can be difficult to navigate without some knowledge of Spanish.

Travel Etiquette

• Greet shopkeepers and locals with a polite 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'.
• Tipping 10% to 15% in restaurants is standard practice.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites (avoid sleeveless shirts and short shorts).
• Always ask for permission before taking close-up photographs of local people.

Recommended Age Group

Durango offers a diverse range of activities that cater to various age groups, blending history, entertainment, and outdoor adventure.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While the city is welcoming, navigating the cobblestone streets of the historic center with a stroller can be challenging.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the live-action cowboy shows at Paseo del Viejo Oeste and the exciting cable car ride.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens can enjoy zip-lining, exploring movie sets, and the vibrant local street food scene.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for adults interested in architecture, history, mezcal tasting, and affordable cultural exploration.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The historic center is flat and walkable, though the high altitude requires a relaxed pace.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The historic center features some curb ramps, but the historic cobblestone streets can be uneven for wheelchair users.
• Major museums and modern attractions generally offer good accessibility and elevators.
• The Teleférico (cable car) stations are equipped with ramps and are wheelchair friendly.
• It is advisable to contact specific hotels in advance to ensure they meet your accessibility needs, as older colonial buildings may lack elevators.

Did You Know?

John Wayne loved Durango so much that he purchased a ranch here, known as La Joya. He filmed numerous classic Westerns in the area, cementing Durango's reputation as the ultimate cinematic frontier.

Cool Statistics

• Over 150 Hollywood and Mexican movies have been filmed in Durango's landscapes.
• The city's historic center contains exactly 1,000 cataloged historic buildings.
• Durango sits at a lofty elevation of 1,890 meters (6,200 feet).
• The Durango Cathedral took nearly a century to complete, with construction spanning from 1695 to 1793.