El Cercado: Nature and Culture

When looking for a hotel in El Cercado, you can plan your trip around two distinct themes: the natural landscape and protected areas of the Reserva Natural Voluntaria Loma del Gorrión, and the town’s historical and cultural connections. The reserve is located in the village of El Cercado within the municipality of Saltillo and covers 114 hectares. Its area gives the nature theme a clear local setting.

Nature and Landscape

The reserve lies in a grassland; in areas near the hills, yuccas, shrubs, and a variety of cacti, including biznagas, grow. Wildlife is also part of its conservation profile: Mexican prairie dogs are protected there and are considered endemic to the region and endangered. Coyotes live in the grasslands. The Worthen’s sparrow is also protected in the reserve and is considered regionally endemic and endangered.

The reserve is located within AICA No. 36 Pradera de Tokio, which is important as a biological corridor for migratory birds. It also lies within the national terrestrial priority region El Tokio, designated for conservation. Groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration are both priorities for the area. These connections add ecological functions and a broader natural setting to the description of the landscape and species.

Planning Nature Observation

The management program includes nature tourism with birdwatching, particularly to observe the Worthen’s sparrow and prairie dogs. Monarch butterfly migration can be observed in the reserve in October and November; however, sightings are not guaranteed every year. Birdwatching as a planned focus of the program and the seasonal opportunity to observe monarch butterflies are therefore different considerations for planning.

Prior coordination with Mauricio de la Maza Benignos, the legal representative of the property, is required for any activities to be carried out within the reserve. If you are planning a specific activity in the area, make sure to coordinate in advance.

Historical and Cultural Connections

One distinct cultural landmark is the Templo de la Virgen de Lourdes in El Cercado. It is classified as a historic monument in the INAH catalog. This information complements the nature themes with a specific historic building in the town.

The old “Danza del Ojo de Agua” is also associated with El Cercado. An account published in 2017 tells of a person who first danced there as a Matlachín and then joined the dance group, whose members lived in the same neighborhood. Thus, the historic building is complemented by a traditional personal connection to the dance and the group.

The cultural side brings together a classified historic monument and a story about the dance group. Focus your search on the theme that matters to you during your stay in El Cercado.

Discover more destinations: Las Pozas, Huariche, Los Lirios, San Antonio De Las Alazanas, Torreón, General Cepeda, Alazanes, Saltillo

For the broader travel overview: Coahuila.