Discover Santa Clara

Discover Santa Clara through its colonial-era church architecture, religious festivals, and the waterways of the Municipality of Santa Clara. Local points of interest include the Parroquia de Santa Clara de Asís, the Río de Santiago, the Arroyo El Saucito, and Ojo Caliente in the community of San Marcos. The wider destination of Durango offers additional historical and natural features.

Church Architecture and Culture

The Parroquia de Santa Clara de Asís is considered an architectural gem from the colonial era. This makes it a specific point of interest if you are interested in Santa Clara’s architectural history.

Santa Clara’s religious festivals bring together music, dance, and gastronomy. For trip planning, the patron saint’s feast day on August 12 is a specific date to note: it is celebrated with a fair and religious festivities. If you want to plan your trip around this occasion, check the program for your preferred date in advance.

Santa Clara’s historical monuments include a monument to Benito Juárez. “La Virginia” is one of the representative songs of the Municipality of Santa Clara. The monument and song expand the cultural points of interest beyond the church and religious festivals.

Waterways and Hot Spring

The Río de Santiago, also known as the Río Santa Clara, irrigates a large part of the Municipality of Santa Clara. The Arroyo El Saucito rises in the Sierra del Temazcal and is called the Mazamitote farther downstream. The river is notable for its two names and irrigation function; the arroyo is distinguished by its source and the name it takes farther downstream.

Ojo Caliente, a hot spring with an outflow of more than 10 inches and a water temperature of between 45 and 51 °C, is located in the community of San Marcos. It is a distinct local point of interest for travelers interested in thermal waters. Before your trip, check the current facilities and confirm whether a visit is possible.

Practical Information

The Archivo Histórico Municipal de Santa Clara is located at Constitución número 10, Norte, in the Centro, CP 35890, Santa Clara, Durango. If you plan to visit the archive, confirm its opening hours in advance.

The Santa Clara–El Naranjo road section up to the border with Simón Bolívar has been rehabilitated. Check current road conditions before setting out.

Historical and Natural Features in Durango

The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro passes through the state of Durango; in 2010, the route was granted UNESCO World Heritage status. This adds a historical regional dimension to the local cultural themes.

The Museo de Sitio de La Ferrería in Durango displays ceremonial and domestic archaeological artifacts made of ceramic and stone from the Guadiana branch of the Chalchihuites culture. The different materials and functions give the collection a distinct archaeological perspective.

Another historical example in the wider destination of Durango is the Chapel of San Antonio de Padua in the community of Amado Nervo, in Nombre de Dios, Durango. It was built in the 18th century on the former Hacienda San Antonio de Juana Guerra and was an important overnight stop for travelers on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

More than half of the state of Durango is mountainous; elevations in these mountainous areas exceed 2,500 meters above sea level.

Discover more destinations: Santa Clara Municipality, Pueblo Nuevo, Victoria de Durango.

Go to the main travel overview: Durango.