Catorce: Oasis Greenery and Silver History

Los Catorce is considered a spring and oasis in the middle of the desert. In Los Catorce, lush vegetation and orchards grow over the ruins of former haciendas, where ore was processed for silver production. The name Real de Catorce is important for orientation: Los Catorce is about four kilometers from there, on the Camino de los Arrepentidos, which runs between Real de Catorce and Estación Catorce.

Haciendas, Orchards and Silver Processing

In the past, Los Catorce consisted of several haciendas where ore extracted from the mines was processed for silver production. The ruins recall this industrial function; today, orchards and lush vegetation grow over the former ore-processing haciendas. Nature and mining history do more than simply coexist here: the green spaces define the very site of the former processing operations. It may be possible to visit the old church at one of the haciendas in Los Catorce. Check in advance under what conditions a visit is possible.

Routes and Orientation

Two route references help locate the area: before the Túnel Ogarrio was built, the Camino de los Arrepentidos was the only road to Real de Catorce. As a historic dirt-and-stone road, the Camino de los Arrepentidos passed between steep slopes through the mountains and connected Real de Catorce with Estación Catorce. By contrast, the Estación Catorce–Los Catorce route ends in Los Catorce, which lies in a natural hollow in the Sierra. This distinguishes the historic connection between Real and Estación from the route whose destination is Los Catorce.

Excursions by Willys and on Horseback

The tourism information lists daily departures for Willys tours from Estación Catorce, as well as round trips, including one to Los Catorce. Check the schedule before setting out. Specialized guides from the Municipio Catorce, accredited by SECTUR, offer horseback rides that include Los Catorce. If you are considering a horseback ride, confirm the specific terms directly with the provider.

Catorce: History in a Broader Context

Within the broader destination of Catorce, Real de Catorce offers a distinct historical focus. The former mining settlement in the Altiplano was founded around 1778. The 2.3-kilometer-long Túnel de Ogarrio passes through solid rock to Real. The Antigua Casa de Moneda was built by Santos de la Maza starting in 1863, opened in 1865, and closed a year later. On November 29, 2012, Real de Catorce was declared a historic monuments zone; it includes 123 monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the broader destination of Catorce, hundreds of pilgrims gather every year on October 4 at a temple dedicated to the Purísima Concepción to venerate an image of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pueblo Fantasma is another historic landmark in the broader destination of Catorce. It consists of the ruins of former ore-processing haciendas belonging to the Minas de Concepción and the Compromiso shaft. A visit includes a walk of about an hour, with views of the hills and a panoramic view of the site.

Hotel Search and Trip Planning

If you are looking for hotels in Catorce, first consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on the oasis and industrial history of Los Catorce or on the historic heritage of Real de Catorce. Check the specific location listed in each offer and plan excursions according to the stated starting points and destinations. This lets you match your choice of location to the subjects that interest you most in Catorce.

Discover more destinations: Tierra Nueva, Carmen, Villa De Reyes, Refugio, Tamazunchale, El Nogalito, El Mastranto, Pozos.

Back to the broader travel overview: San Luis Potosí.