MEXIQUILLO

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Mexiquillo is a natural park located west of the state of Durango, Mexico in the mu-nicipality of Pueblo Nuevo, on the Sierra Madre Occi-dental. It is the most visit-ed natural site in the state and one of the most attrac-tive. The park covers an area of 13,475 hectares, of which 152.75 hectares are virgin forest ecological reserve. Through the park can be found waterfalls, a system of canyons, tunnels, numer-ous rock formations and a dense coniferous forest with endemic species of the re-gion as Pinus and Pinus en-gelmannii durangensis. Lots of ecotourism and adventure activities like camping,

Proudly known in the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Durango as "The Spine of the Devil", the Sierra Madre mountain range presents visitors with the stunning panorama known as Mexiquillo Canyon. Over 8,000 feet deep, this canyon's amazing beauty draws travelers from all over the world. This full day tour will provide you with an adventure that you won't forget.

We will travel outside of Sinaloa to the state of Durango, where incredible mountain landscapes and pine forests will be our constant companion. We will stop for breakfast in the pueblo of Santa Rita, beforereaching Durango State and

the magical Mexiquillo. Here we will see the mysterious "Valley of the Stones", where huge stones rise like giant totems, a kind of prehispanic city preserved among the centuries.

We will see the beautiful Mexiquillo waterfall, where the river crosses one of the long defunct railroad tunnels, and gain stunning panoramic vistas of Mexiquillo's canyons, where the entire scene is covered by a green carpet of foliage. We will end the tour with a stop at a local restau-rant where we can taste lo-cal Durango cuisine. Then it's back to Mazatlan, Don't forget your camera!

“Valley of stones, accompanied by the

incredible flora and fauna of the state”

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which is the most commonly, hiking, kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking, and even mountaineering are practiced in the park by visitors.

The park can be reached by car following the Durango road - Mazatlan (Carretera Mexico Federal 40) and taking the deviation indicated in the town of the city, however, there are cruises offered by several companies who transfer the visitor to the park or nearby.

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CASCADAS DEL SALTITO

The saltito is located southwest of the state of Durango. A 38 km from the cd. Durango along the Panamerican Highway, is the deviation that leads to this site which is a volcanic pit located on the bed of a branch of the river Tunal. . It presents a cascade of three waterfalls of a height greater than 30m, whose flow is increased in the summer rainy season attracting countless passersby who will enjoy the natural spectacle presented daily; for its beauty it has been the scene of national and international films contributing to reinforce the name (Durango earth film) ''DURANGO TIERRA DEL CINE''

One of those havens are located in the state of Durango, we refer to the Cascade Saltito. Southeast of the state capital, in a place that is known as Nombre de Dios, approximately 50 kilometers away making way for the federal number 45 road, we can find this little waterfall formed by the current Rio Mezquital. Its beauty is breathtaking for its waterfall is about 20 meters and falls into a kind of pit, where people who love nature and activities such as camping gets to enjoy this treasure that nature to Mexico gifts. Something that recommend people close to the place is, sit and relax in front of the waterfall Saltito close my eyes and make a wish, then say it feels so much peace to your desire shoots out the stars who will take care of comply

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“Immense visual beauty to see the water flow”

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PRESA EL PUEBLITO

The journey begins

From the exit of the city, when people take the road that will take you to El Pueblito, you can start breathing a different, pristine air, smelling nature. Approximately 15 minutes separate it from the capital city, are an episode to recreate the senses and leave the worries at home. Mainly in summer, the green of the vegetation surrounding El Pueblito and blue that only has the sky Durango, combine to offer a show of beauty and harmony. It is when the Tunal river is in spate, carrying a stream of water that spreads from bliss to all who see or enter its waters. El Pueblito has a wide street flanked on both sides by beautiful garden, some peopleliving in the city; food businesses and a beautiful and picturesque church, located at the end of the road leading to the dam Guadalupe Victoria.popular cuisine and class. From Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon, some traders of El Pueblito start their activities offering visitors the modest but tasty corn gorditas stuffed with different stews, traditional pork carnitas tacos; cooked corn and regional bread, mainly. Also, you can also find restaurants offering a menu of more upmarket, away from vegetation Another option is a picnic and visit some places that surround Near the main street some tents are also located in various businesses from the city of Durango that offer a range of fast food with prices to suit all budgets Other sites to visit.

Once the adventurer tasted the gastronomic variety that El Pueblito offers, you can continue your journey towards the imposing dam Guadalupe Victoria, which was begun in 1958 and four years later was completed.The journey to reach this site via a paved road, is equally striking: hills full of foliage; the Tunal river that winds between nature; cottages, businesses located at the foot of the road offering regional food and an atmosphere that exudes harmony And the prey, who so desire, you can rent a boat and take a tour of its waters, to feel part of nature and appreciate the wind in your face as the boat continues its journey; or perhaps helped by a hook, decide to fish; maybe take a dip, or just take a walk around the place.Some more adventurous, choose to climb the hills surrounding the dam and sight from above the stunning panoramic altogether. Another alternative is to go into the small recreation center located before boarding the dam and roast meat, live with family, walking ... or, bring food to savor in the shade of the thick trees that are there. The Tunal river also passes through this place and when it is in spate, offers a magnificent spectacle of harmony and serenity To visit El Pueblito, who every weekend, went so far as to have a good time.

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EL TECUAN

“undoubted ecological connection mainly with

deer and squirrels”13

Just 40 minutes from the capital in the middle of the mountains, is the ideal place for nature lovers to relax in the midst of this natural atmosphere. You can perform a number of outdoor activities: hiking, fishing, biking, camping and more. In addition you can see squirrels, elk deer, coyotes, wolves, foxes, among many animals. Remember to wear comfortable clothes for the occasion and do not forget that the weather is usually cool.

Tetouan National Park, 57km from Durango, is a protected nature reserve with excellent routes on the slopes of the mountains. Here you can enroll yourself in a photo safari while you walk through the forest of pines and oaks. The slopes and trails are great challenges for even the most experienced mountain bikers. The Saltito the waterfall, located 52 kilometers from the town name of God, is one of the natural wonders of the state. There, locals offer camping spaces amid the fantastic scenery of the mountains. Falling water reaches 13 meters and rises from a forest of giant junipers. Visit it on weekdays if you prefer to enjoy the place with few visitors.

LA FERRERIA

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South of the capital of Durango is La Ferreria, archaeological site Establishe. The ironworks is the point of convergence of settled villages in the valley of the Guadiana, it was a religious center where pyramids, ball games courts, patios, circular structures, temples, terraces and housing complexes were built. This place noted for its cleanliness and for being in excellent condition.

The museum site, remodeled in 2007 and by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, consists of two rooms where archaeological pieces found in the area, belonging to the chalchihuites culture are exhibited. Here you can admire pots, tools, ornaments and other ancient objects. If you enjoy surround yourself in nature, this is a good place for you; from here you can see a vast landscape and walk among mesquite, aloe vera plants and a medicinal herb called salver. You can also observe wild animals like hares, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, squirrels and lizards.

PUENTE DE NOMEBRE DE DIOS

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VILLAS DEL OESTE

“Wester town with

a great cinematic

story”

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The dusty streets and old saloons of the film sets of Durango make this a ''western'' filmmaker's paradise. Located near the capital of the state, the villages of Chupaderos and Villas del Oeste have been the sites where hundreds of national and international western films have been shot. Tourists can enjoy lively cowboy shows in the streets, and take an entertaining guided tour of these wonderfully preserved film sets.

The Pan American Highway is a theme park that was built as a movie set by Billy Huges. In it about 150 national and international, including ''Las Bandidas'' starring Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek movies were filmed. Now it is a tourist attraction and every weekend to ride western style shows with cowboys, Can-Can girls and Apaches.

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