Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
AMAZING NATURAL WONDER
Although Jesuits built some missions since the 16th century, it wasn't until 1800 that this town, located in the center of the state of Coahuila, was definitively founded.
Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza is located three hours away from Saltillo and is a magical town that offers unique landscapes, as well as museums and a great variety of activities.
This area was underwater millions of years ago, which has resulted in the presence of unique places that have earned it the title of one of the thirteen natural wonders of Mexico.
The climate is very dry, and the average annual temperature is 21.4°C. However, it can be extreme, with summer temperatures reaching over 40°C and dropping below 0°C in winter.
It is located 79 km (an hour and fifteen minutes) from Monclova, 277 km (3 hours) from Saltillo, 247 km (3 hours and 20 minutes) from Torreón, and 275 km (3 and a half hours) from Monterrey.
Cuatro Ciénegas
What to See in Cuatro Ciénegas
Tourist Attractions in Cuatro Ciénegas
Plaza Principal (Main Plaza)
This is a good place to start your tour of this Magical Town. It has a kiosk with beautiful ironwork details surrounded by trees.
Municipal Presidency
Located in front of the Main Square, it has a neoclassical style. Inside, the interesting murals created by artist José Luis Murillo Mancha pay homage to the town's founders.
San José Temple
The temple was built in the early 19th century. It is distinguished by a thick tower on the north side and a double-dial clock. As a curious fact about this church, part of its construction was made with stromatolites, calcareous structures that are very rare worldwide.
Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture)
This building has historical significance as it was once the residence of Venustiano Carranza. It houses a display of fossils and some archaeological pieces, and it is also a venue for cultural events.
Stroll through Callejón de Guevara
This narrow street is one of the most picturesque places in Cuatro Ciénegas.
Venustiano Carranza House Museum
Built in 1820, it is the birthplace of the revolutionary leader and showcases a wide collection of personal and period objects such as clothing, photographs, documents, and personal belongings. One notable feature is the reconstruction of a period kitchen.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 hrs.
Antigua Estación de Ferrocarril (Old Railway Station)
You can still see the abandoned 19th-century railway station, which, being near a cemetery, gives the impression of a ghostly place.
Wineries
Cuatro Ciénegas has gained international fame for its wine production, so you shouldn't miss visiting some important wineries, such as:
Vinos Vitali, whose history dates back to the mid-20th century and offers sweet and dry red wine, as well as aguardiente cream. It is interesting to explore the cellars, and as a curious fact, you can visit the antique presses stored in an adjoining area.
Bodegas Ferriño, located north of Cuatro Ciénegas, has a history that dates back to the mid-19th century when Mr. Ferriño, of Italian origin, decided to start producing grape brandy and brandy, eventually giving great importance to the production of the famous "Sangre de Cristo" wine. Currently, they produce seven types of wine, pomegranate liqueur, and aguardiente.
Visiting Bodegas Ferriño is like traveling back in time, with its main building featuring carrizo roofs and large wooden beams. In the adjoining areas, you can see barrels of all sizes and old stills contrasting with modern bottling lines. You can also stroll through courtyards with a beautiful pool and 20 hectares of vineyards. This is a place you shouldn't miss.
What to Do in Cuatro Ciénegas
Select your Adventure in Coahuila
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN CUATRO CIÉNEGAS
Explore the Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve
Enjoy the Gypsum Dunes
Enjoy the Recreational Parks
Enjoy incredible pools in the middle of the desert
The main attraction of this Magical Town is the Biosphere Reserve, with pools of crystal-clear water forming a gigantic chain of interconnected basins (over 200) with unique biodiversity compared to the Galapagos Islands.
The pools are surrounded by mountains that exceed three thousand meters above sea level. Their bluish color is due to microscopic algae called stromatolites, a type of coral that oxygenates the water and is said to be the creators of life.
La Poza Azul is a true marvel where swimming is not allowed, but you can climb to observation platforms to admire its turquoise and crystal-clear waters, along with endemic fish of the region. Next to it, you can explore the interpretive trail El Borbollón, located right where a bubbling spring is.
La Poza de la Becerra is characterized by its warm and transparent water, where you can even observe the fish that inhabit it, such as the Cuatro Ciénegas cichlid. Its temperature ranges from 28°C to 32°C, depending on the season. Visitors can scuba dive, snorkel, and camp in this pool.
The pools in Cuatro Ciénegas have extensive infrastructure, including restrooms, palapas, grills, tables, chairs, kayak rentals, and volleyball courts.
Climb a hill for a panoramic view
If you are in good physical condition, you can climb Cerro del Muerto, which has a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the Cuatro Ciénegas Valley.
Experience Nature
There are other natural attractions near Cuatro Ciénegas that you can explore, such as Las Playitas, a six-hectare lagoon with fine sand and greenish-blue hues that create a beautiful oasis, and Río Mezquites, which has a four-kilometer stretch suitable for canoeing in all its rowing modalities. Additionally, you can camp and enjoy nature along the riverbanks.
Experience a surreal landscape
In addition, you can visit the Gypsum Dunes, a place that seems otherworldly due to its white-colored sand that covers over 800 hectares. It is located within the protected area of Cuatro Ciénegas and is considered one of the best places for stargazing.
There are tours that offer the company of an astronomer who will explain more about this incredible night sky. If you visit during a full moon, you will also see small reflections of colors caused by the quartz crystals in the dunes, a unique spectacle!
Go cycling amidst marble mines
If you want to go mountain biking, a good option is to explore the Marble Mines, an imposing location with enormous blocks of travertine marble. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Discover Rock Paintings
If you are interested in ancient cultures, you can visit Ejido Nueva Atalaya, located 25 km from Cuatro Ciénegas. Here you can explore some caves with interesting rock paintings.
Must visit destinations in Coahuila
Torreón
Saltillo
Arteaga
Cuatro Ciénegas
Parras de la Fuente
Múzquiz