The territory of Coahuila is as vast as it is rich. It is a place where we cease to be amazed before the majesty of its wonders. The clearest example is the Central-desert Region. An area that has not forgotten its agricultural and mining vocations and also is the steel capital, together with each of the provincial faces that surround it, is a key center for the industrial sector of the nation, making it attractive for large investments. This great family is as bountiful in natural resources as it is notable for the obvious examples of culture that it offers.
Modern and traditional cities are perfectly intertwined and receive us with affection.
Over time, this historical city, which was founded in 1689 as Santiago de la Monclova and as the capital of the province Coahuila de la Nueva Extremadura, has changed in many aspects. It is no longer a village from the dawn of our country. It has become not only the capital of the state, but the steel capital as well. The rapid industrial development, originated by the Altos Hornos de Mexico iron and steel factory in 1942, has in the same way given rise to the implementation of the most complete infrastructure fitting for the demand required by the new investments. Currently, business travelers, as well as those traveling for pleasure, can find the most modern business and tourist services: well-designed exposition centers, excellent hotels, fine cuisine, and a broad assortment of culture and recreation.
| |
 |
Construction of this historical building, originally built as the Royal Hospital, began at the end of the eighteenth century. It later served as a jail where Miguel Hidalgo and his insurgent troops were held after their capture in Acatita de Baján. Behind its walls, Ignacio Aldama was executed. Currently it houses the Municipal Archives, a permanent exhibit of regional history and seasonal expositions. |
|
| Location |
 |
| Aldama and Juárez, in front of Plaza Aldama |
| Hour |
| Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| |
|
| |
 |
Having strong roots within the city, this temple was constructed in 1700 under the orders of Brother Juan Luis Larios. In contrast to its austere façade, inside it preserves a magnificent baroque altarpiece covered in 24 karat gold that was brought from Saltillo. |
|
| Location |
 |
| Jiménez and Cuauhtémoc |
| Hour |
| Mon.-Sun., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| |
|
| |
 |
Recently inaugurated, this observatory is the largest in the state with a 16-inch lense and capable of magnifying the brightness of any star up to 3,000 times. Controlled by a computer, it integrates a sophisticated video system that projects live images of the sun, the moon, and the planets. |
|
| Location |
 |
| Av. Las Torres s/n, inside the Zoological Park |
| Hour |
| Mon. to Sat., 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. For guided tours call (866) 633 9918 |
| |
|
In the nineteenth century, there was only one area of Monclova populated by foreigners. On the outskirts of town, its rapid and sustained development is such that it still continues. A suburb of this city of steel, Ciudad Frontera credits its growth to the great industrial potential that is afforded by its strategic location, its urban design, and its excellent communication and transportation systems. The strength of its railroad infrastructure and the modernity of the Venustiano Carranza International Airport are examples of the wealth of services that a city like this has to offer. In addition to witnessing its growth, we can appreciate examples of its historic and architectural richness upon visiting the Old Train Station, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, the Mason’s Lodge, and the Hotel America in Ciudad Frontera.
To cross into its frontiers, only two things were important to the people of this area: its history and the natural and marvelous work of art painted over its territory.
Although the Jesuits built various missions here as far back as the sixteenth century, it was not until 1800, after repeated rejection by the tribes of the region, that the town was definitively founded. The name of this illustrious city, Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, refers to the marshes that were formed by the abundant springs arriving from four key locations and it being the birthplace of Venustiano Carranza, the Leader of the Constitutional Army. From this, the name Cuatro Ciénegas was adopted for the municipality.
| |
 |
Surrounded by historic buildings and offices, this picturesque and relaxing site is the ideal place to regroup after having toured the area. |
|
| Location |
 |
| Hidalgo, Zaragoza, Juárez and Carranza |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
 |
Covering six hectares (15 acres), this lagoon is a true desert oasis. The brilliancy of its fine white sands and its crystalline waters, with tones from green to blue, are a genuine delight, as well as an invitation to refresh yourself. Camping and swimming are permitted. |
|
| Location |
|
| 13 km (8 miles) south of town on a dirt road. |
| Hour |
| Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| |
|
| |
 |
Over four kilometers (2.5 miles) long, the tranquility and transparency of the Los Mezquies River is ideal for enjoying canoeing or swimming in this area with rustic facilities. Camping is permitted. |
|
| Location |
 |
| Kilometer Marker 8.5 (5.3 miles) on Cuatro Ciénegas-San Pedro Highway 30 |
| Hour |
| Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| |
|
| |
 |
In addition to giving eco-tourist information, the information center has a souvenir shop and offers specialized tours for visiting the Azul Pond. Located next to the Information Center is a sanctuary for regional fish and turtles, including the bisagra turtle. |
|
| Location |
|
| Kilometer Marker 9 (5.6 miles) on the Cuatro Ciénegas-San Pedro Highway 30 |
| Hour |
| Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m |
| |
|
| |
 |
This pristine body of water is the clearest example of aquatic beauty in the region. The quality of its water, obvious by its clarity and turquoise blue color, makes this site a fascinating natural marvel. Due to the great wealth of endemic flora and fauna that live here, it is strictly prohibited to enter. The area is only for observation, which can be done from a lookout platform. |
|
| Location |
|
| Kilometer Marker 9 (5.6 miles) Cuatro Ciénegas-San Pedro Highway 30 |
| Hour |
| Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| |
|
| |
 |
Converted into a natural recreational center with the best infrastructure in the region, this precious reservoir of hot springs offers services for camping as well as having fun on its volleyball courts or in the kayaks, which can be rented here. |
|
| Location |
|
| 15 km (9.3 miles) from town, via Cuatro Ciénegas-Torreón Highway 30 |
| Hour |
| Daily, anytime |
| |
|
| |
 |
Calcium sulfate crystals make up this 800 hectares (1,977 acres) of white countryside. It is a unique landscape in our country where the only foliage is the bushes whose arrival here is thanks to the wind. A guide is required and can be hired at the Information Center or in the Office of Tourism. |
|
| Location |
|
| 18 km (11.2 miles) from town on the Cuatro Ciénegas-Torreón Highway 30 |
| Hour |
| Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| |
|
| |
 |
Flanking the plains in a most spectacular manner, these mountain ranges represent an everlasting element of the biological wonder that takes place in this region. As important as the ponds, rivers and lagoons of the region, this area would surely miss its presence. |
|
| Location |
|
| 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) from town towards Torreón |
| Hour |
| Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| |
|
|
