Cuatro Ciénagas is a Magic Town Coahuilense that stands out for its bodies of water (swamps, lagoons, pools, river) and for many other attractions that we want to help you know with this complete guide.
1. Where is Cuatro Ciénagas?
Cuatro Ciénagas de Carranza is a municipality and municipal seat of Coahuila located in the central region of the Coahuila Desert. Traditionally it lived from agriculture, livestock and the extraction of gypsum, until tourism joined its economic activities, mainly due to the relevance of its wetland, one of the most complete ecosystems in the world for the study of life, as well as a beautiful tourist site. Cuatro Ciénagas was incorporated in 2012 into the Mexican Magical Towns system also protected by other attractions such as its architectural heritage, spas, wine culture and gastronomy.
2. How was Cuatro Ciénagas formed?
The territory of the current Cuatro Ciénagas was under the sea and millions of years ago it emerged together with the Sierra Madre Oriental. It was inhabited by indigenous qualitecas and erased, who were the ethnic groups that received the Spanish, not very friendly. The first mestizo town of Cuatrociénagas was founded in the mid-18th century, but had to be re-founded on several occasions because it was decimated by the Indians. The definitive foundation occurred in 1800 and then it adopted its official republican name of Cuatrociénagas de Carranza in honor of the best known local, Venustiano Carranza.
3. What type of climate does Cuatro Ciénagas have?
The climate of the town is dry semi-warm, with an annual average temperature of 21.4 ° C. During the winter months of the northern hemisphere, between December and February, the thermometers drop on average to 13 ° C, while in the The hottest months, from June to August, are around 29 ° C, with peaks that can exceed 35 ° C. The most extreme cold recorded has been -14 ° C. It rains very little in Cuatrociénagas, barely 225 mm a year August and September being the rainiest months.
4. How do I get to Cuatro Ciénagas?
The major cities closest to Cuatrociénagas are Saltillo, Monclova, Torreón and Monerrey. Saltillo, the capital of Coahuila, is located 277 km from Cuatrociénagas, heading north towards Monclova and then traveling west. The Coahuila city of Monclova is 80 km from the Magic Town on the Federal Highway México 30. To get from Torreón to Cuatrociénagas you have to travel 230 km northeast. From Monterrey, the route is 275 km. To go from Mexico City, located 1,120 km., The best thing is to take a flight to one of the previous cities and finish the journey by land.
5. What are the main attractions of Cuatro Ciénagas?
The main attraction of Cuatrociénagas is its Biosphere Reserve, a wetland and protected area of flora and fauna that is one of the most important in North America, with natural formations such as gypsum dunes and various endemic species, as well as beautiful pools and spas. Several architectural buildings stand out in the town, some linked to the life of Venustiano Carranza, a native of the town. Another attraction is its old railway station.
6. What is the importance of the wetland?
The Cuatrociénagas wetland has been rated by NASA as one of the most complete places on the planet to study the origin of life. It maintains a biodiversity that allows going back 500 million years in research on Evolution and due to its richness and rarity it is compared to the Galapagos Islands. In Cuatrociénagas species that were believed to be extinct have been discovered and their pools currently constitute immense open-air laboratories for observation and study.
7. What are gypsum dunes?
18 Km. From the town of Cuatrociénagas is this area of white sands formed by crystallized calcium sulfate (gypsum), considered one of the three most important ecosystems of its kind in America. The white desert landscape is of particular beauty and the sands form whimsical topographic structures, like El Castillo. Several endemic species live in the environment and the attraction has services for tourists, including guided tours.
8. What is Poza Azul like?
This beautiful body of water located 9 km from Cuatrociénagas is a protected area, not available as a spa, but has an observation platform and trails to explore its shores and surroundings. The minerals suspended in the crystal clear water create a beautiful symphony of different shades of blue, from sapphire to turquoise. Likewise, the Poza Azul area has palapas, tables and grills to enjoy a family meal in an incomparable environment.
9. What are the main spas?
The Río Mezquitez spa is located 9 km from the municipal seat. The place has clear blue waters, where you can snorkel to observe fish and aquatic life. You can also do an unusual kayak trip, taking the Coahuila desert as a setting. Before you could swim in Las Playitas, an area of blue and transparent pools formed by the Mezquitez River, but it has been closed for that use in order to preserve them. At 16 km from the town is the La Poza de la Becerra thermal water spa, a place with services and where you can camp.
10. What are the architectural attractions of the town?
The main architectural attraction of Cuatrociénagas is the parochial church of San José, patron of the town, a building with Arab lines and Gothic details. One of the curiosities of the early 19th century temple is that part of its construction was made with stomatolites. These are natural calcareous structures that are formed by the fixation and accumulation of carbonate particles by cyanobacteria and one of the few places in the world where they are generated is Cuatrociénagas. The Plaza de Armas and the Municipal Presidency are also distinguished.
11. What stands out in these buildings?
The Plaza de Armas is dominated by a picturesque kiosk in which its details of blacksmithing are distinguished. It has beautiful gardens and is the ideal place to sit and see the San José temple when it is illuminated at night. The Municipal Presidency is a neoclassical style mansion, with one floor, located next to the church of San José. Its main staircase is flanked by the images of two lions and has a cozy interior patio from which you can see the temple tower and the clock. In the portico of the palace is the mural Tribute to the Founders, chaired by the figure of Carranza.
12. What are the sites related to Venustiano Carranza?
The head of the Constitutionalist Army during the second stage of the Mexican Revolution was born in Cuatrociénagas on December 29, 1859. The birthplace of the revolutionary leader and former president of the republic is currently the Venustiano Carranza Museum, where objects from the era and family photographs. The House of Culture works in an immense one-story house that was the residence of the Carranza family, which has a display of fossils, archaeological objects and paintings.
13. Can I practice outdoor sports in Cuatrociénagas?
In many of the pools of Cuatrociénagas you can practice diving, being able to appreciate the rich biodiversity through the blue and transparent waters. You can also go hiking and mountain biking, kayaking and there are places for rappelling. Near Cuatrociénagas are El Cerro del Muerto and Mina de Mármol, two places frequented by climbers from Coahuila and other Mexican states.
14. Are there wines in Cuatrociénagas?
Cuatrociénagas has a winemaking tradition that is already over 150 years old. It began in 1860, when Don Miguel Ferriño Lander began distilling brandy and grape brandy. Bodegas Ferriño, managed by the heirs of Don Miguel, continues to operate in its original place and its main brand is Sangre de Cristo, a fruity and sweet red wine that feels very pleasant on the palate. Bodegas Ferriño is located at Presidente Carranza 601 Norte and they offer tastings and sales, but not tours. The Cuatrociénagas Grape Festival takes place in July, with dances and other cultural shows, tastings and tastings of the rich local cuisine.
15. What is the attraction of the railway station?
Near Cuatrociénagas, with access through a dirt road, is the old Cuatrociénagas railway station, which is a complete picture of the old stations of the 19th century, whose main attraction is perhaps the ghostly and cinematographic air that gives it the fact of being abandoned. Along the same road to the station is an old cemetery; If you dare to go on a full moon, you will see the angel of a mausoleum shining in a spectral way.
16. Is there any other place of interest?
At 25 km from the Magical Town of Cuatrociénagas is the Ejido Nueva Atalaya, with several caves in which it is possible to admire several cave paintings made by the indigenous civilizations that inhabited the place, among them the Chichimeca. One of the traditions and livelihoods of the residents of Nueva Atalaya is the production of cerote de candelilla, the natural wax extracted from the stems of the plant of that name, which is highly appreciated by various industries, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and electronics.
17. How is the gastronomy of Cuatrociénagas?
Cuatrocienagas is the place to enjoy delicious Coahuila cuisine. The goat does very well in the Coahuila territory and the locals prepare it exquisitely roasted and salted. The area also produces one of the best meats in the country, so it is possible to enjoy a juicy cut in the company of a wine from Cuatrociénagas or Parras. Another local tradition is the litter, small sweet and cinnamon cookies. If you fancy a traditional-style drink, go into one of the old town canteens, which alone are another attraction, and order one of the region's tasty pulques.
18. What are the best hotels?
Cuatrocienagas has a small hotel offer in which 3 establishments stand out. The Hotel Plaza, in Hidalgo 202, is a clean and central accommodation, which works in a beautiful building. Centrally located, Quinta Santa Cecilia has bungalow-style rooms and a cozy pool with several palapas. The Hotel Misión Marielena, near the Plaza de Armas, is a cute hotel with well-kept gardens and a restaurant that is praised for its tasty food. Many people go to Cuatrociénagas settling in Monclova, where the offer of accommodations is greater.
19. Where can I go to eat?
El Doc is a regional food restaurant located in Zaragoza 103 Sur, in front of the Plaza Hotel. Customers speak highly of its breakfasts at affordable prices and its flank steak tips. La Misión Restaurant is a spacious and pleasant place, with tasty cuisine. La Casona restaurant is mentioned for its stuffed chiles. If you fancy some sea food, you can go to La Esquina del Marisco, while El Rodeo specializes in charcoal-grilled meats and cheeses.
We are sorry to have to finish this virtual tour of Cuatrociénagas and we hope that your trip to the Magic Town of Coahuilense will be at full speed. We hope to meet again very soon. Until next time.
