Durango

Introducing Durango

Durango city is a mellow, pleasant cowboy town with a delightful Plaza de Armas, fine colonial architecture and a great selection of hotels and restaurants. It’s a fun place to ­unwind, yet there’s also plenty to do.

Founded in 1563 by conquistador Don Francisco de Ibarra, and named after the Spanish city of his birth, Durango is just south of the Cerro del Mercado, one of the world’s richest iron-ore deposits. This was the basis for Durango’s early importance, along with gold and silver from the Sierra Madre. Other local industries include agriculture and timber, but it’s best known for its role in the movie business. Note that as you cross the border between Chihuahua and Durango states you enter a different time zone; Durango is one hour ahead of Chihuahua.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009