Things to do in Cuatro Ciénegas
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Río Los Mezquites
Just before the Poza Azul visitors center there’s a turnoff on the left for Río Los Mezquites. Follow the rough track for 2km past salinas (salt flats) until you see a sublime stretch of slow-flowing blue water. Swimming here with the fish and turtles amid the desert landscape is a surreal, revitalizing experience. There’s an overabundance of palapas (thatched shelters) for shade, plus toilets and barbecue spots. It’s usually deserted during the week but it’s popular with families on weekends. Camping, which is free after paying the entrance fee, is sometimes permitted. Ask the entrance attendant.
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Poza La Becerra
Poza La Becerra was the busiest and most developed (bathrooms, showers, snack shop) recreational facility. At the time of research, the facility was temporarily closed due to a dispute between a local politician and the owner. It’s supposedly slated to open sometime in the winter of 2010. The water temperature here is a balmy, constant 32°C, but there are cooler areas where springs feed the pools.
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Acuario y Herpetario Minckley
A block east of the Plaza de las Culturas is the interesting little Acuario y Herpetario Minckley, where many of the rare snakes, lizards, toads, turtles, fish, spiders and scorpions endemic to the reserve can be viewed. All the creatures in this education center are well looked after by a knowledgeable biologist.
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Dunas de Yeso
Get up close with the Dunas de Yeso, where blinding-white gypsum sand dunes contrast superbly with the six mountain ranges that ring the valley. They can be seen from Hwy 30, but for an optimal visit, stop by after learning about the dune ecosystem at the Poza Azul visitors center first.
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Casa de la Cultura
The Casa de la Cultura, in the former home of Venustiano Carranza, a revolutionary leader involved in the overthrow of Porfirio Díaz, has a small but interesting display of ancient objects unearthed in the area.
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Sertuco
Sertuco rents two-person kayaks (Monday to Friday half-day M$300, Saturday and Sunday per hour M$130) at Río Los Mezquites; it’s best to arrange this beforehand or at the office in town.
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La Casona
The Hotel Plaza’s restaurant has agreeable ambience and serves antojitos (small plates), steaks, salads, pastas, crepes and breakfasts. It’s a good place to start or end your day.
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Poza Azul visitors center
The Poza Azul visitors center, 8km out of town on Hwy 30, has illustrated displays about the reserve’s ecology in Spanish and English.
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Bodegas Ferriño
Bodegas Ferriño is 1km north of the Plaza de las Culturas along Carranza, pressed its first grapes in 1860.
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Vinos Vitali
Staff at the neighboring Vinos Vitali will gladly show you around their little operation.
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Los Generales
With buffets and tasty set meals, this pleasant little café is a good place to push your pesos.
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