Real de Catorce

Introducing Real de Catorce

Energy – in a spiritual sense – is a word commonly ascribed to the alluring village of Real de Catorce. This stark, compact and functioning ‘ghost town’ sits high on the fringes of the magical Sierra Madre Oriental. It was a wealthy silver-mining town of 40, 000 people until early last century. Not long ago, it was nearly deserted, its streets lined with crumbling buildings, its mint a ruin and a few hundred people eking out an existence from the annual influx of pilgrims and old mine tailings.

Over the last few decades Real has experienced a revival; it has attracted several well-to-do Mexicans and foreigners (especially Europeans) who run some of the businesses and hotels in town. Many locals have built dwellings on the town’s outskirts. Real is making a gradual comeback, so the ‘ghost town’ label hardly applies, although doors in abandoned buildings still creak in the breeze, dusty cobblestone streets end abruptly and many buildings are still in ruins.

To soak up its magic and unique atmosphere, you need to stay a night here, longer if you wish to explore the surrounding hills on foot or horseback.

Last updated: Sep 23, 2008