Real de Catorce

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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.

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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

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. zapfilms avatar
    Re: Real de Catorce

    by zapfilms 18 May 2012

    Yes, the buses Matehuala to Zac go thru SLP, no getting around that. What the driving people can do is cut north from RDC then SW towards…
  2. alterigor avatar
    RE: Real de Catorce

    by alterigor 18 May 2012

    Agree with Carracar: there are probably class buses and collectivos - haven't been anywhere in central Mexico where they would not be…
  3. carracar avatar
    RE: Real de Catorce

    by carracar 18 May 2012

    I have only driven the 62 out to the 54...As there are a couple settlements along the way I would suspect there is some form of collectivo…

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