Activities in Real De Catorce
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Horseback Rides to El Quemado
Ride 'em cowboy! Numerous trails lead out into the dry, stark and fascinating desertscapes - hilly and flat - around Real. The most popular guided trail ride is the three-hour trip to El Quemado, the sacred mountain of the Huichol. Here you'll find expansive views of the high-desert plateau and a small shrine to the sun god.
Horse guides now belong to a union, approved by the municipality; if unsure, ask for a guide's credentials. The aim of the union is to standardize prices and safety. Note that no protective hats are provided; you clomp off at your own risk.
The horses and guides congregate every morning around Plaza Hidalgo. Willys jeep trips can also be arranged to ma…
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Socavón de Purísima
If you prefer to do your own hikes, you can head out from Real in almost any direction. A short hike goes to Socavón de Purísima, a large chimney of a former mine. Head down Allende and veer right at its end. You are on the road to Estación de Catorce. Follow this road until you reach the chimney (about 45 minutes one way). The road passes through a cut or split rock, the Cerro Trocado. To enter the mine, speak to the caretaker family (a tip is gratefully received).
To return, it's a longer and harder slog back up the hill (one hour one way; on weekends you might be able to grab a lift in a Willys Jeep). Caution: be prepared - tell others where you're headed, take wate…
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Pueblo Fantasmo
If you prefer to do your own hikes, you can head out from Real in almost any direction. The hike closest to home includes that up the hill to the Pueblo Fantasmo, on the hill behind - and clearly visible from - the town center. Head along Lanzagorta and stay left (avoid the road that veers right to the car park). The track you follow was the former entrance to town before the tunnel existed.
Allow at least one hour to get to the top - there is another section around 100m further on behind those ruins visible from the town. Beware that there are two large shafts - 50m - in the ruins.
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