El Fuerte

Introducing El Fuerte

It’s not as charming or wealthy as Álamos, but El Fuerte, a sleepy and picturesque little town surrounded by one of Latin America’s last standing dry tropical forests, isn’t a victim of an expat occupation either. Noted for its colonial ambience, its Spanish architecture and, mostly, for being a good starting or ending point for a trip on the Copper Canyon Railway, El Fuerte has a stuck-in-time feel that probably won’t last too much longer.

Founded in 1564 by the Spanish Francisco de Ibarra, El Fuerte – named for its 17th-century fort that Spaniards built to protect settlers from various natives – was an important Spanish settlement throughout the colonial period. For more than three centuries it was a major farming and commercial center, and a trading post on El Camino Real, the Spanish mule trail between Guadalajara and Álamos. In 1824 El Fuerte became the capital of the state of Sinaloa, and remained so for several years.

El Fuerte is usually swarming with bus tours, but independent travelers are starting to find their way here as well. There’s not a lot to do in town, but as more indie-minded operators begin to open shop here, the wealth of offerings in the surrounding countryside should begin to see more visitors.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009