Real de Catorce Mining Town & Desert Secret

Pass through a tunnel into a high-altitude abandoned mining town, ride horses to a ghost town, and ride a jeep down to the Wirikuta Desert

The one-way journey takes about half a day, so staying at least three nights is recommended to avoid rushing. On the second day, explore the old streets and ride horses up to the ghost town. On the third day, take a jeep to Mount Quemado and the village of Estación Catorce. The town sits at an altitude of about 2,700 meters with many cobblestone slopes and only accepts cash. It is suitable for travelers who love off-the-beaten-path destinations and hiking, but not for those with limited mobility. Public transport is available but requires a transfer in Matehuala.

During the Festival of Saint Francis in early October and Easter Week, vehicle access is restricted, and you must transfer to a shuttle bus.

Day by day

Day 1 · Pass Through the Tunnel into the Mining Town

Real de Catorce（Túnel de Ogarrio、Plaza Hidalgo & Historic Center、Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción）

Take Highway 57 to Matehuala, pass through Cedral, and drive along the cobblestone road to enter the tunnel. The entire journey takes about 4 hours.

Depart early in the morning and avoid driving on mountain roads at night; stock up on plenty of cash in Matehuala.

Stay: Old Street & Main Square

Day 2 · Old Streets and Ghost Town Ruins

Real de Catorce（Casa de Moneda、Palenque de Gallos、Capilla y Panteón de Guadalupe、Pueblo Fantasma）

Walk around the town in the morning. In the afternoon, hire a horse or a jeep at the plaza to go to the ghost town, which takes about 2 hours round trip.

Walk slowly at first to adjust to the high altitude; agree on the route and duration before riding horses.

Stay: Old Street & Main Square

Day 3 · Willys Jeep in the Wirikuta Desert

Real de Catorce（Cerro del Quemado、Wirikuta、Estación Catorce）

Charter a Willys jeep from Plaza Hidalgo. It takes about 1 hour to go down the mountain to the village of Estación Catorce, making it a half-day round trip.

This is a sacred site for the Huichol people; do not disturb rituals or pick plants. Jeeps occasionally stop running, so ask in town first.

Stay: Old Street & Main Square

Day 4 · Return to San Luis Potosí

San Luis Potosí

Leave through the tunnel in the morning and return to San Luis Potosí the same way, which takes about 4 hours. You can catch an afternoon flight.