Real de Catorce
Discover Real de Catorce
Real de Catorce is a ghost town in San Luis Potosí. The former silver mining boom town has lost over 90% of its population since its heyday in the late 19th century, and only about 1,400 residents remain (2010). Real de Catorce has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos. This old ghost town is very popular with tourists from Texas, especially the Austin area. Many of the old haciendas are being restored to former glory. The surrounding high desert area is becoming a popular area for horseback riding.
Taste of Real de Catorce...
Houses can be rented in the surrounding small ghost towns (without electricity or running water) for about US$100 monthly, it's a popular option for artists and craftsmen.
Climate
Although in the southern range of the Chihuahuan desert, due to its altitude, Real can be very cool at night. Although days, particularly in summer, can be very hot, it is advised to always bring a jacket, even in summer. The nearest airport is San Luis Potosí (SLP), with flights to destinations in Mexico and the USA. Monterrey Airport (MTY), some 379 km away, has additional flights to both Mexico and the USA, as well as nonstop services to Central America and Europe. From the San Luis Potosí airport it is a 15- to 20-minute drive via bus or taxi to the "Central de autobuses". From the Monterrey airport, a Noreste bus to the Monterrey bus station is M$115 (March 2022). Intercity buses from Saltillo, Monterrey, and San Luis Potosí stop in Matehuala. Multiple bus companies like Frontera and Senda serve the route. From Matehuala go the combis of Expreso Vanced to Real de Catorce. They depart at 8am, 2pm and 5pm from the address Altamirano 104 next to the shop Onix Bisutería.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe nearest airport is San Luis Potosí (SLP), with flights to destinations in Mexico and the USA. Monterrey Airport (MTY), some 379 km away, has additional flights to both Mexico and the USA, as well as nonstop services to Central America and Europe. From the San Luis Potosí airport it is a 15- to 20-minute drive via bus or taxi to the "Central de autobuses". From the Monterrey airport, a Noreste bus to the Monterrey bus station is M$115 (March 2022). Intercity buses from Saltillo, Monterrey, and San Luis Potosí stop in Matehuala. Multiple bus companies like Frontera and Senda serve the route. From Matehuala go the combis of Expreso Vanced to Real de Catorce. They depart at 8am, 2pm and 5pm from the address Altamirano 104 next to the shop Onix Bisutería. Other intercity buses from Monterrey, Saltillo and SLP go to the village Estación Catorce. The route is served by Frontera. On the website are the departure times shown. From Estación Catorce go 4x4 cars the 12 km to Real de Catorce....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Once in Real de Catorce you get around by walking mostly. Cars are not allowed to drive in the city. To get to one of the far away tourist destinations you travel by horse, donkey or mule. Home made crafts... made with minerals found in caves Houses can be rented in the surrounding small ghost towns (without electricity or running water) for about US$100 monthly, it's a popular option for artists and craftsmen.
Where to Stay
Houses can be rented in the surrounding small ghost towns (without electricity or running water) for about US$100 monthly, it's a popular option for artists and craftsmen.
Money & Budget
Home made crafts... made with minerals found in caves Houses can be rented in the surrounding small ghost towns (without electricity or running water) for about US$100 monthly, it's a popular option for artists and craftsmen.