About Place
- "A hidden gem in Mexico with stunning colonial architecture and scenic landscapes."
- "The land of scorpions and spectacular natural parks."
- "A place where history and nature blend seamlessly."
Reasons to Visit
- Historical Significance and Colonial Architecture : Durango boasts a rich history, with a downtown area filled with colonial-era buildings that reflect Spanish influence. The Cathedral Basilica of Durango and the Governor's Palace are just a few examples of the architectural marvels that transport visitors back in time. This historical depth makes Durango a unique destination for those interested in Mexican history and culture.
- Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities : The state's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to arid deserts, offer a wide range of outdoor activities. The Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range provides breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, biking, and bird watching. Natural parks like Mexiquillo are perfect for camping, while the Nombre de Dios grottoes offer fascinating cave exploration adventures.
- Cultural Festivals and Local Traditions : Durango is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals celebrating local traditions, music, and dance. The annual Durango National Fair is a major event, showcasing the region's culture, crafts, and cuisine. These festivals offer an immersive experience into the local way of life, making it a unique cultural destination.
Visa
- United States and Canada : Citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 180 days.
- European Union : Schengen Area passport holders can enter without a visa for up to 180 days.
- Australia and New Zealand : Citizens can stay up to 180 days without a visa.
- India : Citizens need to apply for a tourist visa in advance.
- China : Citizens need to apply for a tourist visa in advance.
- Japan : Citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 180 days.
- South Korea : Citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 180 days.
Travel Expenses
- Travel to & from destination :
- Estimated round-trip airfare for two people from major metro cities to Durango: $1,000
- Hotel cost :
- Average cost per night: $70
- Total for 3 nights for two people: $210
- Food cost :
- Average cost per meal per person: $10
- Total for 3 days (6 meals each for two people): $120
- Activity cost :
- Cathedral Basilica of Durango: Free
- Governor's Palace: Free
- Museo Regional de Durango: $5 per person
- Mexiquillo Park: $10 per person
- Nombre de Dios grottoes: $10 per person
- Paseo del Viejo Oeste: $15 per person
- Durango Cable Car: $5 per person
- Total: $90
- Near destination travel cost :
- Car rental for 3 days: $150
- Gas and parking: $50
- Total: $200
Total Estimated Travel Expenses : $1,620
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Begin your exploration of Durango with a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of Durango from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, an architectural masterpiece with stunning interiors. Follow this with a stroll through Plaza de Armas until 1:00 PM, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and local vendors. For lunch, head to La Victoria, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Mexican dishes, and try the enchiladas. In the afternoon, visit the Governor's Palace from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to admire its historical murals. Spend the evening exploring the bustling Mercado Gomez Palacio, sampling street food for dinner, and soaking in the local culture until 8:00 PM. Conclude your day with a quiet walk along the Guadiana Park, enjoying the serene environment until 10:00 PM.
Day 2 : Start your day with a visit to the Museo Regional de Durango from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to learn about the region's history. Next, take a trip to the scenic Mexiquillo Park, where you can enjoy hiking and exploring waterfalls from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Have a picnic lunch in the park with local delicacies picked up from a nearby deli. Return to Durango city for dinner at La Fogata, known for its grilled meats, around 7:00 PM. Spend your evening at the Teatro Ricardo Castro from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, enjoying a local performance or play.
Day 3 : Take a morning trip to the Nombre de Dios grottoes, exploring the fascinating caves from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For lunch, dine at Fonda de la Tía Chona, which offers a variety of traditional Mexican foods, and try the mole poblano. In the afternoon, visit the Paseo del Viejo Oeste from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a theme park that recreates scenes from old Western movies. Have dinner at Restaurante El Agave from 7:00 PM, famous for its tequila selection and regional dishes. End your day with a relaxed evening at the Durango Cable Car, enjoying panoramic views of the city from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Safety Tips
- Always carry a copy of your passport and visa.
- Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying them in public.
- Use authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- Stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
- Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
- Drink bottled water and avoid street food from unknown vendors.
- Keep an eye on weather conditions and be prepared for sudden changes.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases to communicate in emergencies.
- Register with your embassy upon arrival.
- Respect local customs and traditions to avoid misunderstandings.
Flights
- Airlines : Aeromexico, United Airlines, Delta
- Duration : Approx. 3-5 hours from major US cities
- Cost : Around $500 per person round trip
Hotels
- Hotel Gobernador
- Hotel Florida Plaza
- Fiesta Inn Durango
- Best Western Plus Plaza Vizcaya
- City Express Durango
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Mexico : +52 55 5520 8805
- Police : 911
- Ambulance : 911
- Firefighters : 911
Country
Closet Airport
- General Guadalupe Victoria International Airport (DGO)
Nearest City
- Guadalajara
Heritage Sites
- Cathedral Basilica of Durango
Airlines
- Aeromexico
- United Airlines
- Delta
- Volaris
Currency
- Mexican Peso (MXN)
Languages Spoken
- Spanish
Real Story
One major historical event that took place in Durango is its involvement in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). Durango was a key battleground during this period, with significant battles and strategic movements occurring within its borders. The revolution aimed to overthrow the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and address social inequalities.
Pancho Villa, one of the most prominent revolutionary leaders, had strong ties to Durango. Born in the neighboring state of Chihuahua, Villa frequently operated in Durango, using its rugged terrain to launch guerrilla attacks against federal forces. Villa's presence in Durango brought significant attention to the state, both in terms of military strategy and revolutionary fervor.
During the revolution, the city of Durango saw numerous confrontations between Villa's forces and the federal army. One notable battle was the Battle of Tierra Blanca in 1913, where Villa's troops achieved a decisive victory against the federal forces. This victory not only boosted Villa's reputation but also solidified Durango's role as a revolutionary stronghold.
The revolution had a lasting impact on Durango's social and political landscape. It led to land reforms that redistributed land from large estates to peasant farmers, addressing long-standing grievances over land ownership. The revolution also fostered a sense of local pride and resilience, which is still evident in Durango's cultural identity today.
Cuisine
Durango's cuisine is a delightful blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, characterized by its hearty and flavorful dishes. Here are some of the unique and must-try local dishes:
- Caldillo Durangueño : A signature dish of Durango, Caldillo Durangueño is a spicy beef stew made with green chilies, tomatoes, potatoes, and various seasonings. This hearty stew is often served with freshly made tortillas and is a staple in Durango's culinary scene, reflecting the region's love for robust and savory flavors.
- Asado de Boda : Traditionally served at weddings, Asado de Boda is a rich and flavorful pork stew. The pork is cooked slowly in a red chili sauce that has a slight sweetness, often accompanied by traditional Mexican spices. This dish is a celebration of flavors and is a testament to Durango's festive culinary traditions.
- Chiles Rellenos : A popular dish throughout Mexico, Durango's version of Chiles Rellenos involves poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, then battered and fried until golden. These stuffed peppers are typically served with a tomato sauce and a side of rice, offering a delicious combination of spicy, savory, and creamy textures.
- Tamales Durangueños : Tamales are a beloved Mexican dish, and Durango has its own unique take on them. The tamales in Durango are often filled with a mixture of pork, chilies, and spices, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection. They are enjoyed as a comforting meal, especially during festivals and family gatherings.
- Sopa Tarasca : This is a traditional soup from the region, made with a base of beans, tomatoes, and chilies, garnished with fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream. It's a flavorful and filling dish that highlights the region's love for combining simple ingredients to create rich and satisfying meals.
Culture and History
Durango, officially known as Victoria de Durango, is the capital of the Mexican state of Durango. It was founded in 1563 by Francisco de Ibarra and has since played a significant role in Mexican history, particularly during the colonial era and the Mexican Revolution. The city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including the Cathedral Basilica of Durango and the Governor's Palace, both of which are iconic landmarks.
Durango's culture is deeply rooted in its history and geographical setting. The state is often referred to as "Tierra del Cine" or "Land of Cinema" due to its popularity as a filming location for Western movies. This cinematic heritage is celebrated at the Paseo del Viejo Oeste, a theme park that recreates old Western movie sets and offers visitors a taste of the Wild West.
The region's music and dance are also significant cultural elements. Durango is famous for its "banda" music, a genre that combines brass and percussion instruments to create lively, rhythmic tunes. Traditional dances, such as the "danza de los Matlachines," are performed during local festivals, showcasing indigenous and Spanish influences.
Durango is home to numerous cultural festivals, including the Durango National Fair, which takes place every July. This event features agricultural exhibitions, traditional music, dance performances, and local cuisine, attracting visitors from across Mexico and beyond. Another notable event is the Revueltas Cultural Festival, which celebrates the arts with concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.