Coahuila Tourist Attractions

CUATRO CIENAGAS

Meaning "Four Swamps" and guarded by the six highest peaks found along the state's topography, the valley of Cuatro Cienagas represents a live testimony of the history of Mexican topography.

The desert landscape brings about two contradictions : first, to host no less than 500 bodies of water, including 200 pools or wells, and the remaining 300 in the shape of rivers or lagoons; and second, to contain gypsum dunes, instead of the typical silica dunes found in deserts.

Those wells, which have given the region an international renown are Poza Azul and Poza de La Tortuga. The first, meaning the "Blue Pool", and indeed containing stunning blue hues due to the existence of marine bacteria some 3,000 years old and able to produce oxygen; and the second, meaning "Pool of the Tortoise", hosts one of the 80 endemic species found across the valley, the so-called "hinge" tortoise, which can in fact move and close its shell hermetically when threatened by predators. Some other endangered species found in the area include the soft-shell turtle, the blind fish, the dart-fish, the four-swamp bream, and the four-swamp swordfish.

The pools contained in this valley lie within a protected area, but there are in fact some other pools which have been properly fit to welcome visitors in search of a little diving or some space for camping out, or just looking forward to taking a few snapshots of such wonderful natural settings.


ARTEAGA SIERRA
The refreshing pine and oak forests growing on the mountains that form the Arteaga Sierra, represent the ideal scenery for those wishing to retreat from daily routines and stay in a rustic but comfortable wooden cabana, and even practice some snow skiing over a mountain covered with artificial snow, the only one in Mexico. No wonder the Monterreal Forest represents a major tourist attraction for foreigners and for locals residing in areas close to the Arteaga municipality.

The sierra also offers interesting and challenging terrains ideal for the practice of mountain biking, as well as outlined trails for long hikes, not forgetting the fact that each cabana has its own barbecue so that guests can try many of the local products at the comfort and privacy of their lodge.

In addition, the Arteaga Sierra is highly regarded for the splendid views it offers from the various canyons that conforms it, the San Lorenzo Canyon among them.

PARRAS
Also known as "The Oasis of Coahuila" for the countless number of bodies of water found within its boundaries, and for the numerous groves that provide shade to those residing across the area. Also, Parras claims to be the home of the most famous of Mexican wineries, Casa Madero.

Wine tradition is thus closely related to the history of Parras de La Fuente, and it plays a major role during the local celebrations and festivities, such as the Vendimia festivities, which attracts a large number of visitors from all around the nation.

BILBAO DUNES
For those inclined towards sports of a rather extreme nature, the Bilbao Dunes represent the perfect site to practice sand-skiing while pulled by a four-wheel motorbike, or slide on a board and create sand waves with the snow-board, all this within a unique desert environment of fine sand dunes. The local fauna and flora naturally consists of species capable of surviving and adapting to extreme conditions, such as cactus, falcons, snakes and coyotes.


COAHUILA DESERT MUSEUM
Since 1999, this museum displays fossil remains and typical plants of the Coahuila Desert. Aiming at teaching and spreading the history of the region and of the prehistoric animals that lived in it, the museum is organized into several galleries, a botanical garden, a medicinal garden, and other spaces destined for temporary exhibits. Located within the Saltillo municipality, the museum ticket includes access to galleries and other exhibit spaces, as well as to parking facilities, coffee shop, and a souvenir store.