Real de Catorce

The ghost town in the heart of San Luis potosi.

The pueblo magico (magic town) of Real de Catorce is located three and a half hours away from San Luis Potosi state capitol (nine hours from Mexico City for reference).

The first attraction is the Túnel de Ogarrio (Ogarrio Tunnel). This dizzying underground passage measures 2,300 meters (7,550 ft) in length and you will feel every inch -- especially if you're a little claustrophobic. It can be traversed on foot or by car. If you choose to do so by car you should leave early, or you'll have to wait your turn for one-way passage. If you decide to cross it on foot then you'll be sharing footfalls with long-gone miners who crossed this humid path on the way to work. As soon as you reach the end of the tunnel you will be greeted by Real de Catorce's tranquil beauty.

THINGS TO DO IN REAL DE CATORCE

1. Walk around the Pueblo Magico

You can't go wrong picking a side street in Real de Catorce. Every turn and crevice is full of surprises, hidden shops, delicious local food, and locals living much as they have for generations. Enjoy!

2. The Wyllis

There are many abandoned mines, historical sites, and beautiful mountains around the town. You could walk, or, you could take a Willy. A "Willy” is a type of Jeep-like transportation intended mostly for tourists but that will make you feel like Indiana Jones.

There are two ways of booking Willys: you can either sit on a seat inside the antique 4x4s or you can ride on top. If you're physically up for it, definitely ride on top. Don't worry, though: the Willys have four wheel drive (obviously) and the drivers do this all day.

Prices:

Private Willy:

It costs from $ 500 to $ 1,500 pesos for a ride, depending on the length of the tour and the stops.

We did the short tour which was more than enough for us, but other travelers reported having a great time on the longer tour.

The price is a flat fee and the car fits10. Find some new friends and you can agree to share the cost.

Collective Willy:

Collective Willys usually leave Real de Catorce at noon and charge 50 pesos per person.

The hours vary so check with the drivers.

3. Socavon de Purisima Hacienda y las Minas

The ride begins in the Socavón de Purísima Hacienda where you can first see the old mines. Then, on to the arid desert. The scenery is spectacular.

4. Estación Catorce

The final destination in your tour with the willys will be "Estación catorce." This town appeared along with the railroad and was the center of a brief mining boom. It is also the closest town to Real de Catorce where you can catch a bus.

5. Peyote Desert

The Wirikuta region is a UNESCO World Network of Sacred Natural Site sacred to the Wixárika indigenous community.

Today it is a federal reserve of more than 140 thousand hectares and the habitat of thousands of endemic species, including, of course, peyote.

Peyote is illegal and many faux "guides" will lead you on destructive peyote harvests that do not respect the indigenous communities nor the decades it takes for a peyote button to mature. If peyote is what you're after in this part of Mexico, do your research. Peyote tourism is, once again, illegal, so is generally relegated to the unregulated, often unethical, black market.

If you're an off-the-beaten trail traveler (which you are, because you're here), then you will love this place. It is definitely in our top five. Let us know what you think!