Mexiquillo

Mexiquillo is a nature park of staggering water falls, ancient and inspiring rock formations, and adventure for young and old. It is said to be the most visited natural outdoor area anywhere in the state of Durango and invites visitors into the very attractive slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Some 153 hectares of the park are virgin forest and there is an ecological reserve, too. But most visitors come to enjoy the tremendous waterfalls, the striking series of ravines and tunnels, and the staggering rock formations.

The park dates from During the administration of President Adolfo López Mateos (1958-1964) when railroad workers began being housed in the new and nearby town of La Ciudad. They began working on embankments, tunnels, and roads to support the building of the Chihuahua-Pacific railway. The railway project was actually later scuttled, but as increasing numbers of began arriving to admire the natural landscape, the idea of a park and natural recreation area just seemed a no-brainer.

Rock formations within the park are known to locals the Rock Garden and they appear in clearings throughout the surrounding forest.Three main rivers cross the park and some reach as high as 50 meters. Getting around the park is easier as it is riddled with nine railroad tunnels of about five meters wide and six meters high, with barrel vaults. One of them was closed after a landslide in 2009.

But today people come to go camping, hiking, kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking, and mountain climbing. The entire area is developed with places to stay at every level, from luxe to basic. The town of La Ciudad, while it lacks a proper name, is surrounded by stands of timber and inviting views of the Sierra Madre in just about all directions. Mexiquillo is about 135 kms west of the capital of Durango. Most guests to the area will arrive from there. 

Those driving should follow Federal Highway 40 (the Durango - Mazatlán highway) to the La Ciudad exit.  From Mazatlán, the trip should take just under three hours. There are tour groups in both cities who will be happy to get you there.