Sombrerete

Sombrerete is a dusty and cold mountain town some two hours northwest of the capital of Zacatecas. At 2,351 meters, it's a relatively high altitude location, and for that it's cool and comfortable most of the year. People make the stop because it's was, historically, an important point on the Camino Real Tierra Adentro - the old royal road that connected Mexico City with points high in the north of the country. It's also a fascinating, rocky, rugged, and often poignant location to find yourself whether you're ready to head into the desert yourself, or you just want a meaningful place to wander the streets and soak in the ambiance.

The town was recognized as a Pueblo Mágico in 2012. But the Real y Minas del Sombrerete (Royal Mining and Trading Post of Sombrerete) was actually established here way back in 1550. People dug into the mineral deposits for more than 300 years thereafter, and these brought life and prosperity to the local population throughout that time. Population peaked during the colonial period, but the modern day town has a population just under 30,000 people. It's enough to keep things going and to welcome outsiders.

They come to take in the magnificent Sierra de Órganos National Park and the fascinating Alta Vista Chalchihuites ruins are about an hour away. The La Boquilla caves and canyon area are even closer, for a fantastic, otherworldly landscape of desert formations and towering rocks and cliffs.

Closer to home, the town boasts a number of spacious plazas. The Jardín Constitución is one, but it's not on the main church. The museo "La Barra" is one of several museums that record and represent the life of the town and its people. There are also numerous churches and chapels and the former San Francisco monastery need to be visited just for a glimpse of the town's religious and ecclesiastical past. Food gets served, best, in the little municipal market, where lamb and goat stew are served pretty much every day. There are a number of good independent places to eat and enjoy the very best the town has to offer. 

Sombrerete also boasts a number of first rate hotels, but there is a place to stay for any budget, including surrounding campgrounds and cabins. Far and away most guests are going to arrive from the capital region. There are regular buses including Chihuahuense and TL Premium, but the journey can take a bit longer than simply driving. Buses from Durango include Valle del Guadiana which will arrive in about an hour.