“100-million-year-old marine fossils in the dunes of El Madroño.”
“Discover the Hidden Past of the Sierra Gorda”
“Marine Fossils in El Madroño, Querétaro”
In the heart of the Sierra Gorda mountain range in Querétaro, specifically in the municipality of Landa de Matamoros, lies El Madroño, one of Mexico's most important paleontological sites. This place is home to marine fossils that are over 100 million years old, witnesses to a time when this region was submerged under a shallow sea.
The landscape of El Madroño is unique: its reddish soil and fossil-encrusted rocks create an environment reminiscent of the surface of Mars. Among the fossil remains are rudists, snails, gastropods, and clams, species that inhabited the ancient sea of the region.
This is an educational and visually striking experience. In addition to observing the fossils, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Sierra Gorda and learn about the geological history of the region. It is important to mention that it is forbidden to remove fossil remains from the site in order to preserve this invaluable heritage.
To get to El Madroño, take Highway 120 towards Xilitla, San Luis Potosí, passing through municipalities such as Tequisquiapan, Ezequiel Montes, and Cadereyta, until you reach Landa de Matamoros.
El Madroño is a must-see destination for lovers of paleontology, geology, and nature, offering a window into Mexico's marine past.
Delve into El Madroño, a corner of the Sierra Gorda where time stood still more than 100 million years ago. This paleontological site, framed by red sand dunes, reveals marine fossils that attest to the presence of the ancient Tethys Sea. From clams to rudists, each fossil tells a story of the past. A unique experience for natural history lovers and adventurers alike.
