"A quiet charming town-Gateway to El Chepe" El Fuerte by SenoraSusan

The Gateway to Copper Canyon. El Fuerte was founded in 1564 by the Spanish conquistador Don Francisco de Ibarra, the first explorer of the lofty western Sierra Madre mountains. In 1610 a fort was built to ward off the fierce Zuaque and Tehueco indians, who constantly harrased the Spaniards. El Fuerte was the gateway to the last frontiers of northern indian territories of Sonora, Arizona and California.



After subduing warring Sinaloa Zuaque and Tehueco indiands, the settlement fluorish. For three centuries it was the most important commercial and agricultural center of the vast northern region of Mexico. El Fuerte became a major trading post for silver miners and gold seekers from the Urique, Batopilas and Rain of Gold mines in the nearby Sierra Madre.


In 1824, El Fuerte became the capital of what is now the states of Sonora, Sinaloa and part of Arizona. It remained so for several years.

This building is open to all -even at night. Be sure to wander through this.

This museum is located on the old fort site. The fort was dismantles to build the church. For 10 pesos you can enjoy artwork and the most incredible view from the top of the El Fuerte River.

• Pros:Not full of tourist except the bus tours.
• Cons:Really warm and muggy in the summer, no see ums bite near the river.
• In a nutshell:More than the gateway to El Chepe