"Real de Catorce, Mekka of the Peyote culture..." Real de Catorce by Ronald_T

Real de Catorce Travel Guide: 83 reviews and 80 photos

A brief history...

Real de Catorce is located 253 kilometres from San Luis Potosi, the state capital. From the moment we started our climb up into the sierra, the magnificent view of the valley below looked breathtaking.
The village stands 2,756 metres above sea level, and although it is now semi-abandoned, the extraordinary layout, dimensions and magnificent buildings of this former mining town never fail to surprise visitors. Originally named Real de Minas de Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion de Guadalupe de Los Alamos de Catorce (what a name), the town soon became one of the most important mining centres in the state. Although it is hard to say when the first vein was discovered, by 1772, the town was already know as a real or mining town.
The term "Los Catorce" or "The Fourteen" was first coined on 11 August 1777. The richest deposits were discovered in 1778, and from then on, the city could really be considered a royal mining centre. At this time, a large number of miners arrived in the region, seeking the treasures of the earth. Real the Catorce was one of the richest mines in New Spain. In 1803, the scale of its silver production placed it in second or third place in the world, making it easy to understand the reasons behind such intense mining activities.
Life in town wet its course amid the feverish activities of miners striving to wrench silver of the bowls of the earth. When de veins became exhausted and the miners ceased to produce the accustomed amounts of silver, it was generally believed that the city would die away, leaving only a ghost town. Nevertheless, those foreseeing the demise of the city failed to comprehend the strength of the faith keeping Real de Catorce alive. Central to this faith is the devotion to Saint Francis, who's statue stands in the sanctuary, where is frequently sought by many fervent pilgrimages.
Another religious factor, the cult of Huichol peyote, a plant that abounds throughout the region, has also helped Real de Catorce maintain its presence in Potosoni daily life. Year after year, the Huichol Indians perform their ancestral rites here. After a long pilgrimage, participants enter a renovated, mysterious world. The Huichols believe that the scared Wirikuta Mountain, the source of purification, is located here.
On a more worldly level, it should be pointed out that the city layout is similar to that of other mining towns, inasmuch as it follows the topography of the land with great skill and efficiency. The layout was drawn up by Silvestre Lopez Portillo. The buildings that have lasted to the present day bear testimony to the former greatness of Real de Catorce. I suddenly encounter a detail on a facade, a zoomorphic corbel, or some ruins which still preserve their former dignity, leaving visitors with the impression of having received something of this antique richness...

Last visit to Real de Catorce: Apr 2003
Intro Updated May 7, 2004
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Reviews (51)

Great fun... Sports & Outdoors (1)

I don’t know if swinging can be seen as a sport. I only know that Elsa really enjoyed herself on this plaything ;-) more travel advice

Looking between the bric-a-brac shops... Shopping (1)

Shopping in the bric-a-brac shops looks like a mixing up of a place of pilgrimage and a rummage sale. On one hand you... more travel advice

About the Peyote... Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Peyote is through the religious life of the Huichol Indians only (not official) legal in the Real de Catorce... more travel advice

Don't think wrong... Tourist Traps (1)

The sun!!! Most people think that you not get sunburned if the sun is not that visible; by cloudy weather for example.... more travel advice

Things to Do (42)
See All R. d. C., we will be back soon...
Transportation (2)
See All Real de Catorce by car...
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Comments (10)

iandsmith Sep 19, 2005 at 12:18 PM Report Abuse

What a shame, we appear to have lost you again! Nice pages.
andal13 May 12, 2004 at 9:11 PM Report Abuse

Me hace gracia el nombre del lugar... En Uruguay tenemos un sitio llamado "Treinta y Tres"! Very interesting (and funny) trip.
CyrilHH Feb 13, 2004 at 5:41 AM Report Abuse

Is this the place where the silly but fun clichee movie "The Mesxcian" with Brad Pitt was shot? The tunnel at least looks like it... Have yet to see that part of Mexico...
lenoreva Oct 1, 2003 at 10:31 AM Report Abuse

Looks like a very interesting place - thanks for the through introduction!
filipdebont Jun 3, 2003 at 2:57 PM Report Abuse

toffe page, Ron, haha ik had jesus ook nog nooit gezien met ne kater. Het ga je goed, mijn vriend.
Luchonda May 30, 2003 at 4:45 PM Report Abuse

Super page Ron - indeed a place to go and visit many times !!
mtncorg Apr 30, 2003 at 4:57 PM Report Abuse

Muy bien!! How many topes between SLP and Los Catorce ;-0 !!
Geoff_Wright Apr 30, 2003 at 3:32 PM Report Abuse

Nice to see your work again Ron. Great page and lovely photos. Thanks
MATIM Apr 30, 2003 at 1:07 PM Report Abuse

great info Ron!
Hosell Apr 29, 2003 at 3:36 PM Report Abuse

Nice and very informative page. And very nice to see you again Ron!!!