Cuatrocienegas

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Cuatrocienegas is located 80 km west of Monclova City in the State of Coahuila, Mexico. To cross into its frontiers, only two things were important to the people of this area: its history and the natural and marvelous work of art painted over its territory.

Although the Jesuits built various missions here as far back as the sixteenth century, it was not until 1800, after repeated rejection by the tribes of the region, that the town was definitively founded. The name of this illustrious city, Cuatro Cienegas de Çarranza, refers to the marshes that were formed by the abundant springs arriving from four key locations and it being the birthplace of Venustiano Carranza, the Leader of the Constitutional Army. From this the name Cuatro Cienegas was adopted for the municipality.

Among Cuatrocienegas main attractions are:

• Calf Springs Spa

• Los Arenales Plaster Dunes

• Benito Juarez School

• Blue Well Ecological Park

• Main Plaza, Surrounded by historic buildings and offices, this picturesque and relaxing site is the ideal place to regroup after having toured the area.

• Municipal Presidency, Just inaugurated in 1910, this building suffered damage during the revolution in 1912. During his presidency, Venustiano Carranza ordered it restored and its reconstruction was completed in 1920.

• San Jose Temple, The church was founded in 1825 and is built of stone. In the southern section, the bell tower, which is part of the chapel, can be admired. In 1917, Carranza donated the bells which are still heard today.

• Venustiano Carranza Home and Museum, Built at the beginning of the nineteenth, century, this building was inherited by don Jesus Carranza, father of don Venustiano. It is here where the “Man of Cuatro Cienegas” was born on December 29, 1859. Interesting objects, photos and allusive documents to this revolutionary figure are displayed.

• El Cultural Center, Venustiano Carranza once lived in this building. Throughout its various rooms, it exhibits archeological objects (arrowheads, knives, weapons made of bone, etc) from the Indians that inhabited the region as well as fossils found in the area. It has a large banquet h for conferences and congresses.

• Aquarium and Reptile House, With a concept that includes oil paintings of local artists, it uniquely integrates common and endemic species of the region such as the bisagra turtle, the scorpion lizard, the blue-tail lizard, the short tall chub and the mojarra of Cuatro Cienegas.

• Muerto Hill, This natural attraction has spawned many legends because of the profile created by its summit, which resembles a human body laid out across the land.

• Carranza Monument, A sculpture erected over a look out point in honor of don Venustiano Carranza. Weighing over 7 tons, it is surrounded by three terraces at different heights.

• Sierra de San Marcos and Sierra La Fragua, Flanking the plains in a most spectacular manner, these mountain ranges represent an everlasting element of the biological wonder that takes place in this region. As important as the ponds, rivers and lagoons of the region, this area would surely miss its presence.

• Constitucionalista Airport, The tourist infrastructure of the city in cludes an airport that handles private flights

• Wineries, A traditional for more than 150 years, Vinos Vitali and Bodegas Ferriño are a result of the mixture of their Italian roots, the generosity of this land and the ingenuity of new generations.

• Las Playitas, Covering six hectares (15 acres), this lagoon is a true desert oasis. The brilliancy of its fine white sands and its crystalline waters, with tones from green to blue, are a genuine delight, as well as an invitation to refresh yourself. Camping and swimming are permitted.

• Los Mezquites River, Over four kilometers (2.5 miles) long, the tranquility and transparency of the Los Mezquies River is ideal for enjoying canoeing or swimming in this area with rustic facilíties. Camping is permitted.

• lnformation Center, In addition to giving eco-tourist information, the information center has a souvenir shop and offers specialized tours for visiting the Azul pond. Located next to the Information Center is a sanctuary for regional fish and turtles, including the bisagra turtle.

• Azul Pond, This crystalline body of water is the clearest example of aquatic beauty in the region. The quality of its water, obvious by its clarity and turquoise blue color, makes this site a fascinating natural marvel. Due to the great wealth of endemic flora and fauna that live here, it is strictly prohibited to enter. The area is only for observation, which can be done from a lookout platform.

• Poza de la Becerra, Converted into a natural recreational center with the best infrastructure in the region, this precious reservoir of hot springs offers services for camping as well as having fun on its volleyball courts or in the kayaks, which can be rented here.

• Yeso Dunes, Calcium sulfate crystals make up this 800 hectares (1,977 acres) of white country side. It is a unique landscape in our country where the only foliage is the bushes whose arrival here is thanks to the wind. A guide is required and can be hired at the information Center or in the Office of Tourism.

The traditional "Feria de la Uva" (Grape Festival) is celebrated in July with many different activities.

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