Northern Mexico
Coahuila State > Saltillo

Location: Coahuila State, northern Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 540 miles north
Population: 580,000
Closest major airport: Plan de Guadalupe Intl. aka Saltillo Intl (SLW)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time

Founded in 1577, Saltillo is the oldest city in the northeast of Mexico. Today, this capital city is one of the country’s most dynamic industrial centers, known primarily for producing the colorful blankets that have become a renowned Mexican symbol.

Saltillo is 5,200 feet above sea level, nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain ranges that separate the city from the desert. The city’s most representative buildings are found in the main plaza, Plaza de Armas, and surrounding areas. The best way to explore Saltillo is on the tourist tramcar that departs from Alameda and takes travelers on a two-hour journey that stops at the fourteen most interesting places in the city.

For a more intimate tour of Saltillo, travelers can follow their tramcar trip by a pleasant stroll around the city. One of the most important baroque buildings in Saltillo is the Cathedral of Santiago, featuring altarpieces that have been exhibited around the world. Other beautiful structures worth visiting include the Recinto Juarez, formerly the seat of Benito Juarez’s government, now a historic museum showcasing documents and artifacts of the mid-1800s; the Teatro Fernando Soler and the Telefonos building.

The Desert Museum is another significant attraction in the city. As the second largest museum in the world, it showcases the area’s environmental and social surroundings, including animal and plant species, as well as customs and traditions unique to the region. The Bird Museum features a collection of more than 2,000 dissected bird species that represent 73 percent of the birds in the country. The display is showcased in glass cases with vivid reproductions of the specific environments and bird call for each species.

Shopping in Plaza Acuña and Aldama offers a variety of local handicrafts, including leatherwork and shawls at the Juarez Market, combined with charming cafes and more upscale shops carrying glass and wood handicrafts as well as ironwork. A variety of restaurants also line the city’s center. Saltillo´s culinary specialties include roast, fried or marinated baby kid, machitos, brains and goat´s head, all worth a try for a unique experience.

Saltillo offers a variety of rare activities ranging from historic museum tours and exotic cuisine to exciting desert trips and folkloric shopping. The city is perfect for travelers interested in a completely unusual vacation that offers 30 centuries of history combined with creative cuisine and beautiful landscapes.