Real de Catorce, cutest little hidden city!!

Real de Catorce (Royalty of 14) is sort of an enigma. Supposedly named after the 14 Spanish soldiers killed by an ambush by the indigenous population. It is now considered a ghost town with a population less than 1000, but at one time was one of the most prolific silver mines in the world, with some still operating to date.

We rented a car to make the 2.5 hr journey from San Luis Potosi. Twas a simple ride that included a 20 or so mile ride on a inclining cobble stone road from the highway to the town nestled in the mountains. The most intriguing and startling part of entering the city is the 2.4km one-way alternating tunnel that is the ONLY way in and out of the town by car. Check the sped up video I made of us entering.

It's definitely becoming more of a tourist hot spot with some artist built instagrammy locations, but pretty cool nonetheless. Probably our favorite part of the town was the host we stayed with. Most of this trip has been through Airbnb and every now and then we get to spend time with a host. This guy was just so intriguing and fascinating. His name is Hector Moreno and he spent almost all his life traveling as a photographer around the world starting at 18. I believe he said he's been in 120 countries, and is going to release a book soon. It was so inspiring to sit and chat with him I really wish we would have gotten a picture, but totally forgot about it though we are connected on WhatsApp and have been communicating with each other and sharing travel stories.

A big part of why people come here is to experience peyote. The Huichol or Wixárika people have ceremonies throughout the year and the town is a sort of a Mecca for the different tribes to gather. Though we were intrigued with the thought of a peyote experience, we only stayed two nights in the town and after speaking with some locals that had offered it, we felt this was an experience that needed to be more organic and with enough time for a true experience with the local indigenous people. There were lots of travelers that looked like they were there for that reason and it's definitely on our map to go back for a longer stay.

The street food vendors were excellent and everyone we spoke with were very nice, locals and travelers alike. Zonk Scott Ruehl, We tried to get a room at your favorite hotel,  but we did have a wonderful breakfast there. Adelina IllyGal, and Kendra Love Light Rossing,  thank you also for the suggestions.  In front of Mason de la Abundancia, on the main street, a band was playing and in addition, we followed a roving marching band with everyone else,   hooping and hollering. I discovered a lovely drink called Tinto Caliente which was a warm and spicy red wine that was perfect for the cold night.

Probably our favorite moment was taking a horseback ride to the mountain top site where a few times a year the Huichol indigenous group congregate for peyote ceremony. It was so beautiful and though the desert isn't our favorite geography on earth, just being there was a magical experience nonetheless. Our guide took me to the very highest point where two of the Huichol people live year round in rotation. The prayer Chapel at the top was deeply spiritual for me and want to go deeper next time. 

It's a wonderful place to visit, a little rustic,  but perfectly melding with the surroundings,  the people,  the culture, the food and the magic. It's one of those special places on Earth that you have to go to truly experience.