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City in the Mexican state of Durango
Photo: Catedrales e Iglesias/Cathedrals and Churches from Ciudad de México, Mexico, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Nombre de Dios is a small town of about 5,000 residents in the southeastern part of Durango, Mexico. Founded in 1562, it is the oldest town in Northern Mexico. It is designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.
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Church of St. Peter the Apostle
Historic church built in 1556, 6 years before the town's founding in 1562. Originally a Franciscan mission, now a parish church.
This is the town's main square. It's built around a central grandstand and often has vendors setting up food stands (particularly on weekends, when weekend visitors arrive from the state capital or from Zacatecas.
Saltito Falls
Beautiful waterfall with 3 dramatic 20-meter high waterfalls that cascade over the precipice in unison. After a heavy rain, a 4th downspout opens up. This waterfall is a cherished symbol of the state of Durango and is often visited by day trippers from the state capital. There's a 5.2 mile out-and-back trail that's wide, easy, and can make for a pleasant 2-hour walk through the cypress swamps along the Mezquital River (it's also a good trail for running or mountain biking).
Gorditas are a favorite dish in this part of Durango and locals swear that the late Doña Aleja made the tastiest gorditas in town (the restaurant is now run by her daughter, using Mama's original recipes). The gorditas are spicier than at most places, and this small business has built up such a reputation that they advise you to call at least 3 hours before you want to pick up your order.
Traditional homemade Mexican cuisine. Quick service and good for a hearty, cheap meal.
Family run restaurant and bar. Burgers, chiles rellenos, enchiladas and more.
Casual traditional restaurant. Steak, pizza, enchiladas, tacos.
Hand-crafted batches of a mild-flavored artesanal mezcal. The mescalero is happy to talk with visitors, offers tastings of his product, and will sell bottles directly to visitors.
Vinata Mezcal Artesanal “El Molino”
Artesanal distillery where over 30 species of agave are grown and a wide variety of mezcals are produced. The knowledgable staff enjoy talking about mezcal production and conducting tastings for curious visitors.
Cozy tasting room with several mezcals to choose from.
Very small artesanal distillery. You can see the entire facility and process at a glance.
Clean, comfortable hotel with off-street parking lot. Convenient location in the heart of the town, 2 blocks walk to main square.
By car
Nombre de Dios is 2-1/2 hours by car from Zacatecas. It is a direct route northwest on federal highway MEX 45 for 240 km. The town is 1 hour southeast of the state capital city Durango on MEX 45.
A car will be handy for exploring parks and spas outside town. Taxis are also available.
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Durango · Regional · DGO
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