Wixárika (Huichol) indigenous peoples walk across miles of desert from Nayarit, Durango, Jalisco and Zacatecas to visit the valley of Catorce every spring to leave religious offerings at the Cerro Quemado, a ceremonial center to the east of their mystical religious territory. Quemado is, according to their ancestral beliefs, the birthplace of their "Tatewari" or Grandfather Fire.
Cemetery
Since 1775, locals have been dying to rest in the Guadalupe Chapel before being laid to rest for eternity in the town's crowded graveyard. The abundance of memorials and old grave markers bear testament to the stories of this once being a bustling town with a thriving mining industry. Today, the deceased far outnumber the town's living population.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
18th century church built in a neoclassical style of pink cantera granite. The inside is beautiful and tranquil with pastel painted domes along the main nave.
Narrow, single-lane tunnel that is the sole road into the town. The 11-km tunnel can only handle 1-way traffic that includes cars, small trucks, horse-drawn wagons, and mule trains. Cars are allowed into the town, but are restricted to certain locations. Oversize vehicles (including RVs, large trucks, and large vans, like Sprinters) must park outside the town and passengers use local transport (horse, Willys Jeep, or truck with benches). There are women with walkie-talkies at either end of the tunnel who coordinate traffic. There is often a long line during the day to enter the town. The tunnel is a travel experience in itself as well as a scenic point of interest and an odd curiosity in today's modern world.
Cockfighting Ring
Historic stone cockfighting arena with stone benches surrounding the fight ring. Interesting, if brutal, historic bloodsport.
Mint, Old Coin House
Regional history museum inside the historic mint, a colonial-era building that's been well-restored. Exhibits explain a bit about the town's mining history and the indigenous Huichol people who inhabited the region. There are also galleries with artworks from both the colonial and modern eras.
Silver Mine
Historic mine. Informal tours, guides highly recommended.