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City in Sinaloa, Mexico
Photo: Tomascastelazo, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Culiacán (Culiacán Rosales) is a city of slightly over 1 million people (2019) in Sinaloa. Lying in the center of the state, Culiacan is the center of the distinctive Sinaloense culture. It is best known, however, as the nexus of narcotics trafficking and narco culture in Mexico.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The city's main square, the Plazuela has many acrobats, artists, and musicians entertaining passersby.
The city's main cathedral is an inviting neoclassically designed church dating from 1842.
Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This church sits on the top of a hill directly to the south of the Zona Centro. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Culiacán, and the sierras surrounding it. From the Plazuela Alvaro Obregón, take a bus that with a placard saying "Lomita" on its front window, and tell the bus driver to stop at La Lomita. It should take you south along Bulevar Alvaro Obregón.
This is the most well-known site in Culiacán. This chapel is dedicated to Jesús Malverde, a bandit who was executed in 1909 who has since become venerated as a folk saint by locals. Narcotraffickers and migrants alike visit this shrine to pay homage to Malverde, hoping for a successful journey up north. Malverde is often called "El Santo de los Narcotraficantes," although the chapel operators will say that he is far more than that. Plaques thanking Malverde adorn the chapel. The owner and operator of the shrine is Jesús ("Chuy") Manuel González, son of Eligio González (d. 2002), the shrine's founder. Ironically, the Palacio Estatal (State Government of Sinaloa) lies almost directly in front of the chapel, on the other side of the street. A biographical booklet on Malverde is available for M$50.
Playgrounds and picnic tables abound on this beautiful and carefully maintained greenbelt which runs along the banks of the Río Tamazula.
MASIN
This museum has many impressionist and modern abstract art pieces produced by artists from all over the state of Sinaloa.
The cultural center of Culiacán. The complex includes various exhibits and small museums. Events take place often at DIFOCUR.
Many beautiful murals featuring street scenes in Culiacán and motifs glorifying the sinaloense spirit.
This park has very beautiful fountains. Just to the north of it is a newly erected statue dedicated to the 75th anniversary of XEBL (710 AM, 91.9 FM), one of Sinaloa's oldest radio stations, which has been running since 1936. Live music also plays from the statue.
Located to the east of the city, this area comprises 10 ha and is home to different ecosystems and hundreds of plant and tree species. The Culiacán Botanical Garden has a variety of more than 2,000 plants.
A recreational park at the confluence of the Humaya and Tamazula rivers, where the Culiacán River is born. Not much to see; you get a better view of the confluence from the Dancing Fountains.
A spectacle of hundreds of independent fountains programmed to "dance" to the sound of typical Sinaloan music. This show is presented every day in an area of the 3 Ríos Project where the flagpole is located, more specifically, at the confluence of the Humaya and Tamazula rivers. The shows are always given twice at night and always at the same time.
The infamous narco cemetery on the outskirts of town with lavish mausoleums built for deceased cartel members. It is closed to the public, but it is often possible to walk in. Beware: there are reports of the cemetery security personnel stealing items such as phones and cameras and holding them for ransom. There are also reports of having no trouble at all and having a fine time touring the cemetery. Visit at your own risk.
The surprisingly unassuming residence of famed drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, before he escaped a raid by Mexican marines via a tunnel below the bathtub in 2014. You can't go inside and you might annoy the neighbors.
A dam and reservoir nestled in the hills east of Culicán where you can camp and fish.
Estadio BBVA Bancomer
Modern state-of-the-art baseball stadium seating 20,000 fans. The hometown Tomateros play in Mexico's Liga Pacifica (winter season).
Comida China & Sushi, offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for M$299 (children $99). Located in the Centro.
Excellent restaurant as shown by its popularity among locals. Huge menu with a wide selection of Sinaloan cuisine. Great for breakfast.
Comfortable homey restaurant with a country style serving traditional and regional Mexican cuisine. Good place for family gatherings and parties. Sunday breakfast.
Casual traditional restaurant famous for their fried chicken.
Chinese restaurant offering affordable meals for around M$190 or less. It is just north of the catedral at the intersection of Alvaro Obregon (the main street that runs north-south) and General Antonio Rosales; to the left of Subway. Located in the Centro. The restaurant owners and employees are from the town of Enping in Guangdong province, China.
Grilled meats, seafood, and homemade pizza. Casual place, good drinks, excellent service.
Ranch style outdoor dining with homemade regional Sinaloan cuisine. Clay ovens where the bread is baked fresh daily. Handmade tortillas. Family friendly.
Located on Morelos Street (which runs north-south) between Escobedo and Colón, in the Zona Centro. It is in the 170's block, located on the east side of the sidewalk. The lobby room has a guest computer with Internet, free of charge. Filtered water is also free.
A 113-room hotel adjacent to the Modern Hospital Angels of Culiacan.
Located near the intersection of Francisco I. Madero & Venustiano Carranza Boulevards.
Modern international corporate style hotel. Spacious comfortable rooms.
Modern motor-style lodging with spacious rooms. Small on-site restaurant.
By car
Mexican Federal Highway 15 (Carretera Federal 15) connects Culiacán to cities in Sonora state such as Nogales, Hermosillo, Guaymas, Ciudad Obregón, and Navojoa (from north to south), as well as Los…
By bus
The Central de Autobuses Culiacan is a major hub offering connections from various small towns around the state of Sinaloa.
By foot
Outside of the city center, it's not easy. Culiacán is a car-oriented city: blocks stretch for long distances while seemingly incessant traffic races along the wide boulevards between them.
By bus
Culiacán has over 68 urban transport routes, operated by RedPlus.
By car
By taxi
The ride-hailing services Uber and Didi are you best bet for going anywhere outside the city center. Otherwise, taxis can be found on the south side of the cathedral.
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Culiacán · International · CUL
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