Cosalá

Cosalá is a small town in the northern state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Surrounded by mountainous terrain, the area boasts two man-made lakes, a spectacular cavern system, and an impressive waterfall. The town itself is very picturesque with cobblestone streets and adobe buildings painted in a rainbow of pastel colors. It has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos.

Understand
Historically occupied by the Yaqui indigenous people, Cosala was founded in the early 19th century as a stronghold for Mexican/Spanish settlers. The town has less than 6,600 residents (2010). Like other towns in Mexico, Cosala has a ridiculously pompous long name that nobody ever uses, and this one is really a doozy! The town's official name is Real de Minas de Nuestra Señora de las Once Mil Vírgenes de Cosalá. I like to think that they had to change it when it was pointed out that there weren't any virgins to be found in Cosala, let alone 11,000.

By car
Cosala is 2-1/2 hours by car from Mazatlan, it is about 165 km. From Mazatlan, drive north on federal highway MEX-15 for about 100 km, then turn northeast on Sinaloa state highway 1 and continue another 65 km until you reach Cosala.

Get around
It's a small town that is easily explored by walking. Taxis are available for getting to outlying areas, such as the lakes.

See

 * Gruta México, a giant cave with stalactites and stalagmites, located about 15 km northeast of town
 * Parroquia Santa Ursula, the town's historic main church was built in the 18th century and features a large belfry
 * The Museum of Mining and History, Gabriel Leyva Solano 99, chronicles Cosala's history as a mining town with displays of minerals, mining equipment, historical documents, and period tools and weapons. Small museum. M$10

Do

 * visit the Vado Honda waterfall
 * fish at the two lakes: Comedero and El Salto are both stocked with largemouth bass

Festivals

 * Festival of Candles - held annually in December

Eat








Sleep








Go next

 * Mazatlan
 * Culiacan
 * Durango