Guanaceví

Guanaceví is a small town in northwestern Durango, Mexico. It is a small town with limited tourist appeal, but with a population of about 2,900, it's large enough to provide basic traveler services like gas stations and food.

Understand
Mining and forestry are the traditional industries in this area. The town is surrounded by low-lying mountains covered in pine and spruce forests that still support limited logging operations. A large commercial mining operation, owned by the Canadian mining company Endeavour Silver, is the main industrial facility. Several small-scale mines are operated in areas around the town.

The name of the town means "sight of the iguana", which comes from the form of a nearby hill which is thought to resemble an iguana.

Get in
Valle del Guadiana runs two buses per day to Guanacevi from Durango. The 5-hour trip costs M$450.

It may be more convenient to rent a car and drive to Guanacevi. I's a 4-1/2 hour drive. From Durango, take MEX 45 north for about 50 km, then take the exit for MEX 23 north. The highway ends in Guanacevi.

See

 * Cave paintings - near Guanacevi in the villages of El Zape and San Miguel

Do

 * Festivals: Day of the Holy Cross is celebrated May 3, and Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated December 12. Both days are marked by festivals in town that include matachine dances performed by local Tarahamura indigenous populations.

Buy
Local artisans are known for their clay pots and wool blankets.