Nombre de Dios

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.

Understand
The town was founded by Franciscan missionaries along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. The Franciscans established their mission with the building of a new church dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle in 1556 by Fray Gerónimo de Mendoza. Mendoza conducted the first mass in the name of God, which was adopted as the growing town's name. Four more churches would be built in the town during the viceregal era and today, the five can be visited as part of an interesting walking tour of the town.

The town is known for its waters, even though most of the state is dry and rocky. Several springs around the area feed small streams that are tributaries of the nearby Tunel River (Rio Tunel). Near the town are impressive waterfalls and cypress swamps. The springs also provide mineral waters for nearby spas and feed several public pools.

By bus
Valle del Guadiana offers one daily direct bus from Durango to Nombre de Dios at rates from M$50 to M$200 (depending on demand). Tickets for the 1-hour ride can be purchased online through the Estrella Blanca website.

You can also catch a Valle del Guadiana bus to Nombre de Dios from either Sombrerete or Zacatecas. The trip from Sombrerete is also one hour and prices range from M$160 to M$250 (depending on demand).

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.

Get around
A car will be handy for exploring parks and spas outside town. Taxis are also available.

See
Several other colonial churches from the age of the viceroys can be found around town. These churches include:

Waters
Nombre de Dios is known for its spring-fed waters and there are spas and pools in and near town where you can soak in mineral waters or enjoy a cooling swim.
 * - nice hotel rooms, about M$2300 per night, located a couple km north of town center
 * - nice hotel rooms, about M$2300 per night, located a couple km north of town center
 * - nice hotel rooms, about M$2300 per night, located a couple km north of town center

Festivals

 * Feast of St. Peter the Apostle - June 24
 * Anniversary of the Founding of Nombre de Dios - September 30
 * Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe - December 12

Drink
The town has become quite well regarded for its artesanal distilleries producing a range of interesting mezcals that vary substantially from their brethren in Oaxaca.

Go next

 * Durango
 * Sombrerete
 * Sierra de Organos National Park