With arriving early into Mazatlan, hustling to get the critical boat projects knocked off, and confirming the haul out at the Fonatur it left us with time for an inland trip to Durango. Our friends on Moon Drifter (Helen and Ralph) visited last year and absolutely loved it. We were excited to visit a city that doesn’t get so many tourists and would give us a chance to experience a different part of Mexico.
Helen recommended taking the bus so that we could focus on the rugged mountains, tunnels, and bridges on the way to Durango. But looking at the price if would be $70 per person, whereas we could get a rental car for $25 (or so I thought) plus gas. Oh did I underestimate the costs… First the reservation did not include the mandatory liability insurance ($35 additional cost), and the tolls were crazy ($70 round trip). All told with gas it came out to about a wash. Was it worth it? Yeah, probably. It was nice to be on our own schedule and we didn’t have to deal with getting to/from the bus terminal. We also took advantage of hauling our jerry cans to the gas station using the car. But it was definitely not the cost savings I expected and going through the police check point was a bit nerve wracking. Overall it did create a few more stories so I’m glad we decided to rent a car.
Rather than blabber on about the museums we visited, the food we enjoyed, and how tired out legs were from all the walking I’ll just let you enjoy the pictures.
Puente Baluarte, the world’s tallest cable-stayed bridge (the Eiffel tower, if placed on the floor below the bridge, would still be few hundred feet below the bridge deck)
After getting out of the mountains came long stretches of straight roads
We weren't sure what this group of cowboys were discussing but they gathered for a long time
The four pillars for the city - the foundation, formation of schools, the epidemic, and trade/industry
I'm sure this is not a fire danger, right?
While named "Hostal" de la Monja it actually is the nicest hotel in Durango
Amazing high ceilings and old frame timber beams in our room, oh and an awesome made to order breakfast included. Score!
There was a wonderful pedestrian street in front of our hotel, in the evening it was packed with families enjoying a stroll
A couple of cute kids taking advantage of a photo opportunity
Impressive entrance to Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango
The gardens inside of the university
Jean getting silly with a famous movie star
That should be enough chiles
How about some steak, cactus, fries, and beans for lunch, twist my arm
The little ones waiting in the wings for their chance to go on stage and perform for parents, friends, and weird gringos
Christmas season was in full swing, and we were treated to a festive children's school performance
Old Saint Nick watching over things
Never would have expected real ice skating in Durango, but here it is - proof! And not hard to find since it is directly in front of the Pancho Villa museum.
Plans changed for Monday night...sadly the Vikings failed to show up and it was a really, really boring game
Vikings game and I misordered beers, getting over a liter each, or was it on purpose...
Trains were an important part in the growth of Durango, used to moving ore from the local mines. To get a taste of the history, we visited the Museo Tunel de Mineria located in the central square. It was a good 250 meter walk from one end to the other with the typical mining displays, eh.
Looking towards the central square
Look at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception towering over the city and the central square
Impressive side view of the church, we snuck in the side door which ended up being unnecessary since no one was there.
Clearly there was money in Durango, much more elaborate than the Church de Guadaluape in Mazatlan.
A little boy and me having a bit of reindeer fun
It is a holiday light extravaganza in the central square
I have nothing to add
Looking up the hill at the top of the teleferico (cable car). We tried to visit during sunset but after waiting a bit we learned that it was not running any more that day (contrary to the sign), so back we came the following day - we would not be denied.
The top tower of the teleferico and the valley below
Dramatic view of the valley that holds the city (looking east)
Never ending road construction...we lots count after twelve stops for one way road traffic due to construction
1 of 63 tunnels between Mazatlan and Durango, this was the lead up to the suspension bridge
A small suspension bridge, just 1 of 115 bridges we crossed
It was a great time and I would go back, especially since we missed the Viejo Oeste (location where more than 140 Western movies were filmed with daily wild west shows).
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