Cuatro Ciénegas, which means "four marshes" in Spanish, is a city located in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila. In 2012, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism designated this area as a Magic Town, also known as Pueblos Mágicos in Spanish. Magic Towns are small communities that display hospitality, uniqueness in natural scenery, cultural richness in music, art, recreation, religion, languages, clothing, and stories.
During the Mesozoic Era, this region was part of the Tethys Sea. Today it is a protected remote desert area that has attracted NASA's interest because rare live stromatolites are found here. Today, stromatolites survive in extremely salty lakes and lagoons in Australia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, and the Bahamas. Stromatolites are microorganisms that were abundant 3.5 billion years ago. Today they are known as the earliest fossil evidence of how life began on our planet, giving scientists and researchers a window into Earth's early life.
According to scientists studying the area of Cuatro Ciénegas, more than 300 turquoise-blue pools in this area have water chemistry that resembles Earth's early ancient seas. It is microscopic life that survived undisturbed for millions of years. As one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, the race to protect and study the area is a priority.
Due to farming since the 1970s, the pools and rivers are drained to irrigate nearby fields, gradually drying the area. Recent conservation efforts to stop the drainage have helped but will not prevent the rivers and pools from eventually drying. The natural beauty of Cuatro Ciénegas is timeless. However, this may not always be the case due to environmental changes that continue to affect the region.
Hacienda 1800
Address. Calle Las Parras 1007, La Bartoleña, Prof José Ramón Guevara, 27640 Cuatrociénegas, Coah., Mexico
Website. hacienda1800.com
This modern desert hotel is the perfect spot to rest and relax after a long day exploring Cuatro Ciénegas. It features exposed stone walls and ceiling beams.
Poza de las Tortugas
Directions. Centro de Informacion Poza Azul
Admissions. MXN 40 per person (rates subject to change)
Admission to Poza de las Tortugas, Poza Azul, and Dunas de Yeso is paid at the Cuatrociénegas nature reserve, the official visitor center. The MXN 40 per person fee provides you access to all three areas. If you pay in a different area, the fee might be higher.
At Poza Las Tortugas you can view the crystal clear waters, fishes, and turtles that reside in the area. Much of the area is off-limits to the public because of conservation and research studies being conducted by NASA and UNAM.
Dunas de Yeso (Gypsum Dunes)
Admissions. MXN 40 per person (rates subject to change)
During the Mesozoic Era, this region was part of the Tethys Sea. After millions of years, hydrated calcium sulfate crystals also known as gypsum, now remain in the area. Gypsum is a non-toxic mineral often used as a finish for walls and ceilings, typically known in construction as drywall or sheetrock. It is also used as the primary ingredient in toothpaste and helps condition the water used to brew beer.
Rio San Marcos
Admissions. Fees are per person:
- Foreign adult fee: MXN 120
- Foreign child fee: MXN 80
- Local adult fee: MXN 60
- Local child fee: MXN 30
The Rio San Marcos is the perfect location to enjoy a dip in the water, or you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes.