Aire de protection de la flore et de la faune Cuatrociénegas, Natural protected area in Coahuila, Mexico
Cuatrocienégas is a natural protected area covering about 84,000 hectares of desert terrain in central Coahuila, where underground aquifers feed natural springs, streams, and lakes. The site includes hiking trails, camping areas, and natural swimming pools surrounded by rock formations and desert plants.
Before Spanish colonization, nomadic groups lived in this region, leaving behind arrowheads, burial sites, and rock carvings. The town was established later as a trading point in this remote desert area.
The town of Villa de Cuatrocienégas grew as a regional trading hub, connecting remote desert communities and shaping daily life across the area. The settlement remains woven into the landscape and serves as a meeting point for people traveling through central Coahuila.
Visitors should use trails and rest areas responsibly and follow the site's conservation rules. The area is best explored at a leisurely pace with plenty of water on hand, as the sun can be intense in this desert setting.
The area contains rare freshwater stromatolites and features the second-largest gypsum dunes on the American continent. These dunes form a striking landscape where specialized plants have adapted to thrive in salty soils.
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