Durango

Durango is a state in northwestern Mexico that runs from the Sierra Madre Occidental range to desert plains. The territory covers different elevations with forested mountain slopes in the west and dry landscapes in the east.

Silver deposits drew Spanish colonists to the region in the 16th century and shaped the early economy. Mining areas remained active into the 19th century and left behind mountain mining towns.

The name comes from a Basque town and appears throughout the region in local place names. Leatherwork and textile crafts follow methods passed down through generations, visible in workshops across smaller towns.

Travel between areas takes time due to long distances and changing road conditions. Elevation differences affect climate strongly, so clothing for different temperatures is recommended.

Rock spires in Sierra de Órganos National Park rise vertically from the ground and form columns up to 200 meters (656 feet) high. These geological formations served as backdrops for Western films in the 1960s.

Location: Mexico

Inception: 1824

Capital city: Durango

Elevation above the sea: 1,966 m

Part of: Northern Mexico

Shares border with: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Zacatecas

Website: http://durango.gob.mx

GPS coordinates: 24.93472,-104.91194

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00