Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza The name of this municipality refers to the fact that numerous springs located within the four ("Cuatro") cardinal points of the region create numerous marshes ("Ciénegas"). Beginning in 1761, colonization of the are was attempted several times, but the settekements were destroyed by local indigenous people. The governor of Coahuila, Antonio Cordero y Bustamante, finally succeeded with a definitive founding in 1800. Cuatro Cienegas officially became a city in 1975. It is famous as the birthplace, in 1857, of Venustiano Carranza. Cuatro Cienegas is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the state, with a combination of desert and wetland ecosystems that are home to enormous quantities of endemic species of plants and animals.
Attractions in Cuatro Cienegas de Carranza
1.- Main Square This is a favorite gathering spot for local residents. The lovely rose-colored bandstand is surrounded by de leafy shade trees. Location: Hidalgo, Zaragoza, Juarez and Carranza
2.- City Hall This building was constructed on the orders of Venustiano Carranza in 1899. Inside are interesting murals depicting historical events. Location: Juarez and Carranza Hours: Mon – Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3.- San Jose Church This early 19^th – century church has an austere façade and a neoclassical-style interior illuminated by blue lights. Location: Hidalgo opposite the main square Hours: Daily, 9 a.m to 7 p.m
4.- Carranza House Museum Venustuiano Carranza was born in this Spanish-style 19^th-century mansion in 1859. It has been converted into a museum exhibiting objects and documents that belonged to this famous revolutionary leader. Location: Carranza #105 Norte (North) and Juarez Hours: Tues-Sun., 9.a.m to 1 p.m and 3 .pm to 7 p.m
5.- Cultural Center Venustiano Carranza lived in this mansion during early years of the 20^th century. It is now a cultural center where you can see exhibits of objects made by Indians who inhabited the region and a photographic exhibition if the Cuatro Cienegas Valley. Location: Hidalgo 401 Pte (West) and Corona Hours: Tues. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Attractions Near Town
1.- Muerto Hill The silhouette of this hill resembles the shape of a body laid on the ground . (The name means “Dead Man Hill”) At its “feet” is a mirador that provides an excellent panoramic view of the valley. Location: East of the town
2.- Monument to Carranza This sculpture was created in 1993, in honor of the famous revolutionary leader, Venustiano Carranza. It is located at the foot of Muerto Hill. Location: Km 79 (mile 49) on Highway # 30 ( Monclova – C.Cienega)
3.- Constitucionalista Airport This modern facility was recently built to handle private aircraft. Location: Km 78 (mile 47) on Highway # 30 ( Monclova – C. Cienega)
Attractions in the Cuatro Cienegas Valley
1.- Las Playitas This large lake, with its turquoise-colored water and fine white-sand beaches is an oasis in the desert ecosystem. Swimming and camping are permitted. Location: 8 miles south of town, on the road to the train station.
2.- Los Mezquites Recreational Area Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mezquites River. Along the shore you’ll find palapas and picnic facilities. The river currents make this an exciting place for kayaking. Location: Km 8.5 on Highway # 30 (C.Cienegas – San Pedro)
3.- Information Center This is an eco-tourism information center located near Las Tortugas Pond, which functions as a sanctuary for regional indigenous species. Next to the center is the entrance to Azul Pond and interpretive trails. Location: Km 9 on Highway # 30 (C.Cienegas – San Pedro) Hours: Mon – Sun 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
4.- Azul Pond Surrounded by desert, this magnificent pond has clear, turquoise water whose tonality reminds on of the Caribbean Sea! Swimming is not allowed, as this is a federally-protected natural area due to of the wealth of endemic plant and wildlife. There is a platform from which visitors can observe the pond. Location: Km 9 on Highway # 30 Hours: Tues – Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5.- La Becerra Pound Recreational Area The transparent water in this pond hover around 72º F. There is a campground, beach-volleyball courts and general services for visitors. Location: Km 97 (mile 60) on Highway # 30 (Torreón – C. Ciénegas)
6.- Gypsum Dunes These white dunes are formed by crystal of calcium-sulfate that are blown here from an ancient lakebed. The wind continuously pushes these dunes forward in constantly changing shapes. To visit the dunes, you must access whit a guide. Location: Km 97 on Highway # 30 (Torreón - C. Ciénegas)
7.- San Marcos and La Frague Sierras Hundreds of years ago, these mountain ranges whit their rugged canyons were the home of indigenous groups who left rock painting and engravings in several different caves. If you want to see the caves, we recommend that you hire a guide to accompany you. Location: 23 ½ miles from town heading towards Torreón.