Nestled in the fertile Guadiana Valley the city of Durango is an important agricultural and industrial centre. Its colonial past is visible in the well-maintained vintage buildings in the city centre, which is a national historic monument.

Friendly people, a mild climate, clean, well-signed streets, and a dearth of tourists make Durango an ideal stop for those seeking a bite of real Mexico off the tour-bus trail.

Durango’s historic buildings cluster downtown near the main square, the Plaza de Armas. On Thursday and Sunday afternoons the state band serenades from the bandstand, which is surrounded by gardens and fountains. The Catedral, with its impressive baroque facade, commands the plaza to the north.