Like the Franciscan missionaries, who produced everything they needed, people from Mexico’s arid northeastern states today are hardy and self sufficient, and happiest when left alone by the powers that-be in Mexico City.

As in neighbouring Texas, things in northern Mexico just seem bigger. Distances in the northeast are certainly vast. This factor, combined with a dearth of mineral wealth and the fierceness with which the Chichimec Indians defended their territory, led to minimal immigration in colonial times. Pirate raids and swampy, mosquito-ridden lagoons made the east coast undesirable as well.

Outside the major population centres, northeastern Mexico’ wilderness areas invite exploration by adventurous travelers. Appearing like mirages in the scrubby desert are ancient archaeological sites, small towns with gold and silver studded churches, and productive vineyards.