Santiago Papasquiaro is a town of about 30,000 people situated in the northwestern region of Durango (state), Mexico.

Understand

Logging has been a traditionally important industry in Santiago Papasquiaro, but over-harvesting threatens the industry's long-term prospects. While forest covered almost 40% of the municipality's land area in 2010, by 2020, the coverage shrank to 20%. Deforestation is a significant concern and also threatens the area's recreational attraction.

Get in

From Durango, Valle del Guardiana operates frequent buses to Santiago Papasquiaro. The 3-hour bus ride will cost M$200 to M$400, depending on the time of day.

See

• 1 Museo Antropologia, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, Col. Altamira (on Av. Ferrocarril, between Aldama and Colon), ☏ +52 (674) 862 07 34. 10:00-15:00 M-Sa. Exhibits on the history, traditions, and customs of the northwest region of Mexico specifically, but also exhibits covering general topics in anthropology and history of the entire country. The exhibit on Hervideros is of particular local interest. Free. (updated Mar 2023)
• 2 Parroquia de Santiago Apostel, Patoni 5, Centro, ☏ +52 6748620016. Simple stone church with 4 centuries of local history behind it. A beautifully natural looking place of celebration. (updated Mar 2023)

Do

• Thermal baths are popular around Santiago Papasquiaro and there are several places where a visitor can soak in the geothermically heated mineral waters. Thermal baths include Rancheria Hervideros, Atotonilco, Agua Caliente, El Pachon, and Tenerapa.