Travel Guide El Fuerte

This small colonial city founded in 1564 by Francisco de Ibarra was an important trading post and the capital of the state of Occident (Sinaloa and Sonora) for a few years: it was established on the territory of Indians whose cultures are related to those of the southern United States (Apaches and Navajos), notably the Mayos who have preserved their traditional dances and ceremonies to this day. Take advantage of siesta time to wander the cobblestone streets or stroll along one of the many benches in the Plaza de Armas, which houses the Templo del Sagrado Corazón (1854). The other important religious building is the Templo de San Juan de Carapoa (mid-18th century), a former Jesuit mission with austere decoration. Along the pretty streets of the village, colonial houses compete with Porfirian architecture: the Casa del Congreso Constituyente, the Casa Colorado, the Casa del General Pablo Macías, the Casa de las Arcadias and the Mansión de la Familia Orrantia. Many of them are now hotels or restaurants. It is one of the most important places for fishing and hunting (November-February), which are practiced around the two reservoirs located 10 kilometres from the village, as evidenced by the trophies hanging on the walls of the haciendas. For this purpose, it is worth visiting the Posada del Hidalgo, one of the most beautiful hotels in the town.