DISCOVER SAN LUIS POTOSI

High-Desert Expeditions & Ghost Town Adventures

The Land & The Culture

Hidden behind the massive Ogarrio Tunnel, isolated from the modern world at 2,700 meters of elevation (9,000 feet), lies Real de Catorce—a legendary stone ghost town frozen in the silver-mining era. Surrounded by the rugged, sun-baked peaks of the Sierra de Catorce, this spiritual region overlooks the sacred Wirikuta desert, a place deeply revered by the indigenous Wixárika (Huichol) people. Here, cobblestone streets, abandoned stone haciendas, and a hauntingly beautiful landscape blend into a surreal atmosphere where time stands completely still.

The Trail Identity

Riding in Real de Catorce is an epic backcountry adventure that demands endurance and a spirit of discovery. Shifting away from pure chairlift gravity, this 6-day expedition focuses on high-altitude alpine-desert exploration. You will ride rugged mining trails, ancient singletrack carved along cliffs, and loose, rocky technical descents that slice through ancient canyon floors. The terrain is dry, loose, and physically demanding, punishing your legs with high-altitude climbs but rewarding you with endless, raw, expansive vistas. It is the ultimate mountain bike pilgrimage for those who crave remote wilderness and untamed exploration.

The Local Impact

By journeying into this high-desert outpost, you directly support the families, local guides, and community initiatives that preserve Real de Catorce’s fragile historic heritage. We operate with deep respect for the sacred desert lands, practicing Leave No Trace principles on every trail. Off the saddle, the adventure deepens as we navigate the town on horseback or in traditional 4×4 Willys vehicles, warming up at night with hearty, wood-fired desert gastronomy and sharing stories under one of the clearest, star-filled skies on the planet.