Durango

Durango is a large state in northern Mexico, known for its forested mountains, deserts and a long association with western films. Its capital is also called Durango. Rich in mining and forestry, it spans dramatic landscapes from the Sierra Madre to arid plains.

Durango ranges from the rugged, pine-clad Sierra Madre Occidental in the west to semi-arid plains and the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert in the east. It contains scenic canyons and the famous Espinazo del Diablo mountain road. The climate ranges from temperate highland to desert.

The state has a strong northern ranching culture and a cinematic legacy, having served as a backdrop for countless Western films. Mining heritage, regional cuisine and colonial architecture in its capital shape its identity.

A frontier of silver mining and ranching since the colonial era, Durango became a Mexican state in 1824. Its dramatic landscapes made it a favoured filming location for Hollywood and Mexican Westerns in the 20th century.