Destinations
EL FUERTE
A Colonial Town
El Fuerte, located just 52 miles Northeast of Los Mochis, sits on the El Fuerte River and is a postcard picture of colonial style Mexico. It was founded in 1564 by a Spanish conquistador named Don Francisco de Ibarra. It was first called San Juan Bautista de Carapoa but the name was later changed to El Fuerte after the fort was built in 1610.
A bloody battle involving Pancho Villa and the huge army of Carranza took place in El Fuerte in November 1915. This battle ended the Division of the North that was headed by Villa. El Fuerte is 100 meters above sea level with an average temperature of about 25 degrees Centigrade. Max. 42, Min. 5.
This town was a major trading post for silver miners from the Copper Canyon area. Population today is about 30,000 people and there are many sights to see in the area.
Try to plan at least 2 nights in El Fuerte if your time constraints will let you so that you can do the relaxing River Float trip while spotting some lovely birds on your second day. There are some intersting petroglyphs to be seen on the river tour as well.
If you are flying into Los Mochis, which we recommend to start your trip from, then you should pay for a private transfer from the airport or take a bus directly to El Fuerte rather than spend the night in Los Mochis. You'll enjoy your first night much more there.
Be sure to pickup your free map at The 3 Amigos Too offices on the plaza. You'll find a great map for doing the Self-guided Historical Walking Tour in the downtown El Fuerte area, as well as lots of other free maps of the Canyons.
El Fuerte Tid Bits
The El Fuete river contains the combined waters of the Verde river in Sinforosa Canyon, Batopilas river from Batopilas Canyon, Urique river from Urique Canyon and Chinipas river from Chinipas Canyon. There are 3 dams that cover this river near El Fuerte that make agriculture possible in the very fertile El Fuerte Valley. The Donaldo Colosio Dam, better known as Huites (weetus), is the first dam built in the area and affords spectacular Black Bass fishing. It??€�s about an hour North of El Fuerte.
The Miguel Hidalgo Dam is only 15 minutes to the north of El Fuerte. There is great fishing here as well and the old stagecoach road to Alamos runs just behind the dam so you can see it on your way out if needed.
Dona Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Dam is only about 15 minutes to the southwest of El Fuerte. Here you??€�ll find fantastic fishing as well and a fishing lodge on the banks that is open in high season with all equipment that you might need at hand.
There are fascinating River Tours that can be done on this river that allow you to gently float and view the incredible array of local bird life such as; Russet-crowned Motmots, Squirrel Cuckoos, Magpie-Jays, Tiger Herons, Military Macaws. River Tours can be arranged at The 3 Amigos Too office in El Fuerte to go along with your vacation package or just at last minute when visiting the area. Just visit our office on the main plaza in El Fuerte.
El Fuerte River
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Other areas of Interest around El Fuerte
El Fuerte River Float Tour - The El Fuerte river is a slow moving river controlled by the Miguel Hidalgo Dam and is a great way to spend a few hours in El Fuerte. We recommend you do the River Float Trip with Petroglyphs hike when you get here for sure. There are many beautiful birds to be seen, some only seen in this area. About 1/2 way through the trip you'll get out of the boat to walk to Cerro de la Mascara to see the petroglyphs.
We can book a River Float Tour for you along with your vacation package or stand alone if you like. Just let us know.
Cost is $30US per person and includes cold beverages, an English speaking guide, a boat navigator and the hike to see the petroglyphs.
Petroglyphs - 'Cerro de la Mascara' can be seen by hiking all the way from El Fuerte for about an hour and a half or by hiking about 10 minutes from the boat on the River Float Trip.
Miguel Hidalgo Dam was built in 1952 in order to provide water to the agricultural area of El Fuerte Valley. There is excellent Black Bass fishing here and fishing packages can be arranged by Amigo Trails Travel. Independent trips can be done by renting a Scooter at The 3 Amigos Too offices on the main plaza. Dam is located 12 km Northeast of El Fuerte.
Rain God Statue at Hidalgo Dam
Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Dam was built in 1965 and has complimented the Miguel Hidalgo Dam tremendously by amplifying the arable surface of the valley. This dam too has a great supply of Black Bass and can be reached by private tour or Scooter rental at The 3 Amigos Too offices in El Fuerte. Dam is located 13 km West of El Fuerte.
Huites Dam (Luis Donaldo Colosio Reservoir) ??€� you??€�ll find great fishing here, Bigmouth Bass, as well as an excellent lake for water sports. It is the largest Dam in Sinaloa state and one of the largest in all of Mexico. It can be reached by heading Northwest from El Fuerte and is only about 1.5 hours away.
Choix - Pronounced "choice" and located 76 miles from Los Mochis down a nicely improved road and is best known as an old mining village. The Mission there was founded by Jesuits in the 17th century. Its structure is Baroque and is said to be the first mission built to use this style in the entire region. There is a small museum there next to the library for the curious and you??€�ll find some hot springs nearby in Chuchaca but they are hard to find. There are deserted gold mines in the area and some paintings worth seeing in San Pantaleon, Cueva Pinta, Vinateria and Reparito. This town is also very cute and worth a drive if you have the time.
El Fuerte Plaza
Municipal Building
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