Alternative Tourism

Cosala Sinaloa’s first “magic pueblo”

Text: Martha Bojórquez - Photo: Iván Lizárraga, Salvador Herrera

Cosala was founded in 1562 and is considered one of the most beautiful colonial pueblos in the state.  It has a very agreeable atmosphere that makes you feel as if time had stopped and each little street seems to invite you to stay.

Make sure to get to know Saint Ursula’s church when you are in Cosala.  It was built in the 18th century and there is a sun dial up at the top of its façade. The Plaza de Armas, the municipal palace (city hall) and the chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe are other places you might want to see.

The Museum of Mining and History shows objects and documents on the history of mining in Sinaloa.

The principle natural attraction of this municipality is the Vado Hondo Balenario (spa/club) where you can admire an impressive waterfall in addition to the El Comedero and El Salto damns, which are great places to fish or cruise around in a launch.

The Gruta Mexico is a huge cave that is a quirk of nature located north east of city hall.  Another site of interest is the Cajon de Tapacoya where there are prehistoric rock drawings.

Among the arts and crafts found in Cosala are saddles, textile weavings and belts.

ELOTA

Elota is known for its architecture and sport fishing. The church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is famous for dating from the 18th century and for having valuable objects inside its confines.

Elota is renowned for the abundance of birds and fish in its surroundings, which is the zone of the Sierra de Conitaca, a favorite for many hunters and fishermen. 

There is the Ipucha hot springs in the vicinity also, which supposedly have curative powers.  El Salto dam and lake are nearby, one of the most famous in the Mexican North West.  There are various sport fishing fleets here.

The nearby coastal beaches of Celestino Gazca, Ceuta and Bahia de Tempehuaya are frequently visited by tourists.  Ceuta is the most important since nearby there is a tortoise refuge and protection camp.  It has been there since 1976 and helps preserve the sea tortoise which is in danger of extinction.