The Sierra Madre in Mexico is a mountain system that includes the Occidental, Oriental, and Sierra Madre del Sur. These ranges are home to charming villages, some of which we visited from Mazatlán. We share our day trip experience so you can decide if it’s suited to you.
We had visited Mazatlán several times, so getting off the beaten path this time appealed to us. Previously, we had hiked to El Faro Lighthouse. This time around, we wanted to experience authentic Mexico and escape the tourist areas along the beaches.
The vast landscapes of Sierra Madre didn’t disappoint. They offer a rich tapestry of cultures and histories, allowing us to see how the locals live.
Geography Of The Sierra Madre
The Sierra Madre consists of several mountain ranges. The rivers that originate in these mountains are lifelines for millions, supporting agriculture, hydroelectric power, and drinking water supplies.
Their diverse landscapes are home to a variety of climate zones and ecosystems, supporting unique flora and fauna, as well as small villages that dot the rugged terrain.
Mountain Ranges And Peaks
The Sierra Madre system comprises three main ranges: the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre del Sur, and Sierra Madre Oriental.
- Sierra Madre Occidental: Extending about 700 miles from northwest to southeast, its peaks often exceed 6,000 feet. Some rise above 10,000 feet, offering breathtaking views.
- Sierra Madre Oriental: This range runs parallel to the Gulf of Mexico for approximately 700 miles with an average elevation of around 7,000 feet. Notable peaks include Mount Peña Nevada.
- Sierra Madre del Sur: Located in southern Mexico, this range stretches through Guerrero and Oaxaca, featuring rugged terrain and distinct geological formations.
These ranges form an essential backbone for the region and influence local weather patterns.
Climate And Ecosystem
The climate across the Sierra Madre varies significantly due to the elevation and geographical diversity. Depending on the area of exploration, expect to encounter a range of conditions, from arid and semi-arid deserts to tropical zones.
We spotted cactus plants, agave, and other vegetation that thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Villages Of Sierra Madre
If you’re seeking an activity in Mazatlán, consider a Sierra Madre mountain range tour. It offers the option to explore several charming villages, as we did. Each one oozed with unique character and history.
Key villages visited on tours from Mazatlán:
- Concordia – Founded in 1565, this colonial town showcases traditional architecture and artisan crafts. Here, we admired the stone temple of San Sebastian and enjoyed the vibrant local life.
- Malpica – Known for its picturesque streets and bakeries, Malpica offers delightful treats. We can stroll through the quaint surroundings and experience local hospitality.
- Copala – This village has only 300 residents and one restaurant. Ajleandro’s Restaurante is where we had lunch. The choices were chicken or beef fajitas with rice and beans. For non-meat eaters, there were cheese quesadillas.
- Villa Union – This village is less visited, providing an authentic experience. Here, we might observe artisans crafting handmade pottery and wooden furniture.
Getting There from Mazatlán:
Many tour operators offer these village tours, and we found them inexpensive. Our 7-hour excursion cost us USD 75 pp. It included an authentic Mexican lunch of fajitas, rice, beans, chips, salsa, dessert, and a drink.
Our bus ride from Mazatlán to Concordia took 45 minutes. Our guide, Elmara, spoke excellent English and gave us the area’s history. We took in the sights of lush farmlands during our trip before ascending into the mountains. The route through the hillside is very windy.
I recommend using a motion sickness patch, sea bands, or Dramamine if you suffer from motion sickness. My mother accompanied us on this tour and got quite sick on the way up.
Elmara had the bus stop at Tortilleria El Castillo so she could purchase fresh corn tortillas for us to try. She said corn tortillas make a good snack if you add salt or cheese. I had never considered eating tortillas plain with salt but they were very good.
We also sampled Suaves (nun farts), a Mexican marshmallow candy, only available in Mazatlán. They were softer than marshmellows with a coconut taste. We couldn’t resist purchasing a few bags to take home.
While we read reviews that it could be cool in the mountains, our experience was the opposite. We visited in January, and our day reached a high of 86F or 30C in the villages. It was much cooler along the coast.
Our Sierra Madre Villages’ Tour
Our tour included a short stop (20 mins) at the Plaza Camino Al Mar in the Gold Zone. Here we could go shopping and use the bathroom. Some excursions make this stop first or last. It was our first.
We could also withdraw pesos from a banking machine, although many vendors in the mountains accepted our US dollars.
Brick Maker
On the way to the mountains, we stopped to learn the age-old craft of brickmaking. While Mazatlán has a Home Depot, our guide explained that residents prefer to purchase goods made by locals.
Bricks are made from three ingredients, earth, sand, and sawdust. Workers are paid one peso per brick, and the retail price is four pesos. A single brickmaker produces between 500 and 1300 bricks a day. When we arrived, we viewed 1128 newly-made bricks drying in the sun.
We visited in January when the temperature was around 28C. We couldn’t imagine working outdoors all day during the extreme heat of the summer.
It takes 5 days to make bricks, one to make and dry, another to fire in an outdoor oven, and then 3 days to cool down. This technique for making construction bricks has been passed down for generations.
Malpica
Malpica, a charming town in the Sierra Madre Occidental, was our first village stop. It’s known for its rich culture and artisanal craftsmanship.
Walking its cobblestone streets, we had a chance to explore two key attractions and taste Pacifico, Mexico’s premium beer.
Sweet Bread Bakery – Panaderia Artesanal allowed us to try Mexican pastries. They were made from recipes passed down through generations, reflecting the community’s rich heritage. We tried the pineapple pastries, which were crumbly and delicious.
Our tour group tried other varieties, but we all agreed they were terrific and inexpensive at USD 1 each.
While we didn’t experience the bread-making process, we saw the rustic outdoor oven behind the shop where the baking takes place.
Across the street, a small museum housed a collection of petroglyphs discovered in the area.
Tile Shop – On the same street as the bakery, a tile shop demonstrates how tiles are made the traditional way. The outdoor venue was tiny, and we couldn’t all watch the craftsman at work simultaneously.
Each round tile’s design is unique and makes a wonderful kitchen trivet. We purchased one in black and white as a reminder of our trip to Sierra Madre.
On the walk back to the bus, we purchased the renowned Pacifico beer which didn’t disappoint. While I don’t drink beer, I tried this one, and it tasted smooth.
From here, our guide allowed us to choose lunch first or later. While we preferred to eat lunch later, others outvoted us on the bus tour.
Copala
Before arriving at Copala, we stopped at a pottery shop. We watched a demonstration of how clay pots are made using local red clay and a mold. After a refreshing drink, we saw the rustic outdoor kiln used to fire the pottery.
Copala, once a thriving mining town, offers a rich blend of history and culture. It was also our stopping point for lunch. Since this town was constructed centuries ago, our bus couldn’t navigate its narrow streets.
So, our walk up the cobblestone road allowed us to admire the rustic architecture and flowers in bloom. Our guide arranged a car ride for those unable to walk up the hill.
Copala has 300 residents and one restaurant, Restaurante Alejandro. The rustic establishment serves traditional Sinoloan cuisine in a covered outdoor setting.
Our choices for lunch were beef or chicken fajitas or cheese quesadillas. I found it odd they didn’t offer a vegetarian option. Beans, rice, and an enchilada accompanied our meal. We also had a choice of bottled water, soda, or Mexican beer (but not Pacifico).
Banana cream pie topped off the meal, and there were options to purchase guacamole, Margaritas, or other alcoholic drinks.
After lunch, we had time to explore the town’s square, which featured a mask maker, vendors selling handmade candy and jewelry, and the picturesque Iglesia Copala Church.
Iglesia Copala Church, or Iglesia de San José, is a historic gem that faces the square. Established in the colonial era, this church is one of the oldest in Sinaloa. Its stunning architecture is characterized by its white façade and red tiled roof.
We discovered beautiful altarpieces and religious art in the interior that reflect the area’s rich heritage.
Concordia
Concordia was our last stop; however, tours may visit the villages in a different order. They may also switch out villages.
The picturesque town of Concordia, founded in 1565, is known for its cultural heritage and traditional crafts. Like the previous stop, we were dropped off at the main road and had to walk up narrow cobblestone streets to view its attractions.
Among its highlights, the Church of San Sebastián stands out as an architectural gem that reflects the history and artistry of Concordia. Constructed in the late 19th century, it features an elegant neoclassical design with intricate details that showcase the skills of local artisans.
We visited during an upcoming milestone anniversary, and the church’s exterior was being prepped for an event.
We admired beautiful stained-glass windows in the church that depict biblical scenes. The altar, adorned with religious iconography, captures the spiritual essence of the community.
Outside the church, we bought shave ice from a vendor that didn’t quite match what we tried in Maui.
Across the street, we bought Mexican marshmallow candy that we tried earlier. The area’s marshmallow candy was extra soft and very sticky, and the addition of coconut gave it a boost in flavor.
Were The Villages Of Siera Madre What We Expected
Having been to Mazatlán before, we wanted to get off the beaten path and see a different part of the region. Some might shy away from such a lengthy excursion at seven hours long, but with multiple stops, we didn’t feel like we spent too much time transiting.
We found each stop interesting, and immersing ourselves in the local craftmanship was enlightening. This tour is not about the destination but appreciating the journey through a rich cultural and historical region, dotted with hidden gems.
Karen Hosier, a military brat, grew up traveling the world. She lived in many countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. Later in life, she discovered cruising and shares her love of being on the ocean and exploring faraway lands. Follow her on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.