A place where history whispers through cobblestone streets, and the rugged landscape beckons the adventurous. For motorcyclists, it offers an unforgettable ride—challenging terrain, breathtaking views, and a journey through time.

Entering Real de Catorce via the legendary cobbled road and exiting via the harrowing, steep mountain track is an experience few riders forget. It’s a test of skill, endurance, and an appreciation for the raw beauty of Mexico’s high desert. If you crave an epic ride filled with history, mystique, and adrenaline, Real de Catorce delivers.

Getting to Real de Catorce is an adventure in itself. The town sits at over 2,700 meters (8,900 feet) in the Sierra de Catorce, and there is only one main way in—via a long, winding, stone-paved road that leads to the iconic Ogarrio Tunnel.

The 17-kilometer (10.5-mile) cobbled road leading to the tunnel is a masterpiece of old-world engineering. Originally laid in the 18th century, it’s made of large, uneven stones embedded in the earth. Riding a motorcycle over this surface is no easy feat—there’s constant vibration, and your tires fight for traction. A bike with good suspension is a must, and lowering tire pressure slightly can help absorb the relentless chatter.

Despite the rough surface, the scenery is mesmerizing. The desert landscape is dotted with wiry mesquite trees and towering cacti, set against the backdrop of the Sierra de Catorce. As you ascend, the air becomes noticeably thinner, and the temperature drops. It’s a stark yet beautiful ride, offering glimpses of abandoned mines and crumbling stone structures—remnants of Real de Catorce’s silver boom days.

After bouncing over cobblestones for nearly an hour, you arrive at the entrance of the Ogarrio Tunnel. This 7.4-kilometer (4.6-mile) passage was carved through solid rock in 1901 to improve access to Real de Catorce, which was once one of the richest silver mining towns in the world.

Entering the tunnel on a motorcycle is an eerie and exhilarating experience. The tunnel is single-lane, and traffic is controlled by a signal system—so be prepared to wait, but the positive is that on busy days motorcycles go through for free, quieter days expect to pay a nominal fee. Once inside, the dim light and the rumble of your bike’s engine echo off the narrow stone walls. The tunnel feels like a passage through time, and as you emerge into Real de Catorce, the town appears like a mirage—a hidden relic of Mexico’s past, frozen in the high-altitude desert.

Riding into Real de Catorce is like stepping into another era. Cobblestone streets wind between centuries-old buildings, many of which have been lovingly restored into hotels, cafes, and artisan shops. Unlike other ghost towns that have been abandoned entirely, Real de Catorce is alive with a blend of history, culture, and spiritual mysticism.

Real de Catorce was founded in the late 18th century when vast silver deposits were discovered. By the 19th century, it had become one of Mexico’s wealthiest mining towns, attracting European investors and fortune seekers. However, by the early 20th century, the silver veins were nearly exhausted, and the town’s population dwindled from 40,000 to just a few hundred.

Today, it thrives as a tourist destination, known for its colonial charm and mystical aura. Many believe Real de Catorce holds a spiritual energy, attracting artists, filmmakers, and seekers from around the world. In fact, scenes from the film The Mexican (starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts) were shot here, adding to its cinematic appeal.

For motorcyclists, navigating the narrow, hilly streets of Real de Catorce can be tricky—cobblestones, very sharp inclines, and pedestrian-heavy areas require careful handling. Parking your bike near Plaza Hidalgo, the town’s central square, is a good idea. Here, you can explore the 18th-century Parish of the Immaculate Conception, home to the revered statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, which draws thousands of pilgrims each year.

If time allows stay overnight or two, the bused in tourists generally leave before sunset and the town takes on another vibe at night

For riders seeking an off-road adventure, local guides offer horseback or 4x4 tours into the surrounding mountains, where breathtaking vistas and ancient ruins await.

Most visitors exit Real de Catorce the way they came, through the Ogarrio Tunnel. But for those seeking the ultimate challenge, there’s another way—an unpaved, treacherous back road that descends the mountainside in a series of steep switchbacks.

Locally known as the Camino a San Juan de Vanegas, this dirt and rock trail was once the main route before the tunnel was built. It plunges sharply from Real de Catorce, offering panoramic views and hair-raising drops. It’s not for the faint of heart—deep ruts, loose gravel, and sudden inclines test even the most skilled riders.

Riding down requires full concentration. Use engine braking to control speed, and keep a firm grip on the bars. If you’re riding a fully loaded adventure bike, consider walking sections or taking it slow and stay to the right so you don’t get bounced over the edge. The rewards, however, are immense—stunning views, the thrill of mastering the descent, and the satisfaction of completing one of Mexico’s most legendary motorcycle routes.

Always check weather conditions if you plan to take the back road. The cobbled road can be very slippery when wet, as the cobbles become slick and it’s akin to riding on ice, and occasionally the back road becomes nearly impassable in heavy rain.

At the bottom, the terrain flattens out, leading to remote desert roads where wild burros and roaming cattle are your only companions. From here, you can connect to Highway 62 and continue your journey deeper into the heart of Mexico past the Tropic of Cancer

For motorcyclists, Real de Catorce is more than just a place—it’s an experience. The journey in, through, and out of this historic town offers a rare combination of technical riding, stunning landscapes, and cultural intrigue.

Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or just looking for an unforgettable ride, Real de Catorce is a destination that lingers in the memory. It’s a place where the past and present collide, where every road tells a story, and where the journey itself is as captivating as the destination.

So gear up, take the long way in, and challenge yourself to the ride out. Real de Catorce is waiting.

Read our other stories about RTWPaul

To know more about Paul go to:

www.rtwpaul.com/

www.instagram.com/rtwpaul/

www.facebook.com/rtwpaul/