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Durango

Durango travel guide

Capital and largest city in the northern Mexico state

Things to do10 experiences
Best time to visitOctober to April
Nearest airportDGO · 11 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−6
Population654,876

About Durango

Durango is the capital and largest city of the northern Mexican state of Durango and the seat of the municipality of Durango. It has a population of 616,068 as of the 2020 census with 688,697 living in the municipality. The city's official name is Victoria de Durango, renamed in honor of the first president of Mexico, Guadalupe Victoria, a native of the state of Durango. The city is at an altitude of 1,890 m (6,201 ft) in the Valley of Guadiana.

Places to visit in Durango

  1. Durango Cathedral

    Durango Cathedral

    Religious

    A baroque cathedral facing the Plaza de Armas, the central landmark of the historic center. Visit in the evening, when the facade is lit and families gather in the square.

  2. Paseo del Viejo Oeste

    Entertainment

    A former Western movie set outside the city, now a theme park with staged gunfights and saloon shows. Check show times in advance and bring sun protection, as there is little shade.

  3. Durango Cable Car

    Viewpoint

    A short cable car linking two hills in the city center, offering views over the historic district. Ride it near sunset, then walk down to the plaza for dinner.

  4. Ganot-Peschard Museum

    Ganot-Peschard Museum

    Museum

    A small archaeology museum showcasing pre-Hispanic artifacts from the Durango region. It is a good stop to understand the indigenous cultures of northern Mexico before exploring further afield.

  5. Francisco Villa Museum

    Museum

    A museum housed in the historic Zambrano Palace, devoted to the revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, who was born in Durango. Allow about an hour for the exhibits and murals.

  6. Nombre de Dios

    Nombre de Dios

    Historic · 29 mi from centre

    One of the oldest colonial towns in the state, located southeast of the capital, with a historic church and nearby mezcal producers. Combine it with a visit to a local mezcal distillery.

Things to do in Durango by type

10 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 7
  • 3-6 hours 3
Browse all things to do in Durango

Top experiences in Durango

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.

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Where to stay in Durango

Popular hotels in Durango, out of 18 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Durango

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Durango is October to April, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 40° – 71° 2
Feb 43° – 75° 2
Mar 46° – 79° 0
Apr 51° – 83° 0
May 58° – 89° 1
Jun 61° – 87° 8
Jul 57° – 77° 20
Aug 59° – 81° 11
Sep 57° – 77° 16
Oct 53° – 77° 4
Nov 47° – 77° 0
Dec 44° – 71° 3

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Durango weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 76° 55° 6%
  • Thu 22 Oct 76° 55° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 78° 53° 15%
  • Sat 24 Oct 76° 52° 68%
  • Sun 25 Oct 76° 57° 50%
  • Mon 26 Oct 71° 54° 49%

Know before you go

Currency
Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+52
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/MonterreyUTC−6
Capital
Mexico City

Upcoming public holidays in Mexico

  • Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
  • Labour DayDía del Trabajo

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Durango

These are the airports closest to central Durango. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • DGO General Guadalupe Victoria International Airport11 mi (17 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Durango

You can easily cover the main attraction of the center by foot. The bus station is around 4-5 km northeast from the city center; you can get a local bus from the center (M$10).

Taxis

The charge for the service is based on the meter and is relatively low compared to other cities in Mexico. There are numerous bases, taxis are often hired by telephone and mostly have a radio to communicate with other units. A color code similar to that of minibuses also applies to taxis. The reds operate from the bus station, the greens are found throughout the city, and the yellows are commonly based in the center. A last variation, the pinks, serve women and children only.

Durango travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Durango?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Durango is October to April, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

What is the weather like in Durango?

May is usually the warmest month in Durango, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 40°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 159 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Durango?

General Guadalupe Victoria International Airport (DGO) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (17 km) from the centre of Durango.

What currency is used in Durango?

Durango uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.

What time zone is Durango in?

Durango uses the America/Monterrey time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Durango?

You can easily cover the main attraction of the center by foot. The bus station is around 4-5 km northeast from the city center; you can get a local bus from the center (M$10).

What are the best places to visit in Durango?

Top sights in Durango include Durango Cathedral, Paseo del Viejo Oeste, Durango Cable Car and Ganot-Peschard Museum. A baroque cathedral facing the Plaza de Armas, the central landmark of the historic center. Visit in the evening, when the facade is lit and families gather in the square.

What are the top things to do in Durango?

Popular experiences you can book in Durango include Wild West Riding Tour, Discover Historic Centre - Half-Day Tour and Discover Malpais and Berros. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Durango?

The most popular types of experiences in Durango are day trips & excursions (4), zoo, aquarium & nature (4), city tours (2) and tickets & attraction passes (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Durango?

Popular areas for hotels in Durango include Durango. Well-reviewed options include Mision Express Durango and City Express By Marriott Durango.

How many hotels can I book in Durango?

Destina Holidays currently lists 18 properties in and around Durango, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.