ZONA DEL SILENCIO

On the borders of the states of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua, this desolate landscape nature reserve houses a research centre on the original regional fauna and flora. Its biological particularity, which is also found in the ecosystems of Cuatro Cienegas (Coahuila State), is due to the fact that a large part of present-day northern Mexico was covered by the waters of the Tethis Sea several hundred million years ago. At a certain point in the reserve, the propagation of electromagnetic waves stops: you have entered the "zona del silencio". The reserve attracts many curious people who want to get closer to other unexplained (and sometimes unproven) phenomena such as the intense solar radiation in the area, the strange structure and colour of some plants, the existence of turtles with unusual shells or the frequent fall of meteorites.... In any case, the area is home to more than 350 plant species, 270 vertebrates and endemic species in danger of extinction such as the bolson tortuga, the aguila cola roja (eagle), the halcón palido (falcon), cervids and other welcoming (or not) animals.

The area is very isolated... so it is best to go there accompanied. From Durango, the Aventura Pantera agency (www.aventurapantera.com) organizes camps under the incredible starry nights of three days - two nights. From the village of Mapimi, Dalea (Tours Mapimi Ojuela) can organise a stay on site with ease, accommodating you for one night at Ejido La Flor, and finally going to the most isolated plateaus in the area. A magical experience.