General Cepeda
Discover the archeological wonders and paleontological riches that are fundamental to this town, located along the Ruta de los Dinosaurios (the Dinosaur Route).
Services in General Cepeda
What Makes it Magical
General Cepeda is full of paleontological treasures that will surprise you. Its name pays homage to one of Coahuila’s most distinguished fighters against the French, and who would later become the state governor.
It is located 40 miles west of Saltillo, and it was once known as Villa de Patos. Today it is known as General Cepeda. Its founding can be traced back to 1575 when the conquistador Francisco de Urdiñola established the Hacienda de San Francisco de los Patos here.
This Magical Town demonstrates an important part of the cultural, historic and gastronomical richness of Coahuila. This is the charming municipality where dinosaur fossils abound. This region is full of witnesses of the Cretaceous Era, and they can be easily found, whether in the rock formations where petroglyphs can be spotted, or underground, where it is possible to discover examples that are over 70 million years old.
Why You Should Go
- Pretty old houses are interspersed with cosy gardens and parks. In shops, restaurants and fairs formidable dishes are prepared. And in the edges of the town it’s easy to find beautiful desert, mountain and farmland views.
- Paleontological discoveries have been made in the region since the end of the 20th century, and are housed in the Museo de Paleontología Rincón Colorado.
- In Porvenir de Jalpa you can visit fossilized dinosaur footprints that, in their majority, belong to the dinosaur known as the Hadrosaur, or the Pico de Pato, the duck-billed dinosaur.
At the Very Least
Take a stroll through the town center and sit in the shade of the leafy trees in the Plaza Independencia. Get to know the surrounding buildings and churches, such as the Palacio Municipal and the Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís.
Don’t Miss
- Take a stroll through the center and visit the Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís. In this church you will find beautiful paintings and altarpieces that date back to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
- In the hot summer months, sit down and feel refreshed in the Plaza Independencia. The shade of its leafy trees are perfect for gathering strength. Besides, if you visit on a Sunday, you will find delicious food prepared by traditional cooks.
- Buy the delicious candy on offer in General Cepeda. The Villa de Patos brand offers totally organic products. We recommend you try the aguamiel (agave nectar), quince candy, and their dairy products.