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- Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda — A gigantic, rugged biosphere of dry forests, pine-oak mountains and deep canyons unique for the way multiple ecosystems stack in a short distance; full of endemic plants, great birdwatching, remote dirt-road drives and community-run ecotourism that actually preserves the landscape rather than turning it into a theme park.
- Misión de Santiago de Jalpan (Jalpan de Serra) — The most visited Franciscan mission in the Sierra Gorda, with an exuberant Baroque façade and interior murals that mix European and indigenous motifs; the mission sits in a lively town that’s the best base for river trips and local markets.
- Misión de Nuestra Señora de la Luz, Landa de Matamoros — A striking Sierra Gorda mission set in a valley town, known for a grand nave and cloister,
- Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda — A gigantic, rugged biosphere of dry forests, pine-oak mountains and deep canyons unique for the way multiple ecosystems stack in a short distance; full of endemic plants, great birdwatching, remote dirt-road drives and community-run ecotourism that actually preserves the landscape rather than turning it into a theme park.
- Misión de Santiago de Jalpan (Jalpan de Serra) — The most visited Franciscan mission in the Sierra Gorda, with an exuberant Baroque façade and interior murals that mix European and indigenous motifs; the mission sits in a lively town that’s the best base for river trips and local markets.
- Misión de Nuestra Señora de la Luz, Landa de Matamoros — A striking Sierra Gorda mission set in a valley town, known for a grand nave and cloister, plus easy access to nearby forests and local food stalls selling goat cheese and mole — feels like seeing the region’s religious history and rural life in one stop.
- La Misión de Concá (Concá) — A smaller, beautifully painted mission off the main tourist tracks with intimate frescos and a relaxed village atmosphere; ideal for people who want authentic daily life, local festivals and quiet photography without the crowds.
- Misión de Tancoyol (hidden gem) — One of the lesser-visited Franciscan churches whose painted interior and simple stonework reward the extra travel; the surrounding village is small, welcoming, and gives a real feel for indigenous- mestizo cultural continuity.
- Misión de Tilaco (hidden gem) — A compact, colorful mission perched in terraced hills where local fiestas, traditional garments and regional cuisine are still strong; you see a side of Sierra Gorda that big buses never reach.
- Pinal de Amoles (hidden gem — personal favorite) — A highland mountain town that backpackers love for pine-oak trails, scattered waterfalls, old mine ruins and honest homestays; perfect for multi-hour hikes, sunrise viewpoints and eating meals cooked by locals — the quiet, authentic Sierra Gorda experience.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.