Saltillo is the capital city of the north-western state of Coahuila. It is the oldest city in northern Mexico. The city is overlooked by a four metre cross standing on El Cerro del Pueblo. The city is flanked by the Zapalinamé mountains, which are part of the Sierra Madre Oriental. There is a legend that says that the leader of the native Indians, whose name was Zapalinamé, can be seen in the shape of the mountains. Saltillo's most famous exports are Saltillo tiles and the locally woven, multi-coloured sarapes.

Sightseeing
Alameda Zaragoza is the largest park in the city and has an artificial lake in the shape of the Mexican Republic. The old core of the city is built in pink marble, giving Saltillo's architecture a distinctive flavour. Prominent buildings are the Catherdal, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Ateneo Fuente and the Instituto Tecnológico de Saltillo. The large cathedral is the best example of colonial religious architecture in northeastern Mexico; its façade is mainly Spanish Baroque.

Getting there
It takes 15 minutes to get from downtown Saltillo to the airport. It has several flights per day to Mexico City.

Getting around
There is a comprehensive bus system in Saltillo along with many taxis.