Guerrero (Coahuila) Voyage Tips and guide

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Guerrero is a historic town in the northern state of Coahuila, Mexico. The region was once an active hotbed for evangelization of native indigenous groups during the colonial era where it was the hub for the so-called San Juan Bautisto missions. The town lies in a remote part of the United States—Mexico border.

Spanish missionaries built a series of missions in the area in the early 18th century. The missions were protected by an army garrison at the Presidio de San Juan Bautista. The missions were intended to convert the Coahuiltecan indians into faithful Christian converts. Occasional rebellions and outbreaks of disease stymied the efforts of the missionaries.

The town is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos, though it shouldn't be as it doesn't have a large enough population to support tourism, it has no hotels, no bus transportation, and does nothing significant to preserve cultural traditions. Travelers looking for charming colonial small towns should explore other, more deserving, options from the list of Pueblos Mágicos.

Map of Guerrero (Coahuila)

From Texas, cross the border at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras, then follow federal highway MEX-2 south for 48 km. The drive will generally take 40 minutes.

Walk or drive your own car.

• 28.316088-100.3724251 Mision San Bernardo, Guerrero. The mission was established in 1702 by Franciscan friars under the guidance of Fray Alonso González. The mission operated until 1826, when it began a 3-year abandonment process. The ruins of the main church are in relatively good condition. It was a surprisingly large church for such a small population in such a remote outpost. The baroque style church was built on the Latin Cross model with a 31-meter long main nave. (updated Feb 2025)

• 28.309104-100.3787512 Plaza Principal (Zocalo). The town square is a pleasant, well-manicured park with towering mature shade trees, a central bandstand (kiosk), and paved walkways lined with iron benches. (updated Feb 2025)
• 28.313298-100.3962823 Mision San Juan Bautista, Guerrero. Earliest of the so-called San Juan Buatista missions, the mission was first established by Father Eusebio Kino in 1683, though Kino quickly moved on to other regions and other missions leaving it to Father Juan María de Salvatierra to continue construction. Rebellions, economic setbacks, and other problems hampered the padre's efforts, and the mission was never fully completed. The mission was fully abandoned in 1745 and today only a few ruins remain of the historic mission that was once planned as the centerpiece of a large regional evangelization effort. (updated Feb 2025)

• 28.309255-100.3710261 Mi Pueblito, Calle Lic. Raúl Lopez Sanchez 606, Centro, ☏ +52 862 110 9847. M-Sa 08:00 - 21:30, Su 08:00 - 14:00. Casual restaurant serving traditional Mexican food. M$150. (updated Feb 2025)

• 28.308652-100.3690372 El Ranchito, Ignacio Allende 103. Daily 06:00 - 23:00. Casual restaurant serving traditional Mexican food. M$150. (updated Feb 2025)

There are no hotels or other lodging options in Guerrero. The nearest hotels are in Piedras Negras.

• Piedras Negras
• Nuevo Laredo
• Monclova