states: [mexico]
category: cultural
year: 2010
region: Latin America and the Caribbean
latitude/longitude: 22.6080555556, -102.3791666667
last visited: 2023
unesco id: 1351
world heritage site: 1351
The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico, is a historic trade route stretching over 2,500 kilometers, connecting Mexico City to the northern territories during the Spanish colonial period. Established in the 16th century, it facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Spain and its colonies, playing a vital role in the economic and social development of the region. The route features a network of trails, bridges, and settlements, with notable historic sites like haciendas, churches, and forts that reflect its rich colonial legacy. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of this centuries-long cultural and commercial corridor.