This industrial city in Coahuila has a 21-meter Christ statue, ancient tunnels, and pre-Hispanic artifacts. In 2024, it will be NASA's main location for the total solar eclipse.
In Torreón, Mexico's Coahuila state, you can walk through the underground Pearl Watercourse tunnels, climb to the 21.85-meter Cristo de las Noas statue, and explore pre-Hispanic artifacts at Museo Arocena. The city comes alive during the September Cotton and Grape Fair with street performances and local music. In 2024, Torreón will serve as NASA's primary broadcast location for the total solar eclipse, expected to draw astronomers and viewers from around the world.
Getting Around Torreón
You can reach Torreón through Francisco Sarabia International Airport, which connects to major Mexican cities and U.S. destinations. The city's numbered streets run in a grid pattern, making it easy to navigate on foot or by car. Public buses connect all major areas of the city, while taxis and ride-sharing services run throughout the day and night. A four-lane highway connects to Saltillo in under two hours.
Cultural Sites and Museums
At Museo Arocena, you'll find pre-Hispanic artifacts in the permanent collection and rotating contemporary art exhibitions on the second floor. The museum runs weekly workshops for children and cultural events for adults. Under the historic center, walk through the Canal de la Perla, a restored 19th-century watercourse. The tunnel walls display photographs documenting Torreón's growth from a small settlement to a major city.
Sports in Torreón
Watch Santos Laguna play football at the 30,000-capacity Territorio Santos Modelo stadium, home to the six-time national champions. Baseball fans can catch Vaqueros Laguna games at Estadio Revolución during the Mexican League season. The Jefes de Fuerza Lagunera basketball team plays home games at the Municipal Auditorium, which holds 3,000 spectators.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse
Mark your calendar for April 8, 2024, when Torreón will experience 4 minutes and 28 seconds of total darkness during the solar eclipse. The Planetarium Torreón has set up 200 viewing stations throughout the city to accommodate 500,000 people. The city's location in the desert ensures minimal cloud cover, making it an ideal spot for viewing this astronomical event.
Local Food Scene
Try asado de boda, a marinated pork dish served at local celebrations, or sample enchiladas laguneras filled with regional cheese. Lebanese immigrants brought shawarma and kibbeh to Torreón, while Spanish and French settlers influenced local bakeries and cafes. Find street food vendors around Plaza Mayor and near the sports stadiums, especially during game days.
Weather and Climate
Summer temperatures in Torreón often reach 35°C (95°F) during the day but drop to comfortable levels at night. Winters are short and mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 10°C (50°F). The city receives most of its limited rainfall between June and September. You can expect clear skies almost every day of the year, with an average of 360 sunny days annually.