Paseo Constitucion

In the heart of the historic center of Durango lies the picturesque pedestrian street Paseo Constitución. This place is rightfully considered the soul of the city, connecting the main square Plaza de Armas with the Paseo de las Alamedas park. Representing a harmonious blend of history and modernity, this attraction draws tourists with its unique colonial charm and lively atmosphere.

Walking along this cobblestone street, you will find yourself surrounded by magnificent architectural monuments. Buildings in Baroque and Neoclassical styles carefully preserve the heritage that Mexico has accumulated over many centuries. Today, former noble mansions house cozy restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops, making Paseo Constitución the perfect starting point for exploring the region's culture.

Founded back in 1563 as an important stop on the famous Royal Road (Camino Real), Durango turned this street into a symbol of hospitality. With a high popularity rating among travelers, it serves not just as a road, but as a true cultural hub, where festive events and street performances regularly take place. It is a place where you can feel the rhythm of Mexican life set against a backdrop of a majestic past.

For your convenience, the main contact details for this popular tourist spot are listed below. Finding the promenade in the historic center is easy, as it is one of the city's main arteries.

The main pleasure on Paseo Constitución is a leisurely stroll surrounded by greenery and exquisite architecture. Here, you can spend hours examining the details of carved facades and balconies while enjoying the quiet of the pedestrian zone. The street is literally dotted with authentic restaurants and cafes where you should definitely try traditional dishes: from classic tacos to refreshing natural juices made from exotic fruits.

For photography enthusiasts, this place offers endless opportunities—the play of light and shadow on ancient walls creates the perfect backdrop for photos. Its proximity to the central square Plaza de Armas allows you to observe city life near the fountains or listen to street musicians, who often choose this route for their performances. In the evening, the street is transformed by skillful lighting, becoming the ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a walk under the stars.

If your trip coincides with July 8th, you will witness the Durango National Festival. During this period, Paseo Constitución is filled with fair stalls, open-air theatrical performances, and Mexican cuisine workshops. This is the time when the street becomes the epicenter of the celebration, offering guests a unique chance to experience the living traditions of the state.

Paseo Constitución is located in the heart of the Zona Centro district, making it easily accessible from almost anywhere in the city. If you arrive at Durango International Airport (DGO), the most comfortable way to reach the center is by taxi, which takes about 20–30 minutes and costs approximately 200–300 Mexican pesos. There are also buses running to the central part of the city, from where you can reach the street on foot in 5–10 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, buses and colectivos (shuttles) that stop at Plaza de Armas are suitable. Specifically, routes #1 and #5 pass here, connecting the center with surrounding districts. If you are traveling by rental car, keep in mind that the street itself is pedestrian-only. You can leave your car in paid parking lots on adjacent streets, which cost about 20 pesos per hour.

Travelers arriving from Mexico City usually choose to fly with Aeroméxico or take ADO long-distance buses. Since Paseo Constitución is a pedestrian zone, it is ideal for walks after you have left your luggage at one of the many downtown hotels.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the founding of the city itself in 1563 by Spanish colonizers. Located in the picturesque Valle del Guadiana, the future street became an important segment of the legendary Camino Real de Tierra Adentro—the Royal Road to the Interior, which led from the central regions of the country to the north and served as the main trade artery for transporting silver and goods.

Constitución received its modern name in honor of the first constitution of independent Mexico, adopted in 1824. In those times, Durango played a key role in the region's political life, and the participation of local representatives in Congress was immortalized in the city's toponymy. Walking here today, you can see buildings that witnessed the mining industry boom and the trade surge of the 19th century.

The street's architectural ensemble took shape over centuries. The majestic cathedral, which took over 150 years to build, rises nearby, emphasizing Durango's status as a cultural and religious center. Turning the street into a modern pedestrian zone in the 20th century helped preserve its colonial charm, creating a unique space where history literally comes to life beneath the feet of passersby.

A leisurely walk along Paseo Constitución usually takes 1–2 hours. This is enough time to walk the route from the main square to the park, admire the facades of old buildings, and take commemorative photos. If you decide to drop by local boutiques or stop for a cup of aromatic Mexican coffee in one of the cozy cafes, allow a little more time.

If you plan to combine your promenade with a visit to the cathedral or exploring nearby museums in the historic center, it is worth setting aside about 3 hours. Evening visits are also popular: at this time, the beautiful lighting comes on, and the atmosphere becomes particularly romantic, encouraging a longer stay.

Paseo Constitución is a public space and is available for visiting 24/7 (Open 24 hours) any day of the week, from Monday to Sunday. This allows visitors to the city to choose the most convenient time for their walks: whether it's early morning for a quiet architectural tour or late evening for visiting restaurants.

It is worth keeping in mind that most shops, cafes, and art galleries located along the street have their own operating hours, typically opening from 9:00–10:00 AM and operating until late evening.

A walk along the main pedestrian street is just the beginning of your acquaintance with the region's rich heritage. Exploring the surroundings of Paseo Constitución will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the colonial era and find entertainment for every taste, from majestic temples to modern aquariums.