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Baluarte Bridge

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—°6
Baluarte Bridge (Mexico)

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The Baluarte Bridge, officially known as the Baluarte Bicentenario Bridge, is a striking engineering marvel located in northwestern Mexico. Spanning the deep canyon of the Espinazo del Diablo in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, it serves as the most prominent feature of the Durango-Mazatlán highway. At its inauguration in 2012, it was recognized as the highest cable-stayed bridge in the world, with a road deck suspended 403 meters above the riverbed. The construction was an immense logistical challenge, given the remote location and the rugged topography of the region. This architectural landmark significantly reduced travel times between the Pacific coast and the Mexican interior, fostering economic growth and tourism. Beyond its functional utility, the bridge is a symbol of Mexican pride, completed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the nation's independence.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212223252728272726252321
Rain mm81530144156226203622611

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Baluarte Bridge is a highway bridge and cannot be walked on. However it can be admired from viewpoints along the canyon rim, accessible via hiking trails.
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Typical hours
The viewpoints are usually accessible 24/7 as they are on public land. Best visibility is during daylight; at night the bridge is lit up.
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Photography
Photography from the viewpoints is allowed at any time and is rewarding. A telephoto lens helps capture the bridge and deep canyon in detail.
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Time needed
Viewing the bridge from the lookout takes about 30-45 minutes. If you hike along the canyon, allow 2-3 hours.
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Combine with
The bridge connects Durango and Sinaloa states; combine the drive with a visit to nearby Mazatlán or Durango City. The region also provides rafting and hiking opportunities.
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Getting there
The bridge is on Highway Mexico 40D. The viewpoints are reachable via exits and dirt roads; a rental car is recommended.
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Insider tip
Visit the bridge in the late afternoon when the light colors the canyon beautifully. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
23.53580, -105.84470

Facts

  • Officially inaugurated on January 5, 2012.
  • The bridge deck is located 403 meters above the river bed.
  • The total length of the bridge is 1,124 meters.
  • The central span between the main pylons is 520 meters long.
  • It features 152 steel cables supporting the structure.
  • Part of the Durango-Mazatlán highway, which includes over 60 tunnels.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mazatlan CathedralMazatlan Cathedral64 km · SExplore →
Las Puertas D' MazatlánLas Puertas D' Mazatlán71 km · SExplore →
San BlasSan Blas86 km · NEExplore →
Punta MitaPunta Mita90 km · NEExplore →
Marietas IslandsMarietas Islands91 km · EExplore →
SayulitaSayulita92 km · NEExplore →
San PanchoSan Pancho92 km · NEExplore →
Lo De MarcosLo De Marcos94 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Baluarte Bridge (6)

Reserva Ecológica La Chara Pinta📍 landmark

The La Chara Pinta ecological reserve in the Baluarte Bridge area.

Mirador El Palmito🌿 nature

The Mirador El Palmito viewpoint in the Baluarte Bridge area.

Loberas🌿 nature

A natural area with rock formations resembling wolf dens, near the Baluarte Bridge.

Trópico de Cáncer📍 landmark

The Tropic of Cancer (Trópico de Cáncer) in the Baluarte Bridge area.

puente de baluarte📍 landmark

The Baluarte Bridge, one of the highest cable-stayed bridges in the world, spanning a deep canyon.

Reserva Chara Pinta🌿 nature

The Chara Pinta nature reserve in the Baluarte Bridge area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about this bridge?
It is one of the highest cable-stayed bridges in the world.
Can you cross the bridge on foot?
No, it is exclusively for vehicle traffic on the highway.
Where is it located?
It connects the states of Durango and Sinaloa over a deep gorge.
Are there viewpoints?
There are no official pedestrian viewpoints directly on the bridge.
Why was it built?
It drastically reduces travel time between the Pacific coast and the interior.
Baluarte Bridge: where is it located?
Baluarte Bridge is located in Mexico.
Baluarte Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Reserva Ecológica La Chara Pinta, Mirador El Palmito, Loberas.
Baluarte Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Baluarte Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Baluarte Bridge, officially known as the Baluarte Bicentenario Bridge, is a striking engineering marvel located in northwestern Mexico.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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