El Cercado: Bats, Reservoir and Textile History

El Cercado brings together several distinct themes: a large, now-closed bat cave, the history of the El Porvenir textile factory, and outings at Presa Rodrigo Gómez. Nature, economic history and time by the water each give a stay its own focus. When looking for a holiday rental, it can therefore be helpful to consider which of these aspects of the town interests you most.

Bat Conservation and Cave History

Cueva de los Murciélagos, also known as Cueva de la Boca and Cueva de Agapito Treviño, is a large cave in El Cercado. It was once a mine and is now closed. It is also a bat sanctuary. Estimates suggest that more than five million bats from more than six different species live there; population figures may change. The combination of past use and present-day bat conservation gives the cave special significance in natural history. For families, its scale and variety of species can be a concrete topic of conversation, even though the cave itself is closed.

A Long History of the Textile Factory

The El Porvenir textile factory offers a different perspective. It opened in El Cercado in 1872 and was a pillar of Santiago’s economy for more than 130 years. This long period gives the factory’s history a different weight from a single historical date. El Porvenir represents an economic dimension of the destination, while Cueva de los Murciélagos is associated with its former use as a mine and with bat conservation. Those interested in a place’s history will find a second focus alongside nature and wildlife. Together, these topics tell different stories about El Cercado.

Walk or Take a Catamaran at the Reservoir

Presa Rodrigo Gómez, also known as La Boca, is associated with outings by the water in El Cercado. Visitors can walk along the reservoir’s malecón, and catamaran rides are also offered there. These are two different activities: a walk along the shore and a trip on the water. If you want to include a catamaran ride in your day’s plans, check current availability in advance, as it may vary. The malecón offers a different way to spend time at the reservoir than taking a catamaran ride.

The Route to Cascada del Chipitín

The turnoff near El Cercado is the starting point for finding the route to Cascada del Chipitín. From there, the road climbs for about 12 kilometers to the Puerto Genovevo area; a gravel stretch begins afterward. The approximate distance indicates the road section to Puerto Genovevo, while the change to gravel is a separate planning detail for the rest of the route. Terrain and access conditions may vary. Account for both the climb and the later change in road surface, and check current conditions before setting out.

Tailor Your Stay to Your Interests

When choosing a holiday rental in El Cercado, it is worth deciding first what kind of days you want to spend there. If you are interested in nature and wildlife, bat conservation can be a focus; if you are interested in history, El Porvenir’s longstanding economic role offers a different perspective. At the reservoir, you can choose between a walk and a catamaran ride, while the route to the waterfall includes a gravel section.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: La Jacinta, Hacienda Los Villarreales, El Gallito, Mexico City, Monterrey, Santa Anita del Peñasco, Bustamante, Santa Catarina.

Go to the main travel overview: Nuevo León.