Guasave, Mexico

Nestled in the northwestern part of Mexico, southeast of the city of Los Mochis lies the beautiful city of Guasave. With a population of over 71,000 people as of the 2010 census, Guasave is the fourth-largest community in the state of Sinaloa. The city spans an area of 3,464.41 km2 and includes many other outlying communities such as Juan José Ríos, Gabriel Leyva Solano, and Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. Every year on November 12, Guasave hosts its biggest local celebration. If you’re planning to visit Guasave, here’s what you need to know.

Transportation:
Guasave is served by the Campo Cuatro Milpas Airport, offering air services within the region.

Tourist attractions:
There are plenty of tourist attractions in Guasave. San Ignacio Bay and Navachiste Bay are popular for watersports enthusiasts. Las Glorias Beach is also a must-visit destination. In addition, visitors can explore the colonial area of Tamazula, with its famous Franciscan era church. Nearby lie the ruins of Pueblo Viejo and Nío, which date from the time of the Jesuits from the 17th century until their expulsion in 1767. If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, head over to Parque Villafañe, a local park named after the city’s founder. The park consists of several outdoor areas including a basketball court, as well as a mini-train which circles the entirety of the park.

Sports:
The Algodoneros (Cotton Growers) professional baseball team of the Mexican Pacific League is based in Guasave. The football team Diablos Azules de Guasave (Blue Devils) is part of the soccer league Tercera División de México and plays in Group 11. The basketball Team Liebres de Guasave (Guasave Hares) is a semi-professional team who play in CIBAPAC.

Economy:
Guasave’s economy is driven by fish farming or aquaculture, which is a primary industry due to its proximity to the coast. Ranching and agriculture are also important to the city’s economy. Manufacturing and other types of businesses tend to be small-to-medium-sized.

Archaeology:
For history buffs, the Guasave archaeological site belonging to Capacha culture is a must-visit destination. Discovered in the 1940s by archaeologist Gordon Ekholm, the site became known as the greatest formal cemetery mound in Northwest Mexico that has been excavated. Various pottery types including red wares, red-on-buff, finely incised wares, and several types of highly detailed polychrome pottery were found. Alabaster vases and copper implements were also discovered. Cotton textiles used by these ancient peoples were also uncovered. Capacha culture dates back to 2000–1500 BC.

Notable people:
Arturo López Castro, a professional boxer, was born in Guasave in 1989.

References:
Sinaloa Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México

External links:
Ayuntamiento de Guasave Official website Todo sobre Guasave!