Alazanes can be associated with the landscape and cultural themes of the municipality of Juárez. When planning a trip, several different points of interest can be considered: the Presa Venustiano Carranza, waterbird watching, activities on the water, and the history of Juárez. The presa, also known as Don Martín, is located in the municipalities of Juárez and Progreso. Choosing one of these themes in advance can help you match destinations to your interests.
Reservoir, spillway gates, and river landscape
The Presa Venustiano Carranza covers an area of 19,800 hectares, and its reservoir holds 1,358 million cubic meters of water. The area describes the extent of the reservoir, while the capacity refers to the volume of water it can hold. Notable sights include the imposing spillway gates and colorful sunsets. At the presa, a blue horizon opens up as the sun sets—a view of the landscape distinct from the recreational activities on the water.
The Río Sabinas is around 160 kilometers long. It runs from its source in the municipality of Múzquiz to the Presa Venustiano Carranza in the municipalities of Juárez and Progreso. There are several recreational spots along the river. For orientation, it is helpful to distinguish between them: the river follows a longer regional course, while the presa is a specifically named endpoint along that course.
Putting bird counts into context
The counts at the presa offer individual, dated snapshots: 251 American white pelicans were recorded in 2018, and 700 in 2020. The 2021 count recorded 357 American white pelicans and 1,250 snow geese. These figures refer to the respective survey years and are not estimates of current populations. Those interested in waterbirds can use them to put the documented observations into context over time, without treating historical counts as current population figures.
Water activities and boating advice
Recreational options at the presa include sport fishing, boat trips to see the spillway gates, swimming along the shore, and kayaking; boat rentals are also available. Use of the reservoir also includes commercial fishing. This is distinct from sport fishing, which is listed as an activity for visitors. Before taking part in water activities, check local safety conditions.
Anyone entering the water at the presa should register their visit in person with the Asociación El Faro de Don Martín or report it by phone. The Asociación was founded in 2012 to protect the safety of people entering the water there. For boat trips, the Asociación recommends one life jacket per person, an electric flashlight, hand flares, oars, a first-aid kit, a portable fire extinguisher, a marine radio receiver, a sufficiently charged mobile phone, an anchor, a rope at least five meters long, a multipurpose knife, and lightweight footwear. As local conditions and guidance are decisive, check them before going on a boat trip.
Juárez: Local history and fishing tournaments
Juárez was founded in 1886 on the Hacienda del Álamo, which belonged to the Sánchez Navarro family. The town is named after Benito Juárez. This history gives Juárez a cultural focus alongside the nature and water-related themes of the presa. The Faro de Don Martín, in the municipality of Juárez, is recommended to visitors as a sight worth seeing.
Fishing may also be a consideration when planning a trip: Juárez is known for fishing tournaments, particularly in May and October. If a tournament is important to your trip, check the specific dates in advance. The landscape and watersports at the presa, birdwatching, and local history offer different points of interest to help guide your trip planning.
Discover more destinations: Allende, El Cercado, San Antonio De Las Alazanas, San Pedro, Los Lirios, Garambullo, Saltillo, Concordia La Rosita
For the wider travel overview: Coahuila.
