Among the tourist attractions in Comonfort: Los Remedios archaeological zone and classifying the origins of mezcal

By Carola Rico

Mayor of Comonfort Claudio Santoyo Cabello gave an exclusive interview to Atencion San Miguel. He talked about the first 100 days of his municipal government and the tourism projects for his newly designated Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town). Comonfort was designated the sixth Pueblo Mágico in the State of Guanajuato in October 2018. The mayor talked about what the residents of his town are requesting, and that already exist in surrounding rural communities: water, drainage, and paving as follow-ups to the annual work program.

“Our challenges for Comonfort are great,” Mayor Santoyo stated. He pointed out that being a Pueblo Mágico brings an opportunity for great projects in the tourism sector, and noted that there are 30 proposals in this area. Some include archaeological sites, such as the one in Los Remedios. The site will be inaugurated during his administration, and Governor Diego Sinhue Rodríguez Vallejo will attend. During this event a monumental cross approximately 33 meters in height will be erected.

Other attractions that will be developed are the Royal Road, which crosses Comonfort, classifying the origin of mezcal, and restoring the Indian chapel.

The 121 Magical Towns of Mexico were left without a federal budget in 2019, and now Comonfort is looking for other ways to pay for large tourism and promotional projects. Mayor Santoyo stressed that his administration has the support of the state and of the tourism secretary of Guanajuato. There are also investments from the private sector in vineyard projects and housing developments. Businessmen in the private sector have set their sights on the city, and three wine projects have been completed for Comonfort, formerly known as Chamacuero.

Security issues are being addressed through the state and federal governments, particularly high-impact crimes and assaults on the road to San Miguel de Allende, and the road between Comonfort and Celaya. Both sections have surveillance 24 hours a day. The mayor stressed that it is very important for investors to know that their businesses will be safe.

José Luis Revilla, director of tourism in Comonfort, stressed that the title of Pueblo Mágico has created conditions that show the importance of the new administration creating an office of tourism. The office can ensure Comonfort’s launch as a tourist destination of international relevance.

For Revilla, sustainability is an issue of vital importance because it forces a focus on ecology, culture, and community development. Attention in this area will generate an improved economy for the residents of Comonfort, and is the framework and work philosophy of the current administration.

Director Revilla spoke about classifying the origins of mezcal in the municipality of Comonfort. Ten families work in the production of mezcal in a cooperative, and are working with the Secretary of Economy for the state of Guanajuato.

Prior to opening the archaeological zone, workers from the municipality are undertaking a clean-up project. Revilla added that of the 13 indigenous communities that live in Comonfort, 10 will benefit from the Royal Road (Camino Real) project. For this destination, tourist guides will be trained and certified to ensure the quality of their information, the management of the tours, and contact with and attention to visitors. All of this will be done with the collaboration of the state training institute of the State of Guanajuato.