HOW TO GET THERE

The salt works are located in Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, close to the 28th Parallel. Take the transpeninsular highway that runs from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas; by plane to the National Airport of Guerrero Negro which is 2 km north of the 28th Parallel.   Area Map.

ORIGIN

The saltworks was exploited firstly by British businessmen. They were acquired during the decade of the 50's by the group Daniel A. Ludwig, who founded the "Compañía Exportadora de Sal, S. A" . The port facilities were built in Laguna Guerrero Negro and in 1957 the first ship loaded its holds. Very soon it was necessary to build a new system that allowed higher tonnage ships to transport the salt in boats, which parted from Chaparrito (in Ojo de Liebre) to Isla de Cedros, where cargo ships up to 156 thousand tons would take the product to their final destination. In 1973, Ludwig sold his stock to Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan. The Mexican Government acquired 25% and later on another 26% of the stock participation. It thus became from 1976 onwards, the major stockholder.

DESCRIPTION

Compañía Exportadora de Sal facilities in the region of Guerrero Negro constitute the greatest outdoor unitary productive eco-process salt works in the world. The beautiful natural crystals that form common salt constitute a compound which is chemically named sodium chlorite. This product is harvested in its 20 thousand hectares of salterns. The enterprise counts with the most modern machinery and technology in the field, working areas of more than 200 km of dikes and roads, 50 km of channels and 45 km of main cargo routes. The harvest machines collect 2,000 tons of salt per hour and load it to special tractor trucks of three gondola cars of 60 ton capacity. The product is transported in 6,500 ton boats to Isla de Cedros where it is shipped to its final destination.

ACTIVITIES

A visit to the saltworks. It is important to remember that rather than a tourist attraction, this is a working center. Gray whale watching in season (January to March). Eco-tourist tours. Guerrero Negro has tour guides specialized in this field.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In order to visit the salt works it is essential to obtain a permit from Compañia Exportadora de Sal. We recommend to contact a travel agency that makes all the necessary arrangements and to strictly follow the guidelines. Check beforehand if photographs are permitted.

-Guerrero Negro Tour Page-