El Fuerte is located 75 km. northwest of Los Mochis in the State of Sinaloa on the banks of the river of the same name in Mexico.

El Fuerte was founded by the Spaniards in 1564 with the name of San Juan Bautista de Carapoa, and later destroyed by the Indians.

In 1610 the Viceroy of Montesclaros ordered the construction of El Fuerte (the fort), which nowadays is the most important attraction in this town.

It possess many great natural attractions, historical, architectural and native (Yoremes) traditions and it is considered the gateway to the Copper Canyon and Sea of Cortes. The mayor tourist attractions is the colonial city of El Fuerte considered one of the most beautiful cities in Sinaloa, it was founded in 1564 by the Spanish Captain Francisco de Ibarra, who originally named it "San Juan Bautista de Carapoa" the origin of its actual named was derived from "The Fort" which was constructed by Diego Martinez de Hurdaide during the Viceroy ship of Don Juan de Mendoza and Luna, Marquis of Montesclaros.

This City was the first capital of the Western State in 1824, when the provinces of Sonora and Sinaloa were merged in to one state. This enchanting city still evoques the Colonial atmosphere. Some outstanding examples are: the City Hall, the Main Plaza or Plaza of Arms, with its wrought iron Kiosk, House of Culture, Church of the Sacred Heart, Home of Congress, Mansion of the Orrantia Family, just to mention some of them.