There is a certain debate as to the origins of the name. Some say it means "place of the crooked paths," referring to two winding rivers, but the indigenous people believe it means "place of those that adore the god Coltzin" (the crooked god). The area was once inhabited by an Aztec tribe called the Huey Colhuacan. The actual founding of the city of Culiacan took place in 1531 when the Spanish arrived. The area's industry was primarily fishing until the city was declared the capital in the early 1900s. Then the federal government began funding and building institutions of higher education.
Culiacan is in the state of Sinaloa and sits near the sea of Cortez, between the Humaya and Tamazula rivers. It is 40 miles from the ocean on one side and is bordered on the other side by the Sierra Madre mountains. It sits just south of Rocky Point and north of Mazatlan. The weather is generally hot and humid, with summer temperatures reaching 90 to 100 degrees, but evenings are cool and pleasant. Winter weather is mild, and rainfall throughout the year is light.
Culiacan is a fast-growing, active modern city, and much of its external population comes from the states of Durango, Jalisco and Sonora. More than 20 high-quality universities in the city have drawn a large influx of students from neighboring Mexican states and from China, France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Germany.
Culiacan is not known as a popular vacation spot. The beaches are 40 miles from town, but Culiacan does have some night clubs that cater to students. Most travelers who come through Culiacan on their way to Mazatlan stop here to eat and rest before continuing south.
The most interesting landmarks of the city are the cathedral and its corresponding plaza. This is a modern-style city, even though it is very old. Visitors can explore the city to find interesting old structures, buildings and historical points of interest.
For the past 50 years Culiacan has been known as the educational haven in the north- west region of the country. Recently, its image has been marred by the criminal behavior of the drug cartels in neighboring states. Recent kidnappings and criminal acts have damaged the once pristine image of this city. These kidnappings and crimes have happened to people from all social classes, including poor farm workers, city residents, students and tourists. Experts at Lonely Planet suggest taking precautions when traveling through this city.
