The state of Chihuahua, in northern Mexico and bordering Texas, United States, is the largest in the country and has one of the most impressive natural attractions on the planet: The Copper Canyons, a set of ravines that measures four times more than the Colorado Canyon and is twice as deep.
To get to this wonder of nature, travelers arrive at the international airport of the city of Chihuahua and then move to the mountains of the Sierra Tarahumara in a journey of about five hours by road, passing through extraordinary towns such as Ciudad Cuauhtémoc. This place is also known as the "City of Three Cultures" since it is inhabited by an important Mennonite community, Rarámuri, and mestiza; Mexico's best apples and cheeses are produced, among other artisan products.
At the entrance gates to the Sierra Tarahumara, inhabited by the Rarámuri community, visitors find the Magic Village of Creel, which offers tourists a plethora of experiences like horseback riding and tours of the countryside in all-terrain vehicles.
The Magical Town of Creel has a plethora of experiences such as horseback riding and tours of the countryside in all-terrain vehicles. (Photo Credit: Valentín Fuentes)
Creel is a paradise for adventure seekers. The high-quality accommodations, such as The Lodge, and restaurants offering menus that offer typical gastronomic specialties of the region, such as machaca (dried meat), thin cuts of meat, regional sweets, and drinks, ensure visitors a comfortable and satisfying stay.
The Copper Canyons can be visited by road or the Chepe Train, which crosses this mountainous area from Chihuahua to the neighboring state of Sinaloa. For those who enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences, the Copper Canyon Adventure Park, located very close to Cerocahui town, is a must-visit.
The area offers exclusive accommodations, like Mision Cerocahui Hotel and Mirador Hotel, as well as the Copper Canyon Adventure Park. The world-class attraction includes the third longest cable car in the world, a seven-zip line circuit at an altitude of 820 feet, and an extraordinary zip rider over 2,700 yards long that, in less than 10 seconds, reaches a speed of 68 miles per hour. To rest and enjoy the remarkable view, Copper Canyon Adventure Park has a glass-floored gazebo in a restaurant bar that offers an extensive menu of local dishes and cocktails.
Chihuahua, the Birthplace of High-Quality Cheeses
Chihuahua cheese is world-famous for its appreciated flavor and high-quality manufacturing. It has been made with the traditional recipe of the Mennonite community since 1922 when it came to settle in San Antonio de Compostela, today Cuauhtémoc City. This cheese is a culinary delight and part of the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
In addition to touring the factories and purchasing the products, tourists can visit the Mennonite Museum and learn more about this interesting culture, such as its customs, business organization, and mystical work, which have made the region one of the most important in the area in cultural and economic terms.
In the Mennonite Museum visitors learn about this important culture that arrived in Chihuahua in 1922. (Photo Credit: Valentín Fuentes)
Nearby is the iconic Magical Town of Creel, the gateway to the fabulous Copper Canyon area and the site of the popular Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad train station.
In this rural town, visitors can enjoy the picturesque streets and mountains surrounding the place and acquire a variety of crafts, such as palm baskets, musical instruments, earrings, bracelets, belts, and traditional medicines based on the ancestral knowledge of the legendary Rarámuri culture.
The Rarámuri community offers to tourists handcrafts such as palm baskets, musical instruments, earrings, bracelets and belts,among other products. (Photo Credit: Valentín Fuentes)
On the other hand, visitors find a good hotel offer, including high-level accommodation in the ecotourism segment and options for adventures and natural experiences. A wide range of tour operators offer programs of excursions through the canyons, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, trekking, climbing, and rappelling, among others.
One of Creel's biggest attractions is the Valley of the Monks which is 30 million years old. This impressive site features huge rock formations with endless figures sculpted by the wind over the centuries. At the foot of these formations, visitors can tour the shores of Lake Arareko, located in a vast valley surrounded by pine-oaks. Tourists can also rent cottages and pedal boats to tour the lake.
Valley of the Monks features rock formations sculptured by the wind over the centuries. (Photo Credit: Valentín Fuentes)
Other of the most popular sites in the region are the old missions founded in the 17th century by the order of the Jesuits during the time of Spanish colonization in the region, such as San Ignacio, and in the Cerocahui-Divisadero area the one of Francisco Xavier that houses the Tewecado boarding school for girls of the Rarámuri community.
For those seeking wellness experiences, several places offer visitors temazcal (traditional pre-Columbian bath) and ancient healing sessions with shamans from the Rarámuri community.
Colonial History and Modernity
For those looking for more urban experiences and fine dining restaurants, the City of Chihuahua combines its colonial legacy with a modern urban infrastructure that includes international corporations and hospitals, making it an important location for health tourism.
Chihuahua City was founded in 1709. (Photo via Valentín Fuentes).
Its Historical Center, founded in 1709, offers its visitors architectural gems such as the Cathedral, the temple of San Francisco, and an impressive aqueduct. In addition to these colonial structures are buildings from the early 20th century, such as Casa Chihuahua Heritage Center, a historic place where Miguel Hidalgo, hero of Mexico's Independence, was imprisoned. In addition, there is also the Museum of the Mexican Revolution, home of the famous General Pancho Villa, Quinta Gameros University Center, and the Center for Contemporary Art.
One of the most popular spots in the city at the moment is the exclusive Distrito Uno (District One), area where a series of gourmet restaurants of international stature and high-end hotels are located in the middle of a great contemporary architecture.
In Aldama City, visitors get to know the Sotol, native beverage of Chihuahua. (Photo Credit: Valentín Fuentes)
For those who enjoy spirits, it is highly recommended to go to the neighboring town of Ciudad Aldama to learn about factories, such as "Oro de Coyame, to get to know the native beverage Sotol, where visitors see the production process and its different flavors, with tastings offered by experts.
It is important to note that the starting point of all these experiences is the City of Chihuahua, a spot with increasing connectivity from Canada and the United States, with daily trips on international airlines such as Aeromexico.
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