Attractions and Sightseeing in Copper Canyon, Mexico

El Chepe

Since 1961, El Chepe, as this particular train is called, ventures into imposing landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara, until it reaches the area that merges the most representative characteristics of the Tarahumara culture, history and folklore: the Copper Canyon. With 408 miles of railroad tracks, 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad route is considered one of the most important in the world.

Traveling by rail and admiring the scenery from your window, you will surely be amazed by the waterfalls and the incredible view that the ravines bring. You can also visit other natural wonders and charming rustic communities. The Chepe route includes stops in Chihuahua, Cuauhtemoc, Creel, Divisadero, Gullies, Bahuichivo, El Fuerte and Los Mochis.

Mennonite Communities

In 1922, the Mennonites (followers, originally of the Dutch-German border, of the teachings of a priest called Simon Mennon) arrived to Chihuahua from Canada as a result of the pressure from the British Crown to serve in their military. In Mexico, they bought land and built communities where they can follow their strong religious beliefs.

If you are heading out to Cuauhtemoc, you will be privy to a cultural experience with the Mennonites. It is to step into a world where time stood still:16th century clothing, horse-drawn carriages and traditional farming methods. If you have time, visit the Mennonite Museum, where you will find an excellent collection of furniture and artifacts brought by the first settlers are on display.

Creel

This town is located at 7340 feet above the sea level and it's a strategic starting point for visiting the Sierra Tarahumara. Creel's economy originally depended on the wood industry. Nowadays, tourism and commerce are the city's main activities. The village is surrounded by pine forests and the houses have traditional sloping roofs. There are several handcraft stores on the main street where you can buy pots, hand-woven baskets, wood objects and the Tarahumara typical dresses. Here you can practice adventure tourism activities, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and rappel and excursions to Copper Canyon.

Cusarare

A Jesuit mission from the 17th Century, it sits next to the Sacred Art Museum which has a magnificent collection of paintings, used to convert the locals to Christianity, from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. In the forest, you will come upon the 98 foot high Cusarare Waterfall. One mile upstream, you will come upon some deer hunting cave paintings.

El Divisadero

El Divisadero is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the sierra, located 31.07 miles from the town of Creel, where the canyons of Urique and Tararecua meet and which offers several vantage points with the most splendid views. The best hotels in the sierra can be found here and they provide all sorts of comforts and conveniences so that you can enjoy the intense beauty of your surroundings.

Piedra Volada and Basaseachi

With an altitude of 1486 ft., Piedra Volada is the highest waterfall in Mexico and among the tallest in the world. It is 4.35 miles from Basaseachi, the second highest waterfall in the country, with a drop of 807 ft. It is set amidst stunning sceneries surrounded by one of the best preserved forests of Mexico. It can only be reached by foot lead by a local guide. The trails lead to the vantage points of Huajumar and the Corana Hill which are across the fall of Candamena Canyon. You can see these amazing natural attractions from several lookouts. There is one at the top of the fall, another at the base, another called the Window and several in San Lorenzo, which are joined by several trails in the forest.

Recohuata

Recohuata is a hot water spring found at the bottom of Tararecua Canyon, a plentiful spring that flows from a rock pit and fills five ponds that are ideal for a healing plunge. It is located a few kilometers southeast of Creel. The water temperature is an average 95 degrees Farenheit and there is a campground nearby, which belongs to the Ejido de San Ignacio (an ejido is communal ownership of the land with individual use rights) and is managed by the Raramuri.

San Ignacio de Arareko

Only 5 miles from Creel, you will find a typical Tarahumaran community: San Ignacio de Arareko, whose inhabitants are dispersed over an area of 40 acres of forest. It is located in the center of the Valley of Arareko, near the San Ignacio Mission, where locals gather. This valley, due to its rocky formations, has earned the name of Valley of the Mushrooms and the Frogs. Just a couple of kilometers away, there is a fresh water lake, bordered by rocks, pines and oak trees, with foliage that turns red and gold during autumn, where you can enjoy a boat ride or water sports.

Virgin of Guadalupe School and Border School for Girls

In 1941, the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus founded the Virgin of Guadalupe School for Girls in Cerocahui, an area that has experienced ever-increasing tourism since completion of the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad in 1961.

The school provides classroom instruction for almost 250 boys and girls and is a home to 70 Tarahumara girls under 15 years of age. The border school was established to provide young Tarahumara girls with food, shelter, clothing, medicines and perhaps the most important aspect: the education necessary to ensure a healthy and productive future. "Tewecado", a word meaning "Girls' Home" in Tarahumara, depends on the economic support of individuals and organizations, which helps continue the Home's life-saving work, one Tarahumara child at a time. 

Ecotouristic and Adventure Activities

Adventure and eco-tourism activities are very interesting and are a good excuse to visit places of matchless beauty of the Sierra Tarahumara. Every year during the summer, they celebrate the Adventure Tourism Festival, where mountain biking competitions, triathlons, ultra-marathons and the 10 and 21 kilometers races, take place in Creel and Guachochi. Be part of the adventure, either as a competitor or as a spectator.