Copper Canyon

candid Mexico tips

 

Why
Copper Canyon
is special

The Copper Canyon is a landscape of raw and rugged natural beauty. Its terrain is remote and sparsely populated, which enhances the appeal.

Copper Canyon
tips & insights

Why visitors come

Most come to ride the 650 kilometer (400 mile) long Copper Canyon Railroad journey from the Sea of Cortez to inland Chihuahua. The train hugs the cliff rims, giving you spectacular views.

Trains

There are two types of Copper Canyon trains: The Economy Class and First Class Express nicknamed Chepe. The latter is more expensive but a better value. It leaves two hours earlier, which means more daylight sightseeing time. Moreover, it makes fewer station stops and, obviously, is more comfortable.

Best part of the route

It lies between the coastal city of Las Mochis and the "half way to Chihuahua" villages named Divisadero and Creel. The remainder of the route to the end of the line in Chihuahua is relatively mundane.

Best direction

The full railroad journey takes 13 to 14 hours. Therefore, if you start your trip in Chihuahua, it may be dark before your train reaches most of the best Copper Canyon sights. That's why I recommend you start in Los Mochis instead. It will be morning and midday when you pass the highlights.

Stay over?

Most tourists don't. They take the train straight through. Their only off-train canyon viewing opportunity is in Divisadero and lasts for only 20 rushed minutes. Some tourists broaden their Copper Canyon trip by staying over in Divisadero (which has several nice cliff-hugging hotels) or Creel (which doesn't). The next day the visitors continue on to Chihuahua or backtrack to Los Mochis. Other tourists spend several or more days en route so they can trek or horseback down into Copper Canyon.

Divisadero or Creel?

I recommend Divisadero over its tourism rival Creel for an overnighter because the latter lacks spectacular canyon views. However, if you have ample trip time and want a wider choice of excursion opportunities, Creel may be your better bet.

Tarahumara culture

You can also learn about the interesting culture of the indigenous Tarahumara (Raramuri) people by visiting their small communities.

When to come

Climate undergoes marked seasonal changes.

April to June
Temperatures are mild and little rain falls, but the landscape is parched, not green.
July to September
Lots of rain and thunder - and it's quite hot.
October to November
These are the best months to visit. Temperatures are moderate, sunny days abound, and mountains are lush green, thanks to the summer storms.
December to March
Night temperatures can be sub-freezing.

Name

Originally, "Copper Canyon" defined a particular member of a group of contiguous canyons. Today, nearly everyone - including the tourism board - also uses that name to define the whole group.

  

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