Chihuahua is Mexico on a grand scale. The country’s largest state stretches from desert plains to the pine forests of the Sierra Tarahumara, where rivers have carved the Copper Canyon – a network of canyons deeper and more extensive than the Grand Canyon. It is home to the Rarámuri people, famous long-distance runners.
Why visit Chihuahua
For huge landscapes and adventure: one of the world’s great train journeys, canyon viewpoints, hiking, cable cars and zip lines, waterfalls, mountain villages and a strong Indigenous culture.
Top places to visit in Chihuahua
The Copper Canyon
The Barrancas del Cobre are several deep canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental. The viewpoints at Divisadero look straight down, and the Barrancas del Cobre Adventure Park has a cable car and long zip lines.
The Chepe train
The Chepe railway crosses the sierra between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, near the Pacific, over bridges and through tunnels. Many travellers ride one section and stay a night or two in Creel or Divisadero.
Creel
A mountain town and Pueblo Mágico, base for the Lake Arareko, the Valley of the Monks and Valley of the Frogs rock formations, the Cusárare waterfall and Rarámuri communities.
Basaseachi waterfall
One of Mexico’s highest waterfalls, falling around 246 metres into a forested canyon, in a national park west of Creel.
Paquimé and Chihuahua city
Paquimé, near Casas Grandes, is a UNESCO-listed adobe city. Chihuahua city has a cathedral, the Pancho Villa museum and a lively centre.
Best time to visit Chihuahua
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best, with clear skies and mild days; autumn also has the fullest waterfalls. Winter is cold in the sierra, with frost and occasional snow; summer brings rain to the mountains and heat to the plains.
Getting to and around Chihuahua
Chihuahua airport (CUU) has domestic flights. The Chepe Express and the Chepe Regional trains serve the canyon (book ahead); buses and roads link Chihuahua city with Creel. A car or a local tour helps for the viewpoints and waterfalls.
What to eat in Chihuahua
Grilled beef, machaca (dried shredded beef), burritos with flour tortillas, queso menonita from the Mennonite farms of Cuauhtémoc, apples from the sierra and Rarámuri pinole.
Chihuahua travel tips
- Pack warm layers: canyon rims are high and nights are cold.
- Book the Chepe early in high season.
- Respect Rarámuri communities and ask before taking photos.
Chihuahua FAQ
Is the Copper Canyon bigger than the Grand Canyon?
As a system of canyons, it is larger in area, and several of its canyons are deeper.
How many days do you need?
Three to five days for the train, Creel and Divisadero.
