Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) Travel Guide

About Copper Canyon

The Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) is a network of six interconnected canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua state. The system is larger and, in places, deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona -- the deepest canyon, Urique, reaches approximately 1,879 meters deep compared to the Grand Canyon's 1,857 meters. The canyons get their name from the copper-green color of the walls.

This remote region is home to the Raramuri (often called Tarahumara) indigenous people, who are renowned for their long-distance running abilities and continue to live in the canyons and surrounding highlands, maintaining many of their traditional practices.

The Chepe Train

The primary way most visitors experience Copper Canyon is aboard the Chepe (Chihuahua al Pacifico) railway, one of the world's great train journeys. The route runs approximately 653 kilometers between Chihuahua city and Los Mochis on the Pacific coast, crossing 37 bridges and passing through 86 tunnels.

Route Options

• Chepe Express -- The tourist-oriented service running between Creel and Los Mochis, with first-class seating, dining car, and bar. Operates several times per week.
• Chepe Regional -- The local service covering the full route from Chihuahua to Los Mochis, with more basic accommodations but more stops. Operates daily.

Key Stops

• Creel -- A mountain town that serves as the main tourist base for the canyon region
• Divisadero -- The most dramatic viewpoint, where you can see three canyons converging. The train stops here briefly for photos.
• Bahuichivo/Cerocahui -- Access point to Urique Canyon and the town of Urique at the bottom
• El Fuerte -- A colonial town near the Pacific end of the route

Things to Do

• Hiking -- Trails range from short rim walks to multi-day descents into the canyon floor. The hike from Creel to Urique is a challenging multi-day trek.
• Zip-lining at Divisadero -- The Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre features one of the world's longest zip lines, spanning over 2,500 meters across the canyon
• Hot springs -- Natural thermal pools in Recowata, accessible from Creel
• Raramuri communities -- Visit respectfully; some communities welcome visitors and sell handcrafted baskets, carved wood figures, and textiles

Visiting Tips

• Plan for remoteness -- This is not a well-trodden tourist route. Infrastructure is limited, internet is spotty, and English is rarely spoken outside tourist hotels
• Book the train in advance -- Chepe Express seats sell out, especially during peak season
• Bring warm clothing -- Rim temperatures can drop below freezing in winter, even though the canyon floor may be warm
• Allow at least 2-3 days -- Ideally more. Rushing through defeats the purpose.
• Altitude -- Creel sits at about 2,340 meters. Take it easy on arrival.

Cost

Chepe Express tickets range from roughly 2,000 to 5,000 MXN depending on class and route segment. Accommodation in Creel ranges from basic hostels ($15 USD) to comfortable hotels ($80-120 USD).

Getting There

• Chihuahua -- Fly into General Roberto Fierro Villalobos Airport (CUU). Buses and the Chepe train connect to Creel.
• Los Mochis -- Fly into Federal del Valle del Fuerte Airport (LMM) and take the train eastward.
• By road -- Creel is about 4-5 hours by road from Chihuahua city.

Best Time to Visit

October and November offer pleasant temperatures and fall foliage. March through May brings wildflowers. Summer (June to September) means rainy season with dramatic storms and lush greenery. Winter brings cold temperatures at the rim but mild weather in the canyon depths.

Plan Your Visit

The Hiking Copper Canyon experience provides details on trails and logistics. Allow 3-5 days minimum to appreciate the region.