Category:Chihuahua
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Chihuahua is a state in Northern Mexico.
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[edit] Regions
The state is composed of desert plains in the east, and mountainous land (the Sierra Madre) in the west. A subsection of the Sierra Madre, the Sierra Tarahumara is considered by many to be the most rugged landscape in Mexico.
[edit] Cities
- Chihuahua -- state capital
- Ciudad Juárez
[edit] Other destinations
The Copper Canyon region of Chihuahua is one of the great natural attractions of Northern Mexico. This area is rich in biodiversity, Cultural history, and is the site of a growing tourist infrastructure. The town of Creel is probably the most popular gateway to the canyonlands. But the town of Hidalgo de Parall to the south of Chihuahua City is a good alternative and is useful for exploring the largely overlooked Sinforosa Canyon. Within the canyons lie the towns of Batopilas and Urique. Life moves slower in these towns, and it can be hard to imagine you are in the same country that counts Mexico City, Acapulco, and Cancun among its attractions. Shops and resturants tend to be simple affairs that open late and close early. That does not prevent them from being very charming and the small towns in the canyons are great places to slow down and unwind. There are historic Catholic churches often run by Jesuit missionaries from other parts of the Latin World. But the real attraction of the canyonlands is the natural splendor of the area. There are numerous waterfalls and hot springs hidden away in the backcountry. These are reached by hiking, horseback, or guided treks with burros. Camping out under the stars is wonderful on the countless sandbars that line the area rivers. The area does see other travellers and tourists but is hardly overrun. Rather, the small towns seem to have the right balance; enough other visitors so you can meet hiking partners and put together expeditions. But not so many that getting away from all traces of civilization is anywhere near difficult. Highly recommended.
[edit] Understand
[edit] Talk
A basic understanding of Spanish while not necessary will make your visit much smoother and more enjoyable. Those traveling in tour groups are often accompanied by an English speaking guide. Tarahumara living in remote areas will often speak only their native language and very limited Spanish.
[edit] Get in
Getting to the Copper Canyon region is surprisingly easy for visitors from the United States. The most well known way of entering the area is aboard the train (el chepe) that runs from the Pacific coast at Los Mochis to the city of Chihuahua. Creel is roughly in the middle of the route. Most tourists prefer to ride the train from Los Mochis headed eastward, as this route affords better views. The westward train often passes through the most scenic areas after nightfall. Obviously if you are stopping in the area to hike or trek then it matters less which direction you ride el chepe. There are two classes (1st and 2nd). First class is mostly for foreign tourists and costs twice the rate of 2nd class where customers are both tourists and locals. Please note that there is one train for 1st class and another for 2nd class (not one train with both classes available). Copper Canyon is also well served by bus service. Buses run from El Paso/Juarez to Chihuahua ($25USD) and from Ojinaga/Presidio to Chihuahua ($12USD) regularly. From Chihuahua you can continue on by bus to Creel ($20USD) or transfer to the train. And of course if you have your own private vehicle driving on the mexican toll roads is very easy, and corruption appears to be a minor issue in Chihuahua outside of the Juarez area.
[edit] Get around
Mountain bikes, ATVs and four wheel drive trucks can be rented in downtown Creel to explore the outlying area. Unlike most other parts of the Copper Canyon area, unguided day trips are possible out of Creel. Daytrip destinations include the valley of the monks, and the valley of the frogs. There is also a developed hot springs area within 15 miles of Creel. In the more remote and rugged canyonlands hiring a local guide is strongly recommended as the landscape and climate are harsh and unforgiving of errors. In addition this is an area of drug cultivation, and unaccompanied American tourists (usually groups of motorcyclists) have disappeared in the past (presumably killed by narcos). The area south of Batopilas towards Durango is an especially intense zone of narco activity.
[edit] See
[edit] Itineraries
[edit] Do
Shopping: Chihuahua is not as well known for its crafts and artisans as some of the southern states that are generally preferred by tourists. But western wear (boots, hats, and shirts) as well as saddles and tack are of high quality and fairly priced. Finding appropriate sizes may be a challenge for some visitors. The local mennonite cheese should also be tried and is famous throughout Mexico and the Southwest United States. Also both vanilla and tequilla are good values and are worth taking home.
[edit] Eat
[edit] Drink
[edit] Stay safe
The canyonlands are intolerant of incompetence. This a harsh, rugged land with a dry climate that sees wild temperature extremes. Know your limits and abilities. Don't go out into remote areas alone. The money spent to hire local guides is nearly always well-spent. Guides can introduce you to the people living back in the remote barrancas. They can also explain the cultural history of the area and some are quite familiar with the flora and fauna of the area (note there is little remaining wild fauna other than birds). There are military checkpoints throughout remote sections of the state. Most soldiers are young but polite, all are heavily armed. There are also narcos in most remote sections of the sierra tarahumara. They are also heavily armed. Guides will know which sections should be avoided. The greatest danger is probably the terrain itself. The mountains aren't especially tall, but are very steep and rugged. It is easy to twist and ankle or break a wrist out here. Medical services are few and far between. Travel in large groups usually isn't practical because of the limited supplies available in the backcountry. Rather the preferred mode of travel would be to form small self supporting groups.