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Explore the Majestic Copper Canyons of Mexico

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The Barrancas del Cobre, or Copper Canyons, consist of a network of deep gorges, five rivers, and six large interconnected canyons along with 200 smaller ones, collectively four times larger (and often deeper) than Arizona's Grand Canyon. In this lesser-known and hard-to-reach region of the Sierra Madre, the Tarahumara Indians, one of the most isolated peoples, make their home.

This vast area is remote and mostly pristine; it is best seen from the luxury train with a glass roof, the South Orient Line, which follows the main route from Chihuahua to the Pacific. The train spans 640 km and offers perhaps the best views in all of North America. It passes through many lookouts and canyons, taking thirteen hours from the city of Chihuahua to Los Mochis on the Pacific coast.

To truly experience the magnificence of this wilderness, you should take advantage of the stops offered. The train stops halfway at the town of Creel, situated 2250 meters above sea level; from here, you can explore the center of the canyon complex either on an organized trip or with a native guide.

Picture by https://escapetomexico.com/

If you want to stay in the Copper Canyons we recommend Hotel El Mirador - Balderrama Collection. It has a stunning cliffside location, offering panoramic views of the canyon right from your room. Its proximity to Divisadero Station allows easy access to key attractions like hiking trails, zip-lining, and the famous El Chepe train.



The hotel combines rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring a highly rated restaurant serving local cuisine and offering guided tours into the canyon.

Wandering through the Barrancas del Cobres, and meeting the reserved Tarahumara people, provides a profoundly unforgettable experience. There’s no electricity in the deep canyons, just rich subtropical forests and flowers.

Best time to visit the Copper Canyons

The best time to visit the Copper Canyons in Mexico is generally from October to March. During these months, you can expect milder temperatures, clearer skies for better pictures, and fewer insects. This period is the most comfortable conditions for exploring the canyons and for hiking. However, if you're particularly interested in seeing impressive waterfalls, consider a trip in September, at the end of the rainy season. However you must be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and many mosquitos.

This article was last updated on September 27, 2024.