DIVISADERO & BARRANCAS DEL COBRE
Divisadero and Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) are the majestic heart of Mexico’s Sierra Tarahumara. They are a network of canyons—larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon—carved by six rivers.
This area offers an epic blend of staggering natural beauty and a rich immersion into the ancient, resilient culture of the indigenous Rarámuri people who inhabit this remote landscape.
Most Popular Attractions
Main Viewpoints & Canyon System:
Divisadero Barrancas Station Viewpoint: The primary, most iconic viewpoint where you can simultaneously see the convergence of three major canyons: Urique, Tararecua, and Del Cobre.
Mirador de Posada Barrancas: A spectacular series of lookout points from the hotels and lodges in the Posada Barrancas area, offering different perspectives of the canyon system.
Cañón del Urique: The deepest and most dramatic of the canyons, best viewed from Divisadero and the bottom via the El Fuerte River.
Cañón de Tararecua: One of the main canyons visible from Divisadero, often showcasing the most diverse range of colors at sunset.
Piedra Volada (Flying Rock) Viewpoint: A famously precarious rock formation near the adventure park, offering a thrilling, high-altitude photo opportunity.
Cueva del Gigante (Giant’s Cave): An important archaeological site near Creel that was once inhabited by ancient peoples.
Barrancas del Cobre Adventure Park & Activities:
El Chepe Train (Chepe Express & Regional): The iconic railway journey itself, especially the section between Divisadero and El Fuerte, considered one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
Teleférico (Cable Car): One of the longest continuous cable car routes in the world, offering an unparalleled 360-degree aerial view into the canyon depths.
ZipRider: The world’s longest zip-line (about 2.5 km/1.5 miles), a high-adrenaline ride across the canyon.
Seven Zip Lines Circuit: A popular, multi-stage zip-line course winding through the mountains and over ravines.
Vía Ferrata: A vertical climbing route with fixed cables and steps, providing a challenging way to descend into the canyon walls.
Bosque de Aventuras: The smaller attractions near the main park entrance, including a challenging suspension bridge and rappelling activities.
Rarámuri Culture & Nearby Towns:
Creel: The main gateway town to the canyons, known for its rustic charm, wood workshops, and proximity to Rarámuri communities.
Mission of San Ignacio: A historic Jesuit mission near Cerocahui, providing insight into the colonial history and its intersection with the Rarámuri culture.
Valle de los Hongos y de las Ranas (Valley of Mushrooms and Frogs): Geological formations outside Creel that resemble giant mushrooms and frogs, culturally significant to the Rarámuri.
Arareko Lake (Lago de Arareco): A beautiful U-shaped lake near Creel, often surrounded by pine forests and Rarámuri log cabins.
Rarámuri Caves: Various small caves and rock shelters in the area that are still occasionally used by Rarámuri families as temporary dwellings.
Hot Springs of Recohuata (Aguas Termales de Recohuata): Natural thermal springs situated in the Tararecua Canyon, accessible by a scenic hike or drive from Creel.
Rarámuri Basket & Handicraft Stalls: Indigenous artisans selling traditional woven items, carvings, and textiles at the Divisadero station and viewpoints.
Cerocahui: A tranquil, picturesque village nestled in the mountains, serving as a base for exploring the Urique Canyon bottom.
Activities & Experiences
Ride El Chepe Express: Experience the most famous railway journey in Mexico, taking the luxury or tourist class train that traverses the dramatic landscapes of the Copper Canyon, passing through tunnels and over high bridges.
Zip-line at Parque de Aventuras Barrancas del Cobre: Experience one of the longest zip lines in the world, a thrilling 2.5-mile ride that soars hundreds of feet above the canyon floor.
Ride the Cable Car: Take a breathtaking aerial journey across a section of the canyon in the world’s third-longest non-stop cable car, offering spectacular, unobstructed views.
Hike to the Canyon Floor: Hire a local Rarámuri guide and hike down into the canyons, such as the Tararecua Canyon, to experience the scale and depth from the bottom up.
Visit a Rarámuri Cave Dwelling: Gain insight into the indigenous Rarámuri (Tarahumara) culture by respectfully visiting one of their traditional cave homes, often accompanied by a local guide.
Rappel or Rock Climb: For the adventurous, try vertical rappelling or rock climbing on the sheer rock faces of the canyon, typically arranged through guided tour operators in Creel or Divisadero.
Explore Cusárare Waterfall: Take a day trip to this beautiful cascade, especially impressive during the rainy season (summer), and explore the nearby Jesuit mission.
Shop for Rarámuri Crafts: Visit the local markets near the train stations (Divisadero or Creel) to buy traditional Rarámuri basketry, pottery, and textiles directly from the artisans.
Visit the Valley of the Monks (Valle de los Monjes): Explore the striking rock formations shaped by erosion, resembling figures or monks, located near the town of Creel.
Hike to Balancing Rock (Piedra Volada): Near Divisadero, hike to the iconic viewpoint featuring a massive boulder seemingly defying gravity at the canyon edge.
Stay in a Cliffside Hotel: Book accommodation that is literally perched on the canyon rim in Divisadero for the most spectacular sunrise and sunset views right from your room.
Local Tips & Transport
The El Chepe Train is the Main Vein: The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (El Chepe) is the primary and most scenic way to traverse the canyon region, connecting cities like Chihuahua and Los Mochis with the key stops (Creel, Divisadero, Bahuichivo). There are two services:
El Chepe Express: The luxury option, running between Creel and Los Mochis with dome cars and a restaurant.
El Chepe Regional: The more affordable, slower service that makes more local stops.
Local Transport (Shuttles/Taxis): Once you arrive at a station like Divisadero or Creel, local transport is necessary for getting to hotels and nearby sights.
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in Divisadero and the surrounding areas offer pre-arranged or complimentary shuttle services from the train station.
Taxis/Colectivos: Taxis or shared collective vans (colectivos) are available in Creel for trips to nearby valleys, missions, and waterfalls. Negotiate the fare before getting in.
Driving is Possible but Challenging: While there are paved roads connecting major towns, driving is not recommended for first-time visitors due to the mountainous terrain, winding roads, and unpredictable conditions. Use the train for the primary experience.
Walking and Hiking: The canyon viewing area in Divisadero is very walkable, and many of the best experiences require good walking shoes for hiking the trails.
Respect the Rarámuri Culture: The Copper Canyon is the ancestral homeland of the Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people. They are deeply private and reserved.
Photography: Always ask permission before taking a photo of a Rarámuri person. Offering a small payment or donation is a common, respectful practice. Never take photos without permission.
Interaction: Be respectful of their privacy. Do not enter their homes or places of worship unless explicitly invited by a guide or local.
Altitude and Climate: The elevation in the canyon rim towns (Creel, Divisadero) is high (around 7,500 feet or 2,300 meters).
Pace Yourself: Take it easy on arrival to acclimate. Mild headaches and shortness of breath can occur.
Dress in Layers: Days can be warm (especially in the sun), but nights and mornings are often cold, particularly from fall to spring. Snow is common in winter.
Safety and Guides: While the tourist areas are generally safe, it is highly recommended to hire local guides for any significant hiking or exploration off the main viewing areas. They offer invaluable knowledge on the terrain, culture, and safety.
Dining: Food is hearty and reflective of northern Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on beef, corn, and local cheeses.
Try Local Specialties: Look for machaca (dried shredded beef), queso ranchero, and local chile colorado preparations.
Hidden Gems:
Lake Arareko: A beautiful, C-shaped lake near Creel, perfect for a quiet picnic or horseback riding, surrounded by pine forests.
San Ignacio Mission: A beautiful, historic Jesuit mission near Creel that offers a quiet look at the region’s colonial and indigenous history.
Cerocahui and Urique Canyon: A quieter, deeper descent into the canyon, accessible via the train to Bahuichivo, offering small, charming guesthouses and an escape from the main tourist hubs.
Language: While English is spoken in the major hotels and with the Chepe Express staff, Spanish is essential for interacting with the Rarámuri and local vendors.
Top Restaurants
Gorditas de Queso y Guisados [$5-$15] – A collection of simple, unpretentious food stalls and vendors located right at the Divisadero train station and lookout point, famous for their handmade gorditas (thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese or stews like chile pasado).
Restaurante Barranco [$20-$35] – Located inside the Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre (Adventure Park), this spot offers stunning canyon views and a menu featuring regional dishes such as Asado de Puerco (pork stew) and Deshebrada Serrana (shredded beef).
Restaurant El Mirador (Hotel Mirador) [$30-$50] – The main dining room of the premier canyon-rim hotel near Divisadero, offering three-course menus that feature high-quality Mexican and regional specialties like machaca (dried shredded beef) and local cheeses, all with panoramic views.
Restaurant at Posada Barrancas Mirador [$30-$50] – Another excellent hotel restaurant overlooking the canyons near Posada Barrancas station, known for its hearty Mexican and Chihuahuan breakfast and dinner services included in many stays, with a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Restaurant La Cabaña [$15-$30] – Located in the town of Creel, this is a popular local restaurant known for serving excellent cuts of beef and other regional specialties in a rustic, cabin-like setting.
Restaurant Tío Molcas [$10-$25] – A casual and authentic Mexican eatery in Creel offering simple, hearty fare, including traditional guisados (stews) and tacos.
Veronica’s Restaurant [$10-$25] – A well-known spot in Creel, particularly popular for its generous portions, homemade bread, and solid, traditional breakfast and lunch options.
Restaurante Las Palmas [$15-$30] – A reliable option in Creel that serves traditional Mexican comfort food, often including local specialties like chile con queso (chili with cheese).
Gorditas Doña Mary [$5-$15] – A very humble and highly local stand in Creel offering some of the best handmade stuffed gorditas in the area, a staple of the region.
Tacos y Burritos El Fogón [$5-$15] – A simple, family-run spot in Creel specializing in Northern Mexican staples like grilled beef tacos and traditional, minimal burritos, focusing on quality meat and local chili.
Restaurante Doña Caro [$10-$20] – Located near the Divisadero area, this small, humble kitchen offers a very local, home-cooked feel with daily menus featuring regional stews and tortillas.
La Troje de Adobe [$15-$30] – A charming and atmospheric restaurant in Creel that often features local dishes and a welcoming ambiance, known for its cozy fireplace during the cooler months.
Mennonite Restaurants in Cuauhtémoc [$15-$30] – While a drive from Divisadero, this category includes eateries near Cuauhtémoc that serve traditional Mennonite cheese and dishes, reflecting a unique local culinary influence.
Restaurant at Hotel Divisadero Barrancas [$30-$50] – The dining room of another prominent canyon-rim hotel, offering a similar set-menu structure focused on Chihuahuan and general Mexican cuisine with unmatched canyon views.
Restaurante La Sierra [$15-$30] – A solid, traditional option in Creel that focuses on the heartier elements of Northern Mexican cuisine, including excellent grilled meats.
Restaurante El Patio [$10-$20] – Located in Creel, this spot is known for its simple and consistent Mexican dishes, often frequented by locals for a reliable, no-frills meal.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Hotel Mirador’s Terrace Bar: Perched directly on the edge of the Copper Canyon in Divisadero, this bar offers one of the most stunning settings for a drink in all of Mexico. It is renowned for its sunset cocktails, allowing guests to toast to their canyon achievements with a dramatic, front-row seat to nature’s theatre.
Hotel Divisadero Barrancas Lobby Bar “Los Colibríes”: A beautiful and romantic bar within the historic main building of the hotel in Divisadero. It’s an ideal spot for an evening drink, often featuring a roaring fire in the huge hearth and high vaulted wooden ceilings, with the added bonus of canyon views.
Chepe Express Terrace Bar: This is a unique, mobile bar experience found aboard the Chepe Express First Class train, which runs through the Barrancas del Cobre. It features a terrace with folding windows, allowing passengers to enjoy a high-quality snack and beverage bar while traveling right alongside the canyon.
Chepe Express Bar: Located in a separate carriage on the Chepe Express, this train bar offers a comfortable lounge setting with panoramic windows, ensuring you have an incredible view to accompany your cocktail or local Mexican beer as you traverse the spectacular route.
Hotel Mirador Bar: Located at Hotel Mirador Posada Barranca, travelers often recommend this bar for having a better selection of drinks and a better setting than some competitors. It is a perfect spot for drinks, hot chocolate, or just relaxing on the terrace.
Hotel Mansión Tarahumara Bar: Situated in Posada Barranca, near Divisadero, this bar offers a cozy atmosphere within a beautiful, rustic lodge setting. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of canyon activities and socialize with other travelers.
Villa Mexicana Creel Mountain Lodge Bar: Found in the nearby town of Creel, this hotel offers a bar as part of its amenities. It’s a comfortable and accessible spot for a classic drink in a lodge setting that is a base for many canyon explorations.
Hotel Misión Cerocahui Bar: Located in the village of Cerocahui (further into the canyon network), this tranquil hotel offers a quiet bar setting. It’s a retreat from the main tourist hubs, perfect for enjoying a peaceful evening drink in a traditional Mexican hacienda environment.
Copper Canyon Boutique Hotel Sports Bar: This bar, located in a hotel closer to Chihuahua City but catering to canyon visitors, offers a relaxed setting for cocktails, gins, and healthy juices, often featuring sports on screens.