NORTHERN MOUNTAINS
This vast canyon system, known in Spanish as Barrancas del Cobre, is four times larger than the Grand Canyon. It is a land of dramatic altitude changes, home to the indigenous Rarámuri people, and traversed by the spectacular El Chepe railway, offering one of the world’s most epic train journeys.
Why Visit The Northern Mountains?
The Chepe Train: Experience the legendary railway that winds through the mountains, crossing 37 bridges and 86 tunnels.
Epic Scale & Scenery: Marvel at the immense network of canyons, offering breathtaking vistas and extreme outdoor adventures like zip-lining.
Indigenous Culture: Meet the resilient Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people, known for their remote lifestyle and incredible long-distance running.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (October-November & March-April): This is the ideal time to visit, offering the most pleasant temperatures for hiking and clear views, following the rainy season.
Deep Off-Season (May-June): These are the driest, hottest months, with dusty conditions and less impressive vegetation. Avoid if possible due to water shortages in some areas.
Peak Season (December-February & July-September): The winter months (Dec-Feb) bring the coldest, clearest weather and potential snow at the rim. The summer (Jul-Sep) is the rainy season, when the canyons are lush and green, but expect afternoon thunderstorms.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Creel & Surrounding Area
Creel is a major hub and the gateway to the canyons on the eastern side. Located on the high plateau, it’s a good base for exploring nearby Rarámuri cave homes, waterfalls, and lakes like Arareco.
Your Smart Tip: To get the best feel for the local life, base yourself in Creel for a few days to access various day trips and local villages by bus or guided tour.
Divisadero & Barrancas del Cobre
This is the most famous lookout point, where the canyons converge, offering one of the most magnificent views. It’s home to the Copper Canyon Adventure Park, featuring a tramway, zip lines, and a Via Ferrata.
Your Smart Tip: The train stops here briefly, but it is highly recommended to spend a night or two at a rim-side hotel for unforgettable sunset and sunrise views over the canyon.
El Fuerte
A beautiful colonial town and the traditional starting point for the El Chepe train on the Pacific (west) side. Its architecture and tranquil atmosphere offer a change of pace before or after the mountainous journey.
Your Smart Tip: Arrive in El Fuerte the day before your train departure to enjoy this Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) and board the train early for the most scenic part of the journey in daylight.
Batopilas Canyon (The Canyon Floor)
One of the deepest and most remote canyons, Batopilas is a former silver mining town now known for its tropical climate and historic buildings. The canyon floor offers a stark contrast to the rim.
Your Smart Tip: The road down is challenging; book a local tour or transport from Creel or a nearby station to safely experience the unique microclimate and history of the canyon bottom.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is highly variable due to altitude.
Canyon Rim (Creel, Divisadero): Winter is cold (0–20ºC/32-68ºF), often with snow. Summer is mild (20–25ºC/68-77ºF).
Canyon Floor (Batopilas): Warm to hot year-round. Summer temperatures can exceed 35ºC (95ºF).
Be prepared with layers for significant temperature shifts during the day, especially when moving from the rim to the floor.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Photography: The Rarámuri are generally reserved. Always ask permission before photographing them, and be prepared to offer a small tip if requested, especially to women and children selling crafts.
Rarámuri People: The indigenous people are known for their traditional clothing and running ability (the name means “foot runners”). Respect their privacy and remote lifestyle, dressing modestly when visiting their communities.
Communication: Cell service is limited outside major towns like Creel. Download maps and confirm arrangements in advance, as internet can be slow or non-existent in the canyons.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$140), luxury ($180+), especially for rim-view rooms. Many rim hotels include meals.
Food: Street food/simple meals ($5–$10), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($15–$30 per person).
Transport: El Chepe Train (Express: $100+ per segment, Regional: less). Guided tours/transfers ($40–$100+ per trip).
Activities: Copper Canyon Adventure Park (Cable Car/Zip Lines: $25–$50+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, market food, public transport/Regional train).
- Mid-range: $120–$200 (hotels, restaurants, Chepe Express).
- Luxury: $250+ (rim hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
El Chepe Train (Chepe Express & Regional): This is the primary and most spectacular way to travel through the region. Book tickets well in advance, especially for the premium Express class.
By Bus/Local Transport: Buses are available from Creel to Chihuahua and connect major towns. Local vans (colectivos) and tours are necessary to reach smaller communities and canyon viewpoints.
By Car: Driving is possible, but mountain roads are steep, winding, and can be challenging. A 4WD is recommended for unpaved sections, and local guidance is often safer.
Must-Try Food
Carne Asada: Grilled beef, a staple of Northern Mexican cuisine, often seasoned simply and perfectly cooked.
Burritos: Originating in the region, traditionally simple with meat, potatoes, or chili, tightly wrapped in a large flour tortilla.
Queso Menonita (Chihuahua Cheese): A mild, creamy, semi-soft cheese produced by the Mennonite communities in the state of Chihuahua.
Chilorio: A Sinaloan specialty (Los Mochis is in Sinaloa) of shredded pork cooked in a rich, mild red chile sauce, excellent in tacos or burritos.
Chile Pasado: A smoky, dried chilaca pepper stew, often cooked with meat or cheese, typical of the Chihuahua state.
Machaca: Dried, shredded beef, traditionally prepared and excellent scrambled with eggs for breakfast (machaca con huevo).
Sopa de Tortilla: A savory soup of fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and dried chiles.
Sopa de Elote: A creamy corn soup, a comforting dish perfect for the cooler mountain evenings.
Tacos de Discada: Meat (often a mix of pork, beef, and sausage) cooked on a plow disc over a fire, a flavorful regional BBQ style.
Coyotas: A large, thin, baked flour pastry, usually filled with piloncillo (raw cane sugar) or other fruit preserves, a Sonoran and Chihuahuan favorite.
Must-Try Drinks
Sotol: A potent, traditional spirit distilled from the Dasylirion plant, similar to tequila or mezcal, native to the Chihuahua state.
Tesgüino: A low-alcohol, fermented corn-based drink traditional to the Rarámuri people, often consumed during celebrations.
Mexican Lager Beer: Widely available, providing a refreshing pairing for the rich Northern cuisine.
Bacanora: A regional spirit from the neighboring state of Sonora, similar to mezcal, but with a distinct, smoky flavor.
Café de Olla: Coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (raw cane sugar), perfect for the chilly mountain mornings.
Atole: A warm, thick beverage made from corn masa and often flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate.
Aguas Frescas: Light, non-alcoholic drinks made from fruit, flowers, or seeds, such as horchata (rice and cinnamon) or Jamaica (hibiscus).