Today we travel to Mexico to meet nature face to face. Once there, we cannot miss the great show that the Copper Barracks. They are also known as the Copper Canyon and are located in the Sierra de Tarahumara, in the state of Chihuahua.
Although when we think of its canyon system, we must remember that it is almost twice as large as the Grand Canyon of Colorado, in deep. The Copper Canyon is one of the main tourist places, so you cannot miss details so that you visit them once in your life. Here you have all the data!
Copper Canyon, how to get there
These ravines or canyons are located northwest of the state of Chihuahua, in Mexico. The main starting point will be from Chihuahua, since our destination will be about five hours by car. Of course, it also has a runway for airplanes. In this case, it will only take you about 50 minutes from the state to Las Barrancas. The main international airports such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Dallas also have flights to Chihuahua or Los Mochis. Of course, from this last place to our destination is a little further south.
Once we are in Chihuahua you can rent a car and go deep into the mountains. You will discover small towns and all their customs. You will arrive to San Ignacio de Arareco and you will find the Hotel Parador de la Montaña. After him, you will take Chepe's route. Of course, another of the most comfortable ways to enjoy this place is to do it by train. The so-called Chihuahua-Pacific train will be the one who takes you through this shocking scene.
The Chepe train
It is now over 50 years old, but it travels the mountains in a slow and precise way so that you can grasp its great importance. So much so, that the vast majority of tourists will tour the Copper Canyon with him. It has a route that is from Los Mochis to Chihuahua and vice versa. On this route it makes stops at about eight stations. In this way, it will bring us closer to this most important geological complex. The train has a green color combined with red in its main part. It is one of the oldest but continues to do its job every day. The trip lasts 4 hours, but it is well worth it.
History of the Barrancas
Like any place worth its salt, there is always a story or legend behind it. Now that we have seen its location and how we can get to it, we have to know its beginnings. The canyon is said to be the home of the Tarahumara, a native people. They say that this place originated together with the origin of the world. Because the stones could not be placed in order, they gave rise to a network of cannons. They have an area of more than 60.000 square kilometers.
Knowing the Barrancas
Despite being such a vast place, there are names for the most important canyons. The deepest in Mexico is Urique, which is 1.879 m. When we see Sinforosa, we see how the waterfalls fall down its slope. Although it will be in Candameña where we will meet the highest waterfalls in Mexico. In fact, it is also known as the «Barranca de las Cascadas». While in Huapoca we will find archaeological corners of the traditional culture. As we can see, the waterfalls in this place are quite frequent. One of the most beautiful is the The basaseachi Cascade.
La Batopilas Canyon It has a viewpoint and from it, we can already imagine the great views that it leaves us. But in addition, it also has its town of the same name, which acquired its wealth thanks to mining. It is said that it was the second town in Mexico to have electricity. Other ravines that are around 1.600 meters deep are the Barranca del Río Mayo, Barranca de Huápoca or Barranca de Oteros, among others.
Places near the canyon
So that you can also enjoy the culture of the area, we will tell you the towns closest to this place. One of the main ones is Creel. It is called as a tourist population about 175 of Chihuahua. Here you will meet all the travel services what you want. We can say that it is the starting point towards the Copper Canyon. Right at the bottom of the canyon, we will meet the town Batopylae. A place that has several hotels. Temoris is another of the towns considered quieter and Urique that is located in the Barranca of the same name.
Tips to keep in mind for your trip
- In some of these areas it is possible practice various activities. Climbing, hiking or horseback riding are some of the most popular. It is a way to make the most of the place.
- You have to be especially careful with the weather. More than anything because in the upper part of the canyon we will find a wet weather in summer and very cold in winter. While in the deepest part of it, it will have a subtropical climate. Quite hot in summer and mild in winter.
Both its views and nature, the diversity of animals and even its climate leave us a unique place. One of the great wonders of nature that has become one of the main tourist stops. Have you already visited the Copper Canyon?