Copper Canyon is one of the top natural wonders in Mexico. It is four times as large as the Grand Canyon. You can fly across its spectacular terrain on one of the world’s longest zip lines. Travel along the railway built within its depths, snaking through canyon walls and dramatic landscapes for approximately 400 miles.

Experiencing the Copper Canyon it is out of this world. But have you even heard of it? 

My visit to Mexico’s less-frequented tourist attraction was every bit the adventure, and one that started before the plane took off.

Planning a trip to Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico

My Copper Canyon trip preparation was minimal. A few days prior to departure, I booked a trip to Mexico. I would arrive in Chihuahua and depart from Sinaloa, the best entry and departure points for international travellers exploring Copper Canyon. A couple of tickets had popped up on my flight tracker app at excellent prices and travel times. My interpretation was that this was definitely a sign to go!

Spontaneity would later reward me in the form of a spectacular canyon adventure, insight into one of Mexico’s indigenous groups, new friendship on the road, and love at first bite.

But the truth is, it wasn’t all impulsive action and zero thought…

Is it safe to go to Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico?

Copper Canyon had been on my radar for the past year. The prospect of journeying through it via the Copper Canyon Railway, or the Chihuahua al Pacifico (‘El Chepe‘) train route, really intrigued me.

However, that curiosity was coupled with a healthy splash of nerves. Admittedly, I had hesitated in the past on this destination due to concerns for safety in northern Mexico. After all, when is the last time you saw a positive story in the media on a northern state?

Ultimately, I made the (excellent!) choice to put my destination fear aside and at the start of December I headed to Chihuahua to begin my adventure through the Copper Canyon.

Indigenous people in Copper Canyon: Tarahumara Indians

The greatest benefit of travel is exposing our minds and hearts to new people and cultures. A trip to Copper Canyon means you will not only sightsee but also meet the people who live there: Tarahumara Indians (or the Rarámuri as they call themselves).

Tarahumara Indians are an indigenous community who live throughout the “Barrancas del Cobre” (name of the Copper Canyon in Spanish). They have legendary status for their ability to run extraordinarily long distances without tiring.

Around the time of my trip Netflix had recently released a documentary called “Light-Footed Woman” that highlighted one such Rarámuri distance runner, María Lorena Ramírez. What is dumbfounding about their running prowess is not only the distance they can cover but the fact that they do so in traditional dress and, get this – in sandals!

These sandals are the footwear worn by all of the Rarámuri people, called “Huaraches Tarahumaras“. They are durable, comfortable and somewhat stylish – if you’re into the strappy look. And as I happily discovered, they make for a great gift!

One way I found to support this community was to buy pieces from the beautiful selection of handicrafts sold directly on the street by Rarámuri women, and in shops such as the Artesanías Misión in Creel. Being a lover of artisan jewelry, the morning spent marveling at the unique woven designs, colours, fabrics and textures was well worth it.

How to get to Copper Canyon from Chihuahua: Overnight in Creel

Creel is a small town located on the outskirts of the Copper Canyon. I recommend taking a bus or train from Chihuahua to Creel and spending one night here before headed to the towns in the canyon. A great way to spend your afternoon of arrival in Creel is booking a tour with your hotel or a local agency.

Also read: Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala

Seeing the Copper Canyon for the first time

The town of Divisadero was my next next stop. This was where I would get on El Chepe. It is also when I saw the Copper Canyon for the first time.

Mexico’s Copper Canyon is actually made up of six individual canyons. I took them in from several looking points. Each time it made me pause to digest the magnitude of the natural spectacle and to inhale its rich green and brown hues. Its appearance is quite distinctive from the red rock of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Looking down into its great depths, seeing its jagged rocks and winding paths, I found it flabbergasting to think that thousands of people reside here. Yet, it is nonetheless a place where families co-habitate, friendships are formed, groups with common interests converge, industry lives, sport and art thrive, and birth and death occur, like everywhere else.

Going to Copper Canyon Adventure Park

Lookout points here were all phenomenal but there was still another way I needed to enjoy the canyon’s delights: Copper Canyon Adventure Park

After spending a night in nearby Aeroponachi, it was time to check out some thrilling park rides.

The adventure park in the Copper Canyon caters to all ages and thrill-seeking levels: from the timid explorers to the adrenaline junkies. I eyed the zipline circuit but eventually opted for a scenic cable car ride with a couple of new travel buddies. We got to dip down into the canyon, enjoy much closer views and go photo-crazy.

On our way out, we stumbled upon a walking path built along the canyon rim. A beautiful bonus find that led us directly to the station to meet the afternoon train. Time to ride El Chepe!

Eating gorditas at Divisidero train station

Street food in Mexico tends to be quite stellar, and Chihuahua certainly upheld the standard. The best meal of my entire trip to northern Mexico came from a food vendor at the Divisadero train station.

I had read somewhere “make sure to get the gorditas!” and I paired that recommendation with chili rellenos (stuffed peppers). All I can say is “Wow”. It created a fusion of flavours that still play on my mind today!

Gorditas are corn tortillas filled with all types of deliciousness. First, I was presented with an array of meats to choose from. I tried most, for curiosity’s sake, of course. Then we stuffed it with Mexican beans, cream, and best of all, Chihuahua cheese. 

The cheese of Chihuahua, or “queso menonita”, is a soft, white cheese made from cow’s milk. The name is a nod to the Mennonite communities of northern Mexico who were the original producers of this gorgeous cheese. It has a mild but distinctive flavour and melted beautifully into my mouth along with the rest of traditional Mexican ingredients. Such a treat! 

Getting El Chepe train at Divisidero train station

The anticipation ahead of the arrival of El Chepe was palpable. We all stood around, peering down the tracks or glancing excitedly at each other. A few dogs mulled around, looking quite bored with it all.

Loud honking and clouds of smoke suddenly penetrated the air space, announcing the arrival of El Chepe Regional. (There is also the newer El Chepe Express which runs on a different schedule.)

A large old-fashioned train with a gleaming paint job chugged around the corner, more noise than speed. Arriving a few minutes after schedule (on time by Latin American transport standards), it pulled in and swooped up its eager passengers. And in ten minutes we were off!

Riding El Chepe through the Copper Canyon (Sierra Tarahumara)

Expect to see incredible biodiversity when you ride El Chepe through the Copper Canyon.

The next few hours were incredible with the most stunning views unfolding between Bahuichivo and Temoris.

The train entered tunnels, crossed viaduct bridges and whisked us past scenes of cascading waterfalls tucked within the lush green canopy.

Tip for best views of the Copper Canyon: where to sit on El Chepe

Wondering where is the best place to sit on El Chepe train? I can help with that…

For the best views of Copper Canyon, sit on the left side of El Chepe when riding from Chihuahua to Sinaloa. Conversely, if you are travelling from Sinaloa to Chihuahua on El Chepe, sit on the right side of the train.

You may even want to get up to stand between the carriages briefly at some point. Technically, this was not really allowed but the attendants left us to enjoy the coveted viewing positions. I have never had much use for selfie-sticks but it came in very handy for capturing moving shots like the the curled body of the train as it slithered around those sweet railway loops.

Leaving the Copper Canyon: final section of El Chepe journey to Sinaloa

A few folks snoozed for some of the six-hour journey but I was too pumped for that. Sleep when this glorious moment is over, my friends! Like an eager kid at a fair, I continued to peer out, mesmerized by the changing landscape.

Finally, darkness descended. 

Our Copper Canyon adventure then came to an end as we came to the final stop on El Chepe: Sinaloa.

I could not have been more pleased by the outcome of this impromptu December exploration. In a mere five days, the level of visual stimulation and the wealth of cultural knowledge gained was staggering. Certainly far from your average week!

Thank you, Mexico.