Mexico Mexico Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Itineraries All Mexico The Copper Canyon By Suzanne Barbezat Suzanne Barbezat Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/10/19 Share Pin Email TripSavvy / Linda Garrison Mexico's Copper Canyon, in the state of Chihuahua, is a network of canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. 01 of 21 The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, "El Chepe" © Dave Fisher The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, known affectionately as "El Chepe," runs from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, on the Pacific coast, to Chihuahua city and covers over 400 miles of spectacular scenery. Continue to 2 of 21 below. 02 of 21 Copper Canyon Bridge © Dave Fisher El Chepe going over one of the 36 bridges on its trajectory through the Copper Canyon. Continue to 3 of 21 below. 03 of 21 Copper Canyon Landscape © Dave Fisher Riding the Copper Canyon Railway allows you to appreciate the area's breathtaking scenery. Continue to 4 of 21 below. 04 of 21 A valley in the Copper Canyon © Dave Fisher The Copper Canyon contains two climactic zones: the valleys are home to lush sub-tropical forests whereas the top of the canyon has a cool alpine climate. Continue to 5 of 21 below. 05 of 21 Copper Canyon Hotel © Dave Fisher This hotel, the Posada Barrancas Mirador, was built on the edge of the canyon so guests can appreciate the spectacular view. Continue to 6 of 21 below. 06 of 21 A view of the Copper Canyon © Dave Fisher The mining town of Temoris is located in the Barranca Septentrion. Rainy season in the Copper Canyon runs from June to September. The best time to visit is either in the fall or the spring. Continue to 7 of 21 below. 07 of 21 Copper Canyon Bridge © Dave Fisher The Copper Canyon Railway is a feat of engineering that took over 60 years to complete. Continue to 8 of 21 below. 08 of 21 Copper Canyon Viewpoint © Dave Fisher One of the many vantage points from which to enjoy the view of the Copper Canyon. Continue to 9 of 21 below. 09 of 21 Selling Crafts © Dave Fisher The Copper Canyon is home to the Tarahumara Indians noted for their woven pine needle baskets and hand-carved wooden violins. There are numerous opportunities to purchase handicrafts as you travel through the area. Continue to 10 of 21 below. 10 of 21 A lake near the town of Creel © Dave Fisher Lake Arareko is a tranquil spot near the town of Creel, a good place from which to explore the canyons. Continue to 11 of 21 below. 11 of 21 Copper Canyon Divisadero Train Station © Dave Fisher The train station at Divisadero is a popular spot for travelers to buy local handicrafts and enjoy the magnificent view. Continue to 12 of 21 below. 12 of 21 Copper Canyon Mountains © Dave Fisher One of the many side canyons that make up the Copper Canyon. This one is on the way to Cusarare Falls. Continue to 13 of 21 below. 13 of 21 San Ignacio Rock Formation © Dave Fisher Within these intriguing rock formations in the higher altitudes of the Canyon you can make out shapes that are suggestive of plants, animals, and humans. Continue to 14 of 21 below. 14 of 21 Copper Canyon Train Tunnel © Dave Fisher El Chepe runs through 87 tunnels on its way from Los Mochis to Chihuahua. This one is over a kilometer long. Continue to 15 of 21 below. 15 of 21 Miguel Hidalgo Lake © Dave Fisher Lago Miguel Hidalgo is a man-made reservoir stocked with fish, including bass, which you can sample in the local restaurants. Continue to 16 of 21 below. 16 of 21 Train Stop © Dave Fisher The Tarahumara women sell their pine needle baskets to passengers when the train stops. Continue to 17 of 21 below. 17 of 21 Tarahumara Crafts © Dave Fisher The Tarahumara are noted for their intricate basket weaving and beautifully carved and decorated violins. Continue to 18 of 21 below. 18 of 21 A Tarahumara Woman © Dave Fisher It's always best to ask for permission before taking photographs of people you meet while traveling. Many people will be happier to pose if offered a few pesos in return. Continue to 19 of 21 below. 19 of 21 Tarahumara Cave Dwelling © Dave Fisher The Tarahumara people, or Raramuri, maintain a traditional lifestyle within the Copper Canyon. Some live in adobe or log shacks while others have dwellings in caves like this one. Continue to 20 of 21 below. 20 of 21 A Tarahumara Woman Weaving a Basket © Dave Fisher Here a Tarahumara woman is weaving baskets using sisal grass, some of which has been soaked in water to produce different colors. Continue to 21 of 21 below. 21 of 21 Mission at Cusarare © Dave Fisher The Mission at Cusarare (Place of the Eagles) was founded in 1733 and completed in 1826. The bell tower was rebuilt after it collapsed in the 1960's. During the restoration, officials discovered twelve large religious paintings done in 1713 which were declared to be "of incomparable historical and artistic value." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit