7 Places You Should Not Miss in Copper Canyon

Seven times larger than the Grand Canyon, the Copper Canyon is a spectacular natural attraction in Northern Mexico. Here, the El Chepe railroad snakes up from the Pacific coast to the high Chihuahuan Desert, giving you a truly epic itinerary. From towering waterfalls to ancient ruins, here are the must-visit attractions in the Copper Canyon.

# Ride the Teleférico de Las Barrancas del Cobre

Ready for some incredible views high above bronze rock? The Teleférico de las Barrancas del Cobre will have you at bird’s-eye level in a matter of minutes. One of the main attractions in the mountainous Divisadero region, this Swiss-style cable car cruises over the rugged canyon walls to reveal panoramas of the deep chasm below. The Teleférico is located within the Barrancas Adventure Park – an essential on your itinerary if you love outdoor activities.

# Go mountain biking in the Creel highlands

Grab a fat-tire bicycle and hit the trails surrounding Creel. The forested mountain landscape around the town is laced with trails for lovers of downhill excursions on two wheels. Single- and multi-day mountain bike tours to small villages and natural attractions are all on the cards, so enquire around town.

# Visit the Recohuata Hot Springs

All that sweaty hiking and biking in the Copper Canyon can be exhausting. So relax to the max at Recohuata Hot Springs. Twinkling at the base of the Tararecua Canyon, it’s an easy day trip from Creel. The series of clear water pools is fed by natural springs, not to mention beautifully maintained and refreshingly clean. Even though it’s within a compound, the surrounding landscape is picture-perfect to behold as you laze. You’ll get more spectacular views on the super-steep 6.8mi (11km) hike there, but many people opt for a tour that includes transport.

# Day-trip to the Cusárare Falls, Piedra Volada and Basaseachic Falls

Chasing waterfalls can become a full-time pursuit in the Copper Canyon. It has the highest falls in the country; Piedra Volada stands at more than 1,476ft (450m) tall. If it’s too far afield for you, worry not; there are several other cascades closer to Creel. Cusárare Falls, with a picturesque pine-forest setting, is near Recohuata Hot Springs, while Basaseachic Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Mexico, is less than a three-hour drive away.

# Explore Paquimé Archaeological Park

A tight, labyrinthine cluster of more than 2,000 once-habitable spaces, all constructed from adobe mudbrick, make up the ancient city Paquimé. After emerging in the 13th century, it was a major trading post between southern Mexico (populated by Mayans and Aztecs) and North American Pueblo cultures. Paquimé is so well preserved that Unesco made it a World Heritage Site. You can get here easily from the nearby town of Casas Grandes – and you really, really should.

# Relax beside Lake Arareco

Lush evergreen forests and large rock formations surround Lake Arareco, a mountain-biking and hiking destination that draws fresh-air fanatics from Creel. Both travelers and residents flock here on the weekends for picnics and barbecues but, come midweek, it’s so peaceful you can hear a pine-needle drop. Keep cool out on the lake by renting a boat.

# Tick off Valley of the Monks, Valley of the Frogs & Valley of the Mushrooms

So named because of the strange and evocative rock formations in each valley, these three landmarks are places of outstanding natural beauty. Despite the remote ambience, they’re only a little way beyond Creel, so it’s no hardship to fit them in on a mountain-bike outing or semi-ambitious hiking loop. If you’re tight on time, the most intriguing is the Valley of the Monks (Valle de los Monjes), leant a mysterious vibe by Stonehenge-like standing stones.