Northern Mexico and Copper Canyon

The north of Mexico is one of the least populated region in the country. It has a distinctive character.

This big and arid region, with its deserts, its lowlands and its mountains, is marked by a feeling of isolation, seemingly beyond time itself.

Its big canyons that rival the more renowned ones of the United States are not to be missed.

The rail line between Chihuahua and Los Mochis is a genuine invitation to explore the mountain.

The Silent Zone (a region where meteorites are abundant) will captivate star observers. Geologists will love the frightening landscapes of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts or of the volcanic belt in El Pinacate National Park. El Potrero Chico near Monterrey is the perfect place for canyoning and climbing.

In Durango, Piaxtla Canyon is a perfect spot for climbing, abseiling and swimming in the multiple waterfalls of over 110 yards.

In Tamaulipas, El Cielo Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 200 hectares of protected tropical forest, and the whole Sierra Huasteca region resonates with joyful music and Mesoamerican traditions.

The Sierra des Tarahumaras and its Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre)

Follow in the footsteps of the “flying feet” of the Tarahumaras in the Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon), a series of twenty spectacular canyons with peaks approaching 3,000 meters. This landscape of deep gorges and sheer cliffs can be so tempting that athletes invade them for bike-cross or triathlon competitions, and even a 60-mile super marathon. However, you don’t have to be a super athlete to explore the land of the Tarahumaras.

We can suggest itineraries of varying difficulty, on foot or by bike, up to the Basaseachic waterfall (the world’s ninth highest). We can also take you on board the Chepe, the train linking Chihuahua to the Pacific.

The smell of the sea air fades as the train climbs up to 2,500 meters, starting from Los Mochis (on the Sea of Cortés), up into the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental.

The comfortable carriages pass over 39 bridges and under 86 tunnels, passing through small villages on the edge of canyons. It’s one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world.

You can combine your trip aboard the Chepe (initial from “Chihuahua al Pacifico”) with a few nights in a small town, and excursions on foot or on horseback.

The states of Northern Mexico
Visit the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico

The state of Chihuahua is located in northern Mexico, in the northwest of the republic, occupying the largest territory in the country.

Thanks to its history, its indigenous and European roots, this warm-climate entity will enable you to discover all aspects of the state’s culture, visiting its villages, towns and natural wonders. In the city of Chihuahua, its capital, you can stroll through the streets and elegant plazas built during the colonial era and part of the 19th century, thanks to the important mining industry that flourished in this region.

In the city of Ciudad Juárez, you can visit the museums and leisure centers that make this destination so sought-after.

In the state of Chihuahua, you can also explore interesting archaeological zones, such as Paquimé, a mysterious pre-Hispanic city built of adobe.

In the surrounding area, you can pass through incredible natural landscapes, such as the Samalayuca dunes, ideal for mountain biking; the Basaseachi waterfall, much visited by abseiling and climbing enthusiasts; and the famous Copper Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyon systems.

You can also observe birds, mammals and a wide variety of flora. Here you can visit the state’s largest community and sample their delicious cheeses.

Along the way, you’ll also be able to pick up some of the region’s typical handicrafts, made by the Tarahumara and Rarámuri peoples.

It is located in northern Mexico. The state has a warm climate and a large territory.

You can visit the state’s great natural spaces, such as the Sierra de Arteaga, ideal for a variety of sporting activities, and Cuatrociénegas, where you can swim and dive in the turquoise water wells, in addition to national parks such as the ecologically important Maderas del Carmen.

You can also visit the paleontological areas of Rincón Colorado and General Cepeda, where you’ll discover remains of dinosaur fossils.

In these towns and villages, you’ll enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of urbanism, the natural environment and the hospitality of the people, as in the magical village of Parras de la Fuente, which offers incomparable wine products.

In the city of Saltillo, the state capital, known as the “Athens of the North” because of its great cultural and architectural traditions, where you can enjoy lively festivals such as that of the chapel’s Saint Christ, a reflection of its mestizo heritage, and buy typical local crafts such as the famous “saltillos” or cotton sarapes.

In the southwest of the state, you’ll find the city of Torreón, an important commercial and industrial center, adorned with magnificent civil and religious monuments such as the modern-style Carmen Cathedral, the neo-classical Casino de la Laguna and the Isauro Martínez Theater, one of the finest in Mexico.

In the semi-desert surroundings, you can explore the dunes of Bilbao or visit the spectacular images of the Christ of Noas, a monumental sculpture located on the heights of the mountain of the same name, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding area.

It has a dry climate, with a rainy season in summer. It has a great cultural heritage, encompassing traditions, gastronomic wealth and its magnificent natural landscapes, framed by mountains and deserts ideal for adventure sports, as well as enjoying flora and fauna, such as the La Michilía and Mapimí reserves.

Nearby, in the Rosario forest and in the so-called Espinazo del Diablo, you can go rock-climbing, and in the Saltito waterfall you can camp or admire a spectacular waterfall over 20 metres high, while in the Guadalupe Victoria pond you can fish in a wooded environment.

In the city of Durango, the state capital, adorned with religious and civil buildings such as the cathedral, the temple of Santa Ana and the house of the tale of Suchil, you can attend the “National Fair of the City of Durango”, one of the most important festivities, which commemorates the founding of the city, with “Matachines” dances, round music and polkas, the regional dance par excellence.

In the town’s markets, you can buy a wide range of handicrafts, including ceramics, woollen textiles, embroidery and various items made from plant fibers by the Tepehuanos Indians.

On the outskirts of Durango, you can visit the ancient village of Chupaderos, which until recently served as the setting for numerous film productions recreating the old American western.

With a lifestyle marked by livestock farming, industry and commerce, it is considered one of the most modern and progressive in the country.

In this state, with its warm climate, you can admire enchanting landscapes such as those offered by the underground complexes of the Bustamante and García Caves, where you can indulge in caving.

You can also enjoy long hikes and photographic safaris in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, where you’ll find many natural charms, such as the emblematic Cerro de la silla (Butte de la Chaise).

You can enjoy the same activities in the Chipinque Ecological Park, as well as in the Huasteca Parade, both of which are ideal for ecotourism and other adventure sports.

In the Défilé de Matacanes, to the south of the city’s capital, Monterrey, you’ll find a host of waterfalls, clear pools and caverns much visited by hiking enthusiasts. In the Cascada Cola de Caballo National Park, you’ll be amazed to discover an impressive waterfall over 20m high.

In Monterrey, considered to be one of the country’s three most important commercial metropolises, you can admire its architecture, which harmonizes colonial and modern styles in beautiful buildings such as the Bishop’s Palace or the Museum of Contemporary Art.

You can also visit the huge shopping malls, where you can buy typical leather handicrafts, or dine in one of their traditional restaurants offering delicious grilled kid, the most popular dish in Nuevo León cuisine, as well as the typical goat’s milk sweets known as “glorias”.

Sonora is a border state marked by contrasts. It boasts 916 km of coastline on the Sea of Cortés, offering the traveler an infinite range of possibilities.

It is also home to one of the country’s main commercial ports, Guaymas, which also boasts a complete tourist infrastructure, including marinas, golf courses, hotel complexes and good fishing spots.

We also recommend a visit to San Carlos Bay and its large marina dominated by Tetakawi Hill, where you can also enjoy diving in its immense artificial reef.

The Miramar beach is also very popular with eco-tourists, film buffs and water sports enthusiasts. For the latter, there’s plenty of space at the Ciudad Obregón piers, where you can enjoy water-skiing, sailing, canoeing or fishing, activities that can also be enjoyed on the Nainari Dam Lake.

The state capital, Hermosillo, also known as the “City of the Sun”, stands proud of its 19th-century architecture and its commercial, agricultural and livestock activities.

For water sports, there’s nothing like the peaceful waves of the beaches of Puerto Peñasco, with its desert landscapes and rocky peaks, where motocross races are also held, and which offers all the ecological services and programs you need.

In the bay, you’ll find San Jorge Island, the natural habitat of seals, dolphins and manatees.

Nearby, and in contrast to these landscapes, in an area of 714,556 hectares, you’ll find the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. This is a geological environment of great importance to the country. There is limited hunting of brown sheep and deer, sandboarding and mountaineering.

The state of Zacatecas is located in the northwest of the Mexican Republic, in the southern part of the northern region of Mexico.

This state was a major mineral producer during the colonial era, and a key territory in the history of the Mexican Revolution.

You can visit cities of great architectural elegance, such as Zacatecas, its capital. Its winding streets, passageways and plazas are home to beautiful pink ashlar buildings, including the Cathedral, considered one of the finest examples of Mexican Baroque, and the Calderón Theatre. These and other buildings in the city center have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.