Did you know there is a destination even larger than the Grand Canyon on the North American continent? The Copper Canyon of Southwestern Chihuahua is that place. It’s considered one of the largest canyons in the world and always makes it on the top ten list. Composed of six canyons in the Sierra Madre, formed by natural river flows that drain into the sea over the ages, its natural grandeur draws outdoor adventurers, naturists, and culture seekers.

But what can you actually do while you are here? Let’s break down some of the best parts of Copper Canyon for you.

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Copper Canyon Adventure Park

You don’t just want the scenic canyon landscapes and photos. You want to have some experiences while you are here. This multi-activity outdoor center is the main highlight of Copper Canyon. Their main attraction, as advertised, is having the second-longest zipline in the world. Perfect for those adrenaline enthusiasts. Other activities include several smaller ziplines, several suspension bridges to walk across, rappelling, and rock climbing.

Those less inclined to these activities can take it easy by riding the cable car for incredible views. Or play some mini-golf in the children’s area. Others might prefer some simple hiking on the trails or renting a bike. There is also a restaurant and café on site for relaxation and dining. You can step outside to the balcony to soak in the panoramic landscape. They even have a glass floor inside where you can observe those taking the suspension bridge. It’s a nice, balanced experience here, depending on your interests.

Fun Fact: At the entrance to the park is a statue dedicated to all the tour guides who have worked here and all over the world. I’ve never seen anything like that on any of my travels, and it’s a nice way to remember and support those who work to provide us with these experiences.

Chepe Express Train

One of the best train rides in the world can be found here in Copper Canyon. The Chepe Express takes you on a journey over bridges and through tunnels to view the area. This can take up an entire day of travel. It’s less about the outdoor adventure and more about comfort and convenience. Besides taking a rental car or bus, it’s the easiest way to get around the canyon. You’ll be able to stop in several towns along the train route for some food, culture, and accommodations.

Tip: See our review of the Chepe Express Train so you know what to expect if you select this experience.

Copper Canyon Towns

In the area surrounding the canyons are several small mountain towns populated mainly by the indigenous Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people. They’re known for being fast runners and migrating across the canyons during the seasons. They have differing views on this increase in tourism and its effects on Copper Canyon. Some support it as they are slowly modernizing, while others oppose it, preferring to be left alone in the canyons to continue their traditional lifestyle and practices.

Creel has been considered the most crucial town, often called the gateway to Copper Canyon. Visitors come every day, and the inhabitants seem friendly enough to us outsiders. These towns are small, so you can easily walk around in a day to see the local culture. You can pick up supplies before heading into the canyon, enjoy some local cuisine, purchase handmade crafts, or use it as a rest stop for a night while you wait for the Chepe Express.

Natural Wonders

Forget about the outdoor activities, the towns, and the train. Just being in this immense scale of beauty is enough to make the trip worthwhile. Simply going on a hike through one of the canyon trails. Because of the elevation changes, you can start in the pine forests and end up in the lush subtropical valleys. There are waterfalls to climb up and see from scenic viewpoints. Walk around; local favorite rock formations spring up throughout the area. Remote wildlife can be found if you are observant and quiet enough to notice.

I suggest not going on your own and instead having a local guide in town take you around for safety reasons. You would not want to get lost here overnight. Make sure to review all the essential information for hiking on beginner and advanced trails in these areas.

Where to stay in Copper Canyon

Have you ever stayed on the edge of a canyon and watched the sun come up over the canyon? Or observed the stars unencumbered by the city lights and pollution. It has to be one of the most spectacular sights you can find here. I recommend booking at Hotel Mirador over staying in one of the towns.

In addition, the hotel is close enough to everything I’ve been talking about in this article. They will easily provide transportation to and from these locations. The hotel also offers its own experiences, such as a house-made artisanal wine tasting. Or enjoy a Tarahumara guide taking you on a casual walk through one of the lighter canyon trails. Even if you don’t do this, you can still end up catching the traditional dance on the terrace.

Conclusion

This whole beautiful region, which blends culture, natural beauty, and adventure, is becoming rarer and rarer. The slow traveling involved in this really helped me to focus less on the itinerary and more on what I was surrounded by. You will feel so rewarded from taking the time to slow down and enjoy the experiences of Copper Canyon.