Why Chihuahua is Your Next Must-Visit Spot

Chihuahua, Mexico has swept the "Lo Mejor de México" awards ("The Best of Mexico") this year, snagging first place in three categories! These accolades, presented by the specialized magazine Mexico Desconocido, celebrate the best of national tourism. Here at Mexicanist, we're celebrating by giving you the inside scoop on the must-see spots this summer.

Grutas Nombre de Dios

The Grutas de Nombre de Dios, located in Chihuahua City, were honored at a ceremony held during the Tianguis Turístico de México 2024 in Tijuana, Baja California. This incredible site was named "Best Nature Destination for an Adventure Experience."

While locals might see it as a weekend escape, for visitors, the Grutas are an underground adventure like no other. These volcanic rock caverns are situated on Cerro del Caballo, just a 15-minute drive from the Historic Center via Sacramento Valley. Spanning an impressive 1,492 meters, these caves are a journey beneath the earth and not for the claustrophobic.

Inside, 16 contemplation rooms showcase beautifully illuminated rock formations. Many of these rooms are named after the shadows or shapes they create, such as El Águila, La Cascada, El Árbol, La Capilla, El Murciélago, El Quijote, La Torre de Pisa, El Gran Cañón, El Dinosaurio, Las Espadas, El Embudo, Los Candiles, El Castillo, and La Palmera. The Mirador and El Salón de Plata are other notable rooms. The deepest point of these chambers reaches approximately 82 meters.

Upon exiting, don't miss the natural viewpoint. Transportation to the parking lot is included, and safety is a top priority with helmets and guides provided for both children and adults. Prices are very affordable, costing just 50 pesos on Mondays. The caves are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Creel

For a mountain and forest getaway, the enchantment of Creel and the Copper Canyons were crowned the "Best Destination to Visit in 2025." This spot is a magnet for tourists worldwide who come to witness the marvels of the Chihuahua sierra, especially with the new airport in this Pueblo Mágico.

Creel is a major stop on the Chepe Chihuahua-Pacifico train route, making it accessible by train from Chihuahua City, car, or even passenger bus (a 3 to 4-hour journey). Creel offers numerous advantages, including hotels, cabins, and restaurants that provide certified tours in special transport. You can even access points like El Valle de los Hongos, El Valle de las Ranas, and El Valle de los Monjes on foot. These landscapes are stunning rock formations amidst the fields of the Tarahumara, the region's original inhabitants. Nearby, you'll also find Lake Arareko.

The traditional Rarámuri craft is basketry, particularly woven baskets called wáceres. Must-see spots in Creel include the Plaza de Armas, the neo-Gothic Cristo Rey Church, Las Peñas, and plenty of restaurants and bars offering local artisanal flair.

Copper Canyons

From Creel, hop on the Chepe to explore the Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyons). These majestic mountain ranges within the Sierra Tarahumara span 600 square meters and are formed by nine canyons: Barranca de Urique, Barranca Sinforosa, Barranca de Batopilas, Barranca de Candameña, Barranca de Chinipas, Barranca de Septentrion, Barranca de Oteros, Barranca de Taranecua, and Barranca del Cobre.

The Barrancas del Cobre Ecotourism Park is a breathtaking destination where you can experience the third-longest cable car in the world and a wide array of extreme sports, including a circuit of seven thrilling zip lines. Other activities include Via Ferrata (rappelling, climbing), hanging bridges, Ziprider, Aerial Forest, and the Barranco restaurant. A significant portion of the park's workforce consists of the original inhabitants, making the park a huge boost for the region.

The Rarámuri prefer to be called Rarámuri or Ralámuli, meaning "light-footed ones." This area is another essential stop on your journey.

Basaseachi

Chihuahua also secured second place in two other categories: Basaseachi National Park for "Best Destination to Feel the Energy of Nature" and "Living an Experience with the Rarámuri" for the "Best Community Tourism Experience."

This park is famous for the Basaseachi waterfall, the second-highest waterfall in Mexico (after Piedra Volada, also in the same national park), with a 246-meter drop over the Candameña Canyon. This makes it the fifth-largest in America and the twenty-first worldwide.

Basaseachi is renowned for its natural beauty, including abundant forests with pine and oak species at higher elevations, and numerous shrubs like acacias and agave at lower altitudes. Some trees have woven their roots to enhance the beauty of this place, located about 124 kilometers from Chihuahua City. The path to the waterfall involves a dirt road uphill. Ejido members charge 25 pesos for entry, and there's a basic bathroom, a water tap, and a small parking lot. The rest is a safe and tranquil place filled with contrasts, perfect for hiking, cycling, or contemplative walks. It's best to arrive early as it closes promptly at 5:00 PM. Along the route to the waterfall, you'll find bridges, handicrafts, and viewpoints. It's recommended to wear comfortable clothes and spend the afternoon there – a good dip in the water is possible!

Descending to the canyon offers an impressive view, with the canyon walls reaching over 1,600 meters and being very vertical.

Namúrachi Canyon

Namúrachi, meaning "place of caves," is a canyon that invites a peaceful and calm journey in honor of its first inhabitants, the true owners of this land, the Rarámuri. This ecological park in Chihuahua is about 10 kilometers from San Francisco de Borja, a small town founded in 1645 by Jesuit expeditions.

The canyon features almost 30-meter-high granite walls, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions that have created beautiful shapes worth seeing. Light rays pierce through cracks from above, adding a unique and tranquil touch. Locals enjoy exploring the caves and rocky labyrinths. Believers stack river stones on their altars, while regular visitors can simply enjoy a natural and serene landscape.

Guachochi

To round off this golden tour, we head to the Pueblo Mágico of Guachochi. While not on Mexico Desconocido's award list, it has much to offer both local and international visitors.

Surrounded by stunning canyons and ravines, Guachochi means "The Place of the Cranes" in Rarámuri or Ralámuli. It boasts a very family-friendly atmosphere, as locals are dedicated to tourism.

One of its main attractions is the Lago de las Garzas (Lake of the Cranes), a beautiful freshwater spring formed by the waters of the Guachochi River. Its perimeter is surrounded by a walkway, and in its center stands a bronze sculpture of the cranes that inhabit the area. Whether in summer or winter, this is the perfect spot for family photos.

Very close to the lake is "El Salto" waterfall, a 17-meter cascade. This beautiful site is where locals find tranquility and the ideal moment for their morning exercise.

La Sinforosa is the second-deepest canyon in the Sierra Tarahumara mountain system, and in Guachochi, you can explore it by land or air. This Pueblo Mágico tour will take you to the Jaguar canyon, Sinforosa canyon, and Werachi.

Consider staying in one of the cabins on the way to Werachi or dining at its restaurants. This break will allow you to admire the waterfalls, some over 30 meters high, in the Kokoyome Ecotourism Park.

Dishes prepared with trout and dried meat broth or soup are among the main gastronomic attractions. Any of these destinations are ideal for an unforgettable summer vacation—enjoy!