Discovering Chihuahua: Colour, Canyons and Culture in Northern Mexico
When most people think of Mexico, they picture beaches, palm trees and cocktails at sunset. My recent time in Chihuahua showed me a very different side of the country. One filled with canyons, proud revolutionary history, wide cowboy country, striking desert and a warm, unhurried local welcome. Over several days I travelled from modern, buzzy Chihuahua City through Mennonite communities, pine forests and dramatic canyon scenery, all the way to the warmer air of the Pacific coast. Here is a glimpse into the route, the experiences and why I now recommend this part of Mexico to clients who want something a little different, authentic & adventurous.
Chihuahua City: history, flavours and a modern neighbourhood base.
I began with two nights in Chihuahua City, and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to northern Mexico.
Learning about the Mexican history
Much of my time here was spent in the city’s museums, learning about the Mexican history & Chihuahua’s central role in it. Walking through the exhibits, I found myself surrounded by stories of political struggle, charismatic leaders and a country in the middle of dramatic change. Even if you do not usually think of yourself as a “museum person”, the history here really draws you in and gives huge depth to the rest of the journey.
Tasting Chihuahua: gorditas, tacos and avocado ice cream
Of course, you cannot come to Mexico and not try the food. In Chihuahua City we made a point of eating in authentic local restaurants and trying as many regional specialities as I could fit in. This included Gorditas, warm, spicy, delicious stuffed corn pockets. Freshly prepared tacos, simple, flavourful & absolutely nothing like the hard shells we often see at home. Avocado ice cream, which sounds unusual but works perfectly, creamy, subtle and surprisingly refreshing. Tall, icy glasses of horchata, the sweet, milky rice drink that is incredibly cooling after a day out exploring. These little discoveries are exactly the sort of thing that makes a trip feel genuinely local and memorable in my opinion.
Staying in District One: modern, buzzy Chihuahua.
In the city I stayed in District One, a modern neighbourhood that feels a world away from any stereotypical idea of “old Mexico”. It is a contemporary area with stylish architecture, wide streets and an energy that comes alive in the evenings. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars within easy reach, so it is a brilliant base if you like to walk out for dinner and feel part of the local scene.
From Chihuahua to Creel: Mennonite heritage and mountain air
Leaving Chihuahua City, we began our journey towards the mountains and the Copper Canyon region. On the way we stopped at a Mennonite museum, which turned into unexpectedly a really interesting part of the trip. The Mennonite communities here have a very distinct culture, language and way of life, and the museum does a great job of explaining how they came to settle in northern Mexico and how they live today. It is a reminder of just how diverse this region is, far beyond what most visitors imagine.
As we continued towards Creel, the landscape gradually shifted, the air grew cooler, the roads wound through forests, and the scenery took on a more rugged, highland feel.
Creel: cosy fires, quad bikes and Rarámuri culture
Arriving in Creel, we were welcomed into The Lodge at Creel, which felt like exactly the right kind of place for this mountain town, authentic, cosy and inviting, complete with a roaring fire that makes you instantly want to curl up with a hot drink after a day outside. However we headed straight out and explored the local area by quad bike, without a doubt one of the highlights. It is a fantastic way to cover more ground, enjoy the fresh mountain air and get off the beaten track a little. Our explorations took us to the striking rock formations around Creel, sculpted by time and weather into surreal shapes scattered across the landscape. A local Rarámuri cave, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the indigenous Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people, who are renowned for their endurance running and deep connection to the land. Lake Arareko, a serene lake that is ideal for a moment of calm and contemplation amid all the adventure. Creel has a wonderfully laid back, outdoorsy feel, and staying at The Lodge at Creel really added to that sense of being in a genuine mountain retreat rather than just a hotel.
Divisadero and the Copper Canyon: views and zip lines
From Creel, the journey continued into the heart of the Copper Canyon, arriving at Divisadero, where the views are simply breathtaking. Here I had one of those “I will never forget this” travel moment as I zip lined across the Copper Canyon. Suspended high above this vast, rugged landscape, you get a true sense of scale and drama. The combination of adrenaline and scenery makes it a genuinely extraordinary experience, perfect for clients who like a touch of adventure with their luxury!
In Divisadero we stayed at Hotel Mirador, which has some of the most spectacular views I have ever seen from a hotel. Perched on the edge of the canyon, it feels as if the landscape is wrapped around you. It is the sort of place where you find yourself waking early just to see the sunrise and lingering over coffee because the view is simply too good to rush.
Riding El Chepe Express: first‑class rail through changing landscapes
The next part of the adventure took me onto the El Chepe Express, Mexico’s famous Copper Canyon train. We travelled first class from the canyon region to El Fuerte on the Pacific coast, a journey of around 4.5 hours, which flew by! Settling into our comfortable seats, we watched as the scenery unfolded outside the window, canyons giving way to river valleys, forests thinning out. One of the loveliest aspects of this journey is how clearly you can feel the change in climate. As the train moved closer to the coast, I could feel the air becoming warmer. There is something very special about arriving in a new region by train rather than by air. You sense the distance you have travelled, and the journey itself becomes a core part of the experience rather than simply a means to an end.
Arriving at the Pacific coast
By the time we reached El Fuerte, on the Pacific side of Mexico, it felt as though we had travelled through several different worlds, from modern city life in Chihuahua to revolutionary history and Mennonite culture, up into cool mountain air and indigenous communities, then down again towards warm coastal breezes. This multi stop route is ideal for customers who want authenticity, variety and a sense of discovery, all tied together with comfortable stays and premium touches like first‑class rail.
Why I recommend this journey through Chihuahua and the Copper Canyon?
My time in Chihuahua, Creel, Divisadero and along the El Chepe was unforgettable. It is a journey I now recommend to clients who really want to experience a different, more authentic side of Mexico, away from the usual beach resorts. Enjoy a blend of history, culture and scenery, with time in museums, indigenous communities and spectacular natural landscapes. This journey is for someone that appreciates comfort and characterful stays, from cosy lodges with roaring fires to canyon‑edge hotels with unforgettable views.
With the right planning, this route can be tailored to suit many travel styles, from adventurous couples to cultural explorers and rail enthusiasts. I can also combine it with time on the coast or in other parts of Mexico for a longer, bespoke itinerary. If this journey through northern Mexico has inspired you, contact me to start planning your own adventure through Chihuahua and the Copper Canyon. I will take care of the logistics so you can simply enjoy the history, the flavours and those unforgettable canyon views.
