Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) in northern Mexico is a wide-open natural wonder consisting of six distinct canyons that together are four times larger than the Grand Canyon. The scenery is diverse, ranging from snow-capped pine forests at the rims to subtropical vegetation at the canyon floors. This rugged landscape is the home of the Rarámuri people, famous worldwide for their extraordinary long-distance running abilities. The most iconic way to see the canyons is by taking the 'El Chepe' train, a feat of engineering that crosses dozens of bridges and tunnels. Divisadero is the most famous lookout point, offering a jaw-dropping panorama of where three of the major canyons converge. For thrill-seekers, the Copper Canyon Adventure Park features one of the world's longest zip lines and a scenic cable car. The best time to visit is in the fall, particularly September and October, when the canyons are lush and green after the rains, or during the mild spring months. Accessible from Chihuahua City or Los Mochis, Copper Canyon is for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking for one of the world's most epic landscapes.

Nearby cities

Hermosillo

The capital of Sonora, known as 'The Sun City' due to its hot and sunny climate.

Ciudad Obregón

An important agricultural city in the Yaqui Valley of Sonora.

Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco)

A popular Mexican beach destination on the Gulf of California, known as "Arizona's Beach."

Nogales

A border city in Sonora, adjacent to Nogales, Arizona.

Loreto

The first Spanish settlement in the Californias, now a tranquil paradise for nature lovers, famous for its islands and whale watching.

Bahía de Kino

A picturesque coastal town in Sonora where the desert meets the crystal-blue waters of the Gulf of California.

Creel

The gateway to the Copper Canyon, a charming mountain village known for its Rarámuri culture and pine forests.

San Carlos

A spectacular resort town in Sonora where desert mountains meet the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez.

El Tomate

A hidden gem in Sonora, Mexico, where the desert meets the rocky shores of the Gulf of California.

Campo Pesquero la Manga

An authentic fishing village in Sonora, where the desert meets the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of California.

More places

Sierra Madre de Sonora

A desert and mountain area in the state of Sonora.

Tiburon Island

Mexico's largest island, maintained as a wild and sacred ecological reserve by the indigenous Seri people of Sonora.

Sierra Madre Occidental

An extensive mountain system in western Mexico, known for its deep canyons.