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Situated in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, the Copper Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of Mexico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor opportunities for a perfect adventure. While it is called Mexico's Grand Canyon, the Copper Canyon is actually a chain of six different canyons, each presenting unique, adorable features. The six canyons combined are seven times larger in length than the United States Grand Canyon. Taking a train through the immense Copper Canyon would offer one of the best travel experiences of a lifetime. Here is why visiting Mexico's Grand Canyon is worth it.

Related: Visiting the Grand Canyon of India: Everything to Know

About The Grand Canyon Of Mexico

Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) is an area in the desert of northwest Mexico and is boasting some of the country's most magnificent natural scenery. While sometimes it is compared to Arizona's Grand Canyon, it is at least seven times larger and features different unique topography, fauna, and flora. The Copper Canyon is the wilderness area of Mexico and is inhabited by the Tarahumara people who have lived there for centuries. Travelers can always meet and engage these people as they sell their crafts and food with those exploring the Canyon on a train ride.

Getting To The Copper Canyon

To get to Copper Canyon, one can get to Los Mochis or Chihuahua first. There are numerous airports in northern Mexico and from Mexico City. Those coming from the U.S. can also use the ones available to Los Mochis. The Los Mochis Airport is situated about 12 miles north of the town, and there are several taxi operators available in the airport and around. Other than by Air, one can get to Los Mochis by Ferry and bus. To get to Chihuahua, one can fly from various airports in the country, and a good number of those operating from the USA to Chihuahua City's airport.

Taking a train from Los Mochis allows one to experience the best parts of Mexico's Grand Canyon. Travel in the fall and winter months and enjoy some of the most incredible views of the Copper Canyon wilderness.

Related: The Depth Of The Grand Canyon (& Other Little Known Facts)

How To Explore Copper Canyon

Visitors have many options when it comes to exploring Mexico's Grand Canyon, but taking a train ride, the El Chepe is the common way of getting around this spectacular wilderness. The train rides 673 kilometers (418 miles) from Los Mochis to Chihuahua City and then gets back again. This means that one can tour from either of the places to witness the Copper Canyon, incredible views from the train are guaranteed. The train makes a few stops along the way, allowing travelers to relax, explore the picturesque small towns, and take in more fascinating views of the canyon.

Visitors using the First-Class Express train can take advantage of the several stops it makes along the way before arriving at the main destination. One can always stay at one of the many stop points and may spend a night or two, and enjoy exploring the local area. For a more up-close view of the Canyons, travelers should opt for a horseback ride.

Whatever one chooses to experience in Mexico’s Grand Canyon, booking in advance is important as this is not a place to find a hotel and a train ticket the moment one arrives, especially during the peak season.

The train ride through the Copper Canyon is remarkable, the scenery is beautiful, and the whole experience creates lifetime memories. One can explore Mexico's Grand Canyon through helicopter rides and adventure tours and make their visit to the wilderness something special.

Travelers can also explore the Copper Canyon by trekking, hiking, biking, and four-wheeling, but the train is the most popular way.

Horse Riding

Most hotels inside the Canyon offer horse riding services to get travelers through some parts of the Canyon. Some hotels actually provide their own horses and allow travelers to explore this beautiful region. Horse riding is environment friendly and is a fascinating way of exploring the wilderness. One can make transport and accommodation plans around the Copper Canyon through a tour operator.

When To Explore Mexico's Grand Canyon

The driest months in the Copper Canyon are May and June, and the rainy season is from July to November. The canyon’s vegetation is lush as the rain is abundant during this period, and they display their deepest greens. The high season is October through March. This is the time when the Easter Holidays, Christmas, and New Year are celebrated. Travelers looking to witness the canyon at this time should book their tickets in advance.

Where Else To Explore

Tourists using the train from Los Mochis will make their first stop at El Fuerte. This place is another amazing spot not to be missed when exploring the Grand Canyon of Mexico. One can decide to stay two nights while experiencing learning history in this beautiful, colonial town. Pay a visit to the Cerro de la Mascara archaeological site and witness the 300 petroglyphs discovered on rocks. Discovered on the Rio Grande’s banks, El Fuerte is a nice place to explore.

One should come with strong insect repellent since there are a bunch of bugs along the river.

Bahuichivo is another remarkable stopping point. One can get off the train when they get here and explore the Urique Canyon, one of the deepest in the whole area. From the station, there is a small community of Cerocahul living about 9 miles, and there are budget-friendly hotels and campsites to spend a few nights in. travelers who book beforehand will have cars waiting outside the train station. One may also use a bus that operates daily between Bahuichivo and Cerocahui.

An adventure through the Copper Canyon is one of Mexico’s most rewarding tours that one should experience at least once in their lifetime.