Although it might not be as popular as other destinations such as Guadalajara or Monterrey, in the last decades Chihuahua city has enjoyed a growing popularity among tourists from all over the world. It is the capital of the eponymous state, the largest in all the Mexican Republic, and bears testimony of a strong revolutionary past in all the landmarks and colonial buildings lining the streets of its downtown. After playing an important role in the country’s industrial development during the last century, Chihuahua has recently developed into a modern city and commercial hub that displays an interesting mixture of architectural styles, blending the typically imposing colonial features with more contemporary trends. The following article outlines our favorite attractions and activities you can enjoy in and around Chihuahua. From visiting the many historical monuments and churches to exploring the pristine rocky landscapes of the majestic Copper Canyon, you can unveil the best Mexico's northwestern region has to offer. Both if you seek contact with nature and full immersion in Mexico’s culture and history, you will always discover new things to do in Chihuahua.
Historic Center
We suggest you start your exploration of Chihuahua with a walk through its historic downtown. Here, you will come across some of the main monuments and venues of the city, such as the renowned Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), hosting the executive offices of the governor of the state of Chihuahua. This majestic neoclassical building is probably Chihuahua’s most iconic landmark and attests to the city’s history and revolutionary past, with a shrine, the Altar de la Patria, commemorating the execution of Father Miguel Hidalgo. Other notable sites include the Federal Palace of Chihuahua Museum, where Miguel Hidalgo was imprisoned, the neoclassical methodist church La Santisima Trinidad, the famous Catedral Metropolitana de Chihuahua, and the scenic Templo de San Francisco de Asís (San Francis Temple).
Chihuahua Metropolitan Cathedral
Considered one of the most important religious monuments in northwestern Mexico, the imposing Baroque-style Chihuahua Metropolitan Cathedral towers the elegant Plaza de Armas and is an absolute must-see during your city tour. Besides the striking splendor of its façade combining Baroque and Rococo elements, the cathedral stands out for housing other important masterpieces of sacred art, such as the Santuario del Cristo de Mapimí (a highly realistic representation of Christ on a golden altar) and the statues and decorations that adorn its wide interiors. The Chihuahua Metropolitan Cathedral also houses the Museo de Arte Sacro (Museum of Sacred Arts), displaying a magnificent oil paintings collection dating to the 18th century.
Temple of St Francis of Assisi
Not far from the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Government Palace, you will encounter another landmark steeped in history: the humble yet beautiful Templo de San Francisco de Asis (Temple of St Francis of Assisi). Its serene, plain architecture and the exteriors painted in different tones of white, a traditional hallmark of the Franciscan missions, reflect the policy of austerity of the Franciscans. The temple was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most valuable still existing colonial buildings in Chihuahua’s city center still preserving its original features. In 1811 the Templo de San Francisco also served as a mausoleum sheltering the embalmed body of father Miguel Hidalgo.
El Chepe train
If you want to make the most out of your stay in Chihuahua, do not miss the chance to get on board the popular El Chepe train. The historic Chihuahua-Pacific Train offers you the unmissable opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Chihuahua state and ride through the scenic Copper Canyon. The Chepe train railway connects Chihuahua city with Los Mochis, the departure station in the state of Sinaloa and makes several stops along the way to give you the chance to explore amazing natural areas and many quaint villages. If you ride on the regional train, make sure you hop off El Chepe and pay a visit to the Pueblos Mágicos of Creel and El Fuerte and in Divisadero, where you can enjoy the majesty of the Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) and practice various sports and outdoor activities.
Paquimé Archeological Zone
The famous archeological zone of Paquimé is another must-see during your Chihuahua adventure. The area is Located in the pueblo Mágico of Casas Grandes and is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site displaying the still almost intact remains of the Mogollon culture's prehistoric settlement. Located around 3 hours from Chihuahua city, Paquimé is set in a scenic desert environment and is a fantastic option for a one-day excursion. During your visit, you can admire the vestiges of several pre-Columbian buildings and structures dating to the 7th century B.C. and learn about the history of the populations that inhabited the land since then. When leaving the archeological site, before heading back to Chihuahua or continuing your journey, take a stroll through the streets of Casas Grandes and pay a visit to some of the landmarks of this fascinating Pueblo Mágico. The 17th-century Franciscan mission of San Antonio de Padua, the Benito Juárez Plaza Park, and the Colonia Juarez Mormon community are some of the attractions you might want to add to your destinations list.
Copper Canyon
Chihuahua is also a gateway to discovering the astonishing pristine landscapes of the Copper Canyon (or Barrancas del Cobre). Surrounded by unexpectedly luxurious vegetation that encompasses oaks, pines, many sorts of cacti, and different other flora species, the canyon system is part of the Sierra Madre Occidental and originated from the six rivers that cross the Sierra. The area is a popular adventure tourism destination and is ideal for climbing, rappelling, hiking, and mountain biking. Some of the natural treasures concealed in the Copper Canyon include the National Park Basaseachi Waterfall, the deepest waterfall in Mexico nestled in an evoking green landscape, and La Sinforosa, a scenic natural volcanic stone formation dating to almost 30 million years old. One excellent way to discover the Barrancas del Cobre is via the El Chepe train departing from Chihuahua.
Grutas de Nombre de Dios caves
At only 15 minutes by car from Chihuahua, you will find one of the most famous attractions of the area, the Grutas de Nombre de Dios cave system. This astounding UNESCO Natural Heritage Site used to serve as a mineral mine and is now popular among cavers and nature lovers who dare to explore the underground system. The path inside the caves extends for almost 2 kilometers and offers spectacular views of the stalactites and stalagmites formations that originated over the years. Some of the most peculiar natural constructions include La Palmera, La Torre de Pisa, and La Cascada. The Grutas de Nombre de Dios are easily accessible for visitors of all ages and both for amateurs and professional cavers but as it can be very damp and slippery inside, you might want to wear light clothes and comfortable shoes.
Namurachi Canyon
If you are a nature lover, the Namurachi Canyon is an extraordinary destination for a one-day trip. Located just two hours away from Chihuahua, this spectacular canyon is a natural monument attracting both local visitors and tourists. The canyon is an ideal spot to spend some time in contact with nature and offers plenty of chances to practice sports and outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping. At the end of the path that crosses the canyon for about 1.5 kilometers, you will come across an altar used to celebrate secret masses during the Cristero War in the past century and a scenic green area perfect for taking a picture.
Creel and Arareco Lake
If you are in Chihuahua for an extended period, a visit to the Pueblo Mágico of Creel. Founded in 1907, this quaint Magical town, whose charm seems not to have been affected by time, is tucked in a dramatic landscape amidst the Sierra Madre Occidental. Creel is one of the gateways to the Barrancas del Cobre and, thanks to its location, is the ideal spot to practice mountaineering and adventure tourism and to learn the customs and traditions of the local Rarámuris community. From Creel, you can easily reach the Valle de Arareco (Arareco Valley), one of the areas inhabited by the Rarámuris, and the marvelous Arareco Lake, located only 14 kilometers away. This small but scenic lake, whose waters seem to reflect the sky like in a painting, is surrounded by peculiar rock formations and nestled in a beautiful pine forest.
Chihuahua Food Tour
Like in every city, you will get to fully know Chihuahua’s real character only after deep-diving into its culinary scene. Renowned for its wide variety of restaurants and flavors, Chihuahua will surprise you with an enthralling gastronomic offer that ranges from haute cuisine international dishes to homemade local specialties that you will never get tired of tasting. Besides feasting on the classic burritos, empanadas, and tacos, make sure you try some enchiladas coloniales (or colonial enchiladas), delicious tortillas topped with chicken, and a chili-and-tomato based sauce, and the traditional Mexican cheese Queso Chihuahua. To complete your gastronomic tour, enjoy a montado con frijoles refritos (typical tortilla snack with refried beans on top) and a glass of sotol, a strong Chihuahuan alcoholic drink distilled from the group of plants commonly known as ''desert spoon''.