Tucked away in the rugged mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, Copper Canyon—or Barrancas del Cobre, as it’s locally known—is a jaw-dropping natural wonder that somehow still flies under the radar. While the Grand Canyon gets swarmed by over 5 million visitors every year, Copper Canyon averages just 25,000. That means fewer crowds, more breathing room, and a deeper connection to the land.
Named for the copper-green streaks that color its massive cliff faces, this UNESCO World Heritage Site actually consists of six canyons, not one. Together, they sprawl across an area larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. Here’s what makes Copper Canyon more than just a pretty view—and why you should go before it becomes everyone’s next obsession.
🎢 Ride the 2nd Longest Zipline in the World
If you’ve got a taste for adrenaline, Copper Canyon delivers. One of its crown jewels is the second-longest zipline in the world, stretching over 8,500 feet and soaring nearly 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. It’s not just fast—it’s surreal. You’re flying over one of the largest canyon systems on Earth, surrounded by silence and staggering views.
Prefer to stay grounded? The same adventure park offers suspension bridges, a cable car, and sky-high vistas without the speed.
👣 Connect with the Rarámuri People
The Rarámuri, also known as the Tarahumara, are the soul of the Sierra Tarahumara region. Famous for their long-distance running prowess (think: marathons in sandals through mountainous terrain), they’ve preserved their traditions despite the challenges of modern development.
Visitors can meet Rarámuri artisans, try their handmade crafts, sample traditional foods like pinole and atole, and gain insight into a culture that has remained remarkably intact for centuries. It’s not a museum experience—it’s real life, shared with grace.
🚂 Take the El Chepe Train Through the Canyon
Want to see Copper Canyon without breaking a sweat? El Chepe, the scenic railway connecting Chihuahua to Los Mochis, lets you glide through the canyon system in comfort. The full ride includes tunnels, bridges, and cliff-hugging tracks, with ever-changing scenery that includes pine forests, tropical valleys, and hidden mountain villages.
El Chepe offers multiple class levels, so whether you’re traveling luxe or on a shoestring budget, you’ll get a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic train journeys on the planet.
🏂 Sandboard the Dunes of Samalayuca
Looking for something unexpected? Head to the Samalayuca Dunes, just a few hours north of the canyons, where you can go sandboarding—yes, like snowboarding, but on golden desert slopes. It’s fast, fun, and unlike anything else you’ll do in Mexico. Plus, the photo ops are unbeatable.
💡 Final Take
Copper Canyon isn’t just an alternative to the Grand Canyon—it’s an experience on its own terms. Wild, wide-open, and rich with living culture, it invites you to slow down, dig deeper, and maybe even push yourself a little.
Go now, while it’s still one of travel’s best-kept secrets.
