Batopilas
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◈ Its splendid past produced by the silver brought out of its mines is only surpassed by the stunning beauty of the eponymous canyon and its incredible natural surroundings—glens, rivers, exotic trees, delightful flowers and birds. However, its greatest treasure is surely its people. They are heirs to an exceptional, age-old culture.
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- Hike the main rivers, streams, and the old trails that connected missions.
- Visit Mina La Bufa, one of the region’s 300 most active mines.
- Hike or mountain bike along the river in Batopilas canyon. The views are gorgeous.
Tour Mina de Cerro Colorado mine with a guide who can lead you through tunnels, across bridges and canals, and to see grindstones.
❖ Copper Canyons
and Chepe Train
On your way to Batopilas, you have to explore the Copper Canyons, a natural treasure harboring charming towns, waterfalls, breathtaking views, and the ancestral traditions of the Rarámuri and Tarahumara people. The trip—which you can take on the train called El Chepe Express—can be started in the Magical Town of Creel. Visit this picturesque logging town’s tree-shaded Plaza de Armas, Iglesia de Cristo Rey church, and the Museum of Paleontology.
Furthermore, take in the views from the nearby lookout point perched high on a hill. It is oriented to the Cristo Rey statue and Lago de Arereco, a lake where you can enjoy a boat ride. Want to try it? Contact us and we will put a trip together for you. (T. 01 55 4320 0392; contacto@viajesmexicodesconocido.com.mx)
What to Know
If you continue on down the road, you will get to Divisadero Barrancas. This stopover provides mind-blowing views of the natural wonders, plus ecotourism activities and outings.
❖ Main Square
and Old Mansions
Nestled in a gorgeous ravine surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Batopilas still carries traces of its past as a mining town.
Start your tour of the town in the museum in the Presidencia Municipal government building to get an overview of the town’s history. Then, wander through its squares until you reach Templo de la Virgen del Carmen, built by the Jesuits in the 17th century. The church has a bell tower and several easel paintings inside. Meanwhile, admire the 18th- and 19th-century mansions, such as the Manuel Gómez Morín home, Casa de Raya, and Casa Cural. Top off your tour with Casa Barffuson, one of Batopilas’ oldest mansions. It was once home to the Marquis of Bustamante, commissioned by Spanish royalty. And there is also Hacienda San Miguel, a grand building from the end of the 19th century. U.S. American Alexander Robert Shepard, a visionary who instituted many reforms in the Magical Town, lived here.
❖ Rivers, Streams, and Waterfalls
There are numerous spots to camp and to swim in the Batopilas river. For example, La Bufa bridge is noteworthy for being one of the deepest points of the canyon. Near Piedra Redonda, the San Fernando stream forms a series of waterfalls, dropping in the Barranca de los Plátanos ravine. The largest falls are around 328 feet.
❖ Look Out Over the Town
from the Lookout Points
The best lookout spot around is La Bufa. It sits close to the Tarahumara town of Quírare, right where you drive down into Barranca de Batopilas canyon. You can look some 4,200 feet down into the canyon and spy the Batopilas river and mineral-rich La Bufa. Another interesting lookout point in the area is Piedra Redonda, overlooking Barranca de los Plátanos, above the town of Cerro Colorado.
❖ Get a Violin Crafted
by Rarámuri Artisans
Violinist Patrocinio López, a cultural ambassador for the Rarámuri, has a workshop in Cuoyachique. He has been passionate about woodworking and crafting violins since he was ten years old.
Patrocinio’s violins are not run-of-the-mill instruments. They have often participated in concerts and workshops in a range of galleries and cultural centers in the United States. He is proud to be a cultural ambassador for his people, and has been awarded the prize for excellence granted by the Fondo de Fomento Artesanal de Chihuahua (Artisan Development Fund of Chihuahua) for 16 years.
❖ Discover Cerocahui and Urique
Continue on through the Sierra Tarahumara region, and you will come upon these two towns cradled deep in the canyons.
Cerocahui is known for the Iglesia de San Francisco Xavier, a colonial-era church, and for being the perfect setting for bird-watching, horseback riding, or hiking. Meanwhile, on the road to Urique is Mirador del Cerro del Gallego lookout point. It offers a complete view of the town, river, and canyon. Below lies Urique, a tiny town enjoying a tropical climate where many mango, papaya, and grapefruit trees flourish.
❖ Holy Week in Batopilas
One of Mexico’s most magical places to celebrate Holy Week is Batopilas, a town tucked deep in the Copper Canyons. The town’s inhabitants are mostly Rarámuri people, making the festivities unique. They lead a celebration filled with syncretism, color, and music.
