From the travel desk of Arun Sastry: July newsletter
- asastry007
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
July 2026: From the travel desk of Arun Sastry
Read about our news and latest updates.
Rail, Ruins, & Ravines: Discovering the Wild Heart of Northern Mexico and enjoying authentic experiences far beyond the typical coastal resort!
The Copper Canyons of Chihuahua in Northern Mexico
If you were wondering where I had disappeared to, and - more importantly, were missing my monthly newsletter(!) - just know that I was busy with some last-minute travels, and only now did I get a chance to catch my breath! Over the tail end of June and early July, I had the chance to visit a part of Mexico not too many people visit, making for a refreshingly peaceful visit!
Welcome to Chihuahua, the largest state in Mexico and a land of breathtaking, dramatic contrasts! While many around the world immediately associate the state with the tiny, spirited dog breed that originated here, few know that this is the largest state in Mexico, and home to the largest desert in North America: The Chihuahuan Desert. This arid wonderland is a highly biodiverse ecosystem filled with unique flora like agave and yucca, dramatic sand dunes, and rugged mountain ranges that thrive under the brilliant northern sun. This vast desert basin serves as a spectacular prelude to the state's changing geography, gradually rising into the majestic peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental, where the dry heat of the lowlands gives way to crisp, refreshing alpine air. Key Spots to Visit in Northern Mexico Chihuahua's terrain varies from the desert to pine-forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Here is a list of spots worth exploring or experiencing: Chihuahua City: If there is one city that can claim to be the beating heart of the Mexican Revolution, it is Chihuahua City. Explore the historic capital's stunning colonial architecture, the grandiose Cathedral, and the Government Palace adorned with murals by Aarón Piña. Don't miss the Pancho Villa Museum (located in his former home) to dive into the history of the Mexican Revolution. Creel: The gateway to the canyons, located at 7,400 feet. Visit the serene Arareko Lake, the surreal rock formations of the Valley of the Monks, and the Tarahumara Culture Museum. Divisadero: This is where you get to be on the Continental Divide and enjoy the absolute best canyon lookout! The El Chepe train stops here for 15-20 minutes, allowing passengers to step onto canyon-rim observation platforms. It is also the home of the Adventure Park, suspension bridges, and cable cars. The El Chepe Express: An extraordinary engineering marvel, the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway features 86 tunnels and 37 bridges. It climbs from sea level in Los Mochis to Creel in the high Sierra Madre Occidental at 7,400 feet. The crown jewel of its engineering is the El Lazo loop, an incredible engineering feat that allows the train to safely navigate a massive drop in elevation through the rugged Sierra Madre mountains! The Mennonite Museum in Cuauhtémoc: This is a must-visit museum, offering a fascinating step back in time. Visitors can tour the local Mennonite Museum, visit an active farm, and taste fresh, handmade artisanal cheeses. The Rarámuri (Tarahumara) Indigenous people: The indigenous "Light Feet" are world-famous for their incredible long-distance running abilities. Many still live in traditional pine-forested cave dwellings tucked into the canyon walls. Guided hikes allow travelers to learn about Rarámuri traditions and offer an opportunity for authentic cultural connection, including visits to cave dwellings. Did you know...
that this part of Chihuahua is where you will get to see blond-haired, blue-eyed Mexicans? The Mennonites of Chihuahua completed a multi-century global migration before finding their home in the Mexican desert. Today, over 50,000 Mennonites thrive in the region, preserving their traditional Plattdeutsch (Low German) language and agricultural lifestyle. Spotlight: The Copper Canyons of Mexico! While pretty much everybody has heard of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, few people know that the Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) is four times larger and significantly deeper than Arizona's Grand Canyon! Even better, because of their unique microclimates and subtropical river beds, these canyon walls are wonderfully lush, verdant, and green. For thrill-seekers, the canyon rim hosts the world-class Copper Canyon Adventure Park. Here, you can soar on the ZipRider—one of the longest single-span zip lines in the world! Spanning a jaw-dropping 2.5 kilometers without a single mid-point support, this flight launches you directly off a cliffside platform at speeds reaching up to 135 km/h.
An old harvester at the Mennonite Museum in Cuauhtémoc. This machine still works!
A restaurant with a view of the Copper Canyons
A Rarámuri woman in colorful attire
Breakfast on board the El Chepe Express
The 2.5 km-long zip line atop the canyons
Government Palace in Chihuahua City adorned with murals by Aarón Piña
Mural at Chihuahua City's Government Palace showing Abraham Lincoln, Benito Juárez and Simón Bolívar.
Cool rock formations at the Valley of the Monks (Valle de los Monjes) on Rarámuri land
Northern Mexico Travel Tips: Your Essential Guide
When to Visit:
The best times are March to May (for warm, dry weather and pleasant hiking) or September to November (when the post-summer rains turn the canyons incredibly lush, verdant, and fill the spectacular waterfalls like Basaseachi) . Winters can be freezing in the high Sierra, while summers bring intense heat to the lower canyon floors. Transport:
Book private cars and private drivers for regional excursions! The mountain roads connecting towns like Creel, Divisadero, and Batopilas are incredibly steep, winding, and rugged. Having a professional local driver ensures safety, eliminates navigation stress, and lets you focus on the jaw-dropping scenery. Besides, the train from Creel to the Sinaloa coast traverses terrain where no motorable roads exist, making for one-way drop-offs essential.
Booking the El Chepe Express:
Ensure you book your El Chepe Express tickets well in advance . The coveted First Class or Executive Class carriages offer the most luxurious amenities, including panoramic windows, gourmet dining, and access to open-air terraces. First Class passengers also have exclusive access to the restaurant lounge, making for an even more special experience!
Combine your Chihuahua experience with ...
A trip to Baja California! Take the El Chepe Express down to its western terminus in Los Mochis, then head to the nearby port of Topolobampo . From there, hop on the overnight ferry across the Sea of Cortez to La Paz, Baja California Sur. You can transition seamlessly from the dramatic, rugged canyons to pristine desert beaches, whale watching, and marine adventures!
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