Batopilas: Discover Chihuahua’s Hidden Jewel in the Copper Canyon

Deep in the Copper Canyon is Batopilas de Manuel Gómez Morín, one of the three Magical Villages of Chihuahua, which only the adventurous at heart dare to explore. There are even those who say that after getting to know the town, their life is never the same. Could it be that they are enchanted by the ancestral richness of the Rarámuri culture and by the majestic landscapes that make their way through seemingly endless ravines?

 

The origin of Batopilas dates back to 1632, when a band of explorers found rich veins of silver, zinc and gold in this inhospitable corner. Then, the land attracted the gaze of prominent businessmen, such as Alexander Shepherd, called in history as “the father of Washington. The magnate made Batopilas shine and become one of the most important mining cities in the world: he built a school, a hospital and the Hacienda de San Miguel, part of whose ruins can be seen when walking along the slope of the Batopilas River, whose meaning in a Rarámuri voice is “ Rio Encajonado” (Boxed River).

 

For travelers who take the road required to reach one of the deepest canyons in the world-a two-hour journey through countless curves and gorges- it's surprising to find a small but well-developed town. Around the municipal presidency, there are several lodging establishments with services for all budgets, whose reference is to offer an atmosphere of disconnection and total relaxation. Even one property has a boutique category: Copper Canyon Riverside Lodge, an old mansion that belonged to one of the wealthiest miners in Batopilas and was restored to offer guests the glamour of those days.

 

The experiences that are lived in Batopilas Pueblo Mágico range from: a lunada in front of an abandoned cathedral, walking on a three kilometer ( 2.5 miles) long aqueduct, practicing mountain biking among the canyons, silently observing pumas, macaws and hummingbirds, admiring the town from a zip line and hanging bridges, seeing natural fibers converted into handicrafts and that each one is different because there is no mass production, to coexisting with a Tarahumara village that faithfully preserves its native identity. In this last experience, your way of conceiving life will change. You will already be part of the activities that the Raramuris carry out long before the evangelization, such as long walks along the ravine to harvest oranges or the rituals and games that are part of their cosmogonic wisdom.

 

For any of the experiences you wish to live, it is recommended that you do so in the company of specialized guides, as the wild terrain can cause you to get lost in the immensity of the Barrancas del Cobre (“Copper Canyon”).

 

How to get to Batopilas? The best way is to travel in El Chepe, the train that crosses most of the Barrancas de Cobre, from the city of Chihuahua. You should get off at Creel station and take a road trip of approximately three to four hours. There is also the option by land from the capital, the estimated travel time is seven hours.