Creel
Discover Creel
Creel is a city of 4,400 people (2015) in the Sierra Tarahumara in Chihuahua state. Tourism is the primary industry because it is close to the Copper Canyon and to Basaseachic Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Mexico. There are many hotels, restaurants and a number of tours down into the canyons and throughout the surrounding area. Creel has a cool subtropical highland climate, characterized by mild days and cold nights with frost occurring most mornings from October to April, though daytime temperatures in those months remain comfortable. Precipitation during the winter is not infrequent, but snowfalls are not particularly common, occurring on average only four days per year (more frequently on the nearby mountain peaks).
Taste of Creel...
Tio Molca's on the town's main street is perhaps the best place in town. There are many other restaurants but they all have essentially the same menu. The food is good in most of them, but one wishes there was a little more variety available. The hangover hospital (el tuncar) next to the railroad station is something of a local institution and should be given a try. Also at night there are food carts downtown selling tasty hot dogs and burgers (nothing fancy but delicious all the same). During the day there's usually a few grills going near the town's small market area. Creel is experiencing a building boom. And a variety of hotels, mostly smaller facilities, is available throughout the town. Margarita's is the most well known of the bunch. It holds the reputation of being the backpacker center of Copper Canyon, though in 2013 it seemed to be 'upgrading' to a regular hotel. The place is under renovation and dorms are no longer available. While Margarita's used to be a cheapie, private rooms now start at M$500 (US$38), though this can be bargained down somewhat. Free dinner and breakfast is included in the price, though while this used to be served in a common room, you now have to get this at a nearby affiliated hotel. There are numerous guide services available in Creel. Uramike's Expeditions run by a friendly Mexican man and his Welsh wife are often recommended. Even if you don't hire him, he is generous with information and area advice.
Climate
Creel has a cool subtropical highland climate, characterized by mild days and cold nights with frost occurring most mornings from October to April, though daytime temperatures in those months remain comfortable. Precipitation during the winter is not infrequent, but snowfalls are not particularly common, occurring on average only four days per year (more frequently on the nearby mountain peaks). It is 175 km (109 mi) southwest of the state capital, Chihuahua City. Estrella Blanca buses run about every other hour from Chihuahua City for about US$20 one way. These are local (non-express) buses that make many stops along the way. So, they aren't real fast but are comfortable and convenient nonetheless. Autobuses Rapidos Cuahtemoc operates first-class buses between Creel and Chihuahua City for M$300 pesos one way. Buses also go to Divasadero and other destinations. The train also leaves from Chihuahua City twice a day (once for 1st class service, another for 2nd class).
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsIt is 175 km (109 mi) southwest of the state capital, Chihuahua City. Estrella Blanca buses run about every other hour from Chihuahua City for about US$20 one way. These are local (non-express) buses that make many stops along the way. So, they aren't real fast but are comfortable and convenient nonetheless. Autobuses Rapidos Cuahtemoc operates first-class buses between Creel and Chihuahua City for M$300 pesos one way. Buses also go to Divasadero and other destinations. The train also leaves from Chihuahua City twice a day (once for 1st class service, another for 2nd class). Creel is the eastern terminus of the Copper Canyon rail route, called Chepe. As of 2023, trains leave Los Mochis for Creel every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 08:00, arriving at 17:40. Train services to and from Chihuahua have been suspended. The nearest major airport is Chihuahua International Airport (CHH ). Buses, shuttles, or taxis can take you from Chihuahua to Creel....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Horseback is certainly the best way to see the Copper Canyon area (Sierra Tarahumara). They can be hired from a number of people in Creel. If your Spanish is good you can negotiate pretty good rates from non-commercial rancheros. If you can't afford horses (or are afraid of them) mountain biking, ATVs, dirtbikes can also be hired in town. Or a good pair of hiking boots and strong legs will take you to many beautiful sites not far from town. The scenery to the east, south, and west of Creel is breathtaking. The easiest area to access is probably the Mesa to the immediate east of town. This is the location of Lago Arareko, the Rio Conchas canyon, and the Valley of the Frogs and the Monks (Valle de las Ranas, Valle de los Monques). A good canyon hike is to make your way to Lago Arareko then follow the stream that flows out of the lake (gradually forming Tarahueca canyon) down to the Recohuata Hot Springs area.
Where to Stay
Creel is experiencing a building boom. And a variety of hotels, mostly smaller facilities, is available throughout the town. Margarita's is the most well known of the bunch. It holds the reputation of being the backpacker center of Copper Canyon, though in 2013 it seemed to be 'upgrading' to a regular hotel. The place is under renovation and dorms are no longer available. While Margarita's used to be a cheapie, private rooms now start at M$500 (US$38), though this can be bargained down somewhat. Free dinner and breakfast is included in the price, though while this used to be served in a common room, you now have to get this at a nearby affiliated hotel. There are numerous guide services available in Creel. Uramike's Expeditions run by a friendly Mexican man and his Welsh wife are often recommended. Even if you don't hire him, he is generous with information and area advice.
Money & Budget
The Tarahumara Mission store next to the Catholic Church on the town's main plaza is a good source for maps, guidebooks, and locally produced crafts. Some of the employees are also good for area information. Lots of small souvenir shops on the town's main street (Indian blankets, sandals or huaraches, shirts etc). Proceeds from the mission store support Tarahumara schools and medical clinics. Tio Molca's on the town's main street is perhaps the best place in town. There are many other restaurants but they all have essentially the same menu. The food is good in most of them, but one wishes there was a little more variety available. The hangover hospital (el tuncar) next to the railroad station is something of a local institution and should be given a try.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Creel
white ceramic mug on white ceramic plate
Detail of African basket (Jalingo, Nigeria)
white fruit basket
Chinese Weddings
basketball basket in blue sky
a basket of flowers on a table outside
a bowl that is sitting on a table
bamboo basket in Vietnam
white basketball hoop surrounded by white leafed trees
Metal basket full of fruit - lemons, apples and oranges.
white ceramic mug on white ceramic plate
Detail of African basket (Jalingo, Nigeria)
white fruit basket