 Chihuahua, the capital of the great state of the same name: Chihuahua. Located only six hours from Ciudad Juarez, that borders with El Paso, Texas. Chihuahua is a historical gem with great histories and Some of Mexico's most famous citizens, such as Pancho Villa, that is part of Chihuahua's past.
Chihuahua is not a particularly tourist-oriented town but it is virtually inevitable that travelers seeking to explore the inner recesses of the state spend a night or two here as part of their itinerary. Chihuahua offers first class hotels and restaurants and is very comfortable and prosperous with lots of activities for the visitor. It showcases some interesting museums, colonial era vestiges, and turn-of-the-century architecture. It is worthy of at least a few days of exploring, and makes an excellent base for sightseeing around Chihuahua state.
You can visit the Government Palace with grand murals and see the spot where Miguel Hidalgo, referred to as the father of the country, was imprisoned and executed. De La Revolucíon Museum that was the former home of Pancho Villa and now is a museum dedicated to his life, among other of the places you can visit.
Chihuahua is a first class city and has all the facilities needed for the Copper Canyon adventurer including an international airport and large and modern bus station. Come to Chihuahua for a historical experience of the Northern part of Mexico.
Activities and attractions
Basaseachic falls One of the Copper Canyon's and Chihuahua's most famous sites is Basaseachic Falls within Basaseachic National Park, which covers a spectacular part of Candameña Canyon. The Basaeachic Cascade is the second highest waterfall in Mexico and the 28th in the world, with a drop of 246 meters (812 feet). Its beauty is extraordinary and is blanketed by one of the best-preserved pine forests of the range.
Candameña canyon One of the relatively easy tours in the Copper Canyon, offering great beauty and spectacular views, is that of Candameña Canyon; also know as the "Canyon of the Cascades". The route is 18 kilometers (10.8 miles) long which can be hiked in three days and requires only minimum of physical exertion. Guides are available, but not necessary. Along this route, you will see the great Piedra Volada (Flying Stone) Cascade and the enormous Peña Del Gigante (Giant Rock), among other impressive formations.
Piedra volada falls With a free fall of 453 meters, Flying Stone Falls is considered the highest in Mexico and the 11th highest in the world. Although its flow is not as great as that of Basaseachic, the cascade does flow during the rainy season in mid-summer, early fall.
It is located in an isolated area, some seven kilometers (4.2 miles) from Basaeachic Falls, and can only be reached on foot and preferably with a local guide. The magnificent paths that lead to Piedra Volada offer some great viewpoints including Huajumar and Cerro de la Corona.
Peña del gigante (gigant’s rock) This stone monolith stands out on a national and international level for having a totally vertical face and its sheer magnitude, with a free fall of 885 meters (2,290 feet). It has now become recognized for its climbing potential.
It is found in front of the Flying Stone Cascade and is best viewed from the lookouts of Huajumar, although spectacular views can be taken from a lower part, in the bottom of the Canyon. From this angle it appears to rise as a great pyramid of impressive stone.
To get here on foot you must plan on a full day's hike from the Basaseachic Cascade. The stone was recently conquered by a couple of climbers, Carlos Gonzalez and Cecilia Buil, in a expedition that lasted 37 days, to this date Mexico's most impressive climb.
Casa de juárez museum This building functioned as the National Palace for two years during the French Invasion and was Juarez’s official residence during 1864.
Plaza hidalgo With the state government palace (Capitol) and its murals by Aaron Piña Mora depicting the state's history. This building, originally the site of a monastery, needed substantial repairs after being damaged by fire in the 1940s. A plaque and the Altar de la Patria in the central patio mark the spot where Father Miguel Hidalgo and his fellow Independence "liberationists" Allende, Aldama and Jiménez, were executed by firing squad in 1811.
Paquime archaeological site This Archaeological site is located just 181 Miles from Chihuahua. Reflects a culture similar to those at southwestern USA, with fifty hectares of coverage, including buildings of all types.
Federal palace Incorporates into its structure the much older tower containing the prison cell where Hidalgo was held for 98 days (and, according to the tourist guides, fed on bread and water) prior to his execution. The night before he was executed, Hidalgo, a gentleman to the end, inscribed a poem on his cell wall, thanking his guard and warden for being so kind to him.
The regional museum Mexico's finest examples of Art-Nouveau that was constructed between 1907-11. Now houses exhibits on archaeology and history. Popular art museum A modern building with exhibits detailing the life and customs of the Tarahumara Indian people, as well as a small arts & crafts shop selling handmade craft items.
Pancho villa's mansion Villa's former 50-room mansion was turned into a museum by his widow, Luz Corral de Villa, who lived here proudly showing it off to visitors until her death in 1981. Many people still refer to it as Quinta Luz or La Casa de Villa. Despite having insufficient signs or information, this museum is, quite rightly, a must-see on most visitors' agendas. Now standing in silent homage to "El General", the great man's personal mementos and furnishings, which once echoed to the sounds of his boisterous gatherings and wild parties, today hover in the background while, drawn by ghoulish magnetism, visitors cluster in the courtyard, counting the holes in his bullet-riddled Dodge roadster. |
Information about Chihuahua, Mexico