“Those with Light Feet”
Creel, Mexico, Jul 18 (EFE).-
The land of the Tarahumara, or Rarámuri, meaning “those with light feet,” is the Barrancas del Cobre in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. This astounding set of canyons, nearly 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) deep, is emerging as one of northern Mexico’s most attractive tourist destinations.
Just a few hours from the Chihuahuan Desert lies this natural treasure, known for its prickly cacti and sotol plants. It has maintained its charm due to its difficult access, first explored by a Spanish Jesuit in 1608.
The Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) offers tropical climates in the depths of its canyons, alongside high mountain areas with frequent snow, leading the Rarámuri to live semi-sedentary lifestyles, moving up or down the Sierra Tarahumara depending on the season.
The region boasts several “magical towns,” such as Batopilas and Creel, designated by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism for their efforts to preserve and protect their cultural wealth.
Additionally, the area is home to Mexico’s most famous train, the Chepe Express, which travels from the capital of Chihuahua to Los Mochis in the state of Sinaloa on the Pacific Ocean. Its more than 10-hour journey offers breathtaking views of the changing landscapes from the sierra to the sea.
Tourism Expansion
In Creel, a town of 5,000 inhabitants, operations began in January at the Barrancas del Cobre Airport in the sierra region. The airport aims to receive commercial flights by late 2025.
Armando Cárdenas, the airport’s administrator, notes that the creation of the airport “seeks to open the door to boost tourism and economic development in the area.”
“Previously, there were only airstrips, and some are still operating, some even on the main streets of the towns. My respects to the pilots, almost kamikazes. With this airport, they will have more security. And that is key for tourism expansion,” said Cárdenas, noting the installation of modern location systems to allow medium-sized aircraft to land.
At the heart of the canyons, an hour’s drive from Creel, lies the Barrancas Adventure Park, inaugurated in 2010. The park features attractions including the world’s longest zip line, spanning more than 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) at an altitude of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
Raúl Rodríguez, director of the Barrancas Adventure Park, highlighted that the park is a crucial location for the region’s growth, serving as “the capital” of the Sierra Tarahumara due to its strategic location and the services it offers.
In this regard, Rodríguez stressed that 90% of the workforce is local, with more than 40% being members of the Indigenous communities in the region.
Selling handicrafts nearby was María, a member of the Rarámuri community. She expressed her happiness with the tourism development in the area, as it has provided economic opportunities.
However, she also shared her dissatisfaction with one aspect of tourist behavior, smiling slightly: “They always try to haggle over prices; I don’t like it. The price we set is fair; it’s what it costs us to make. We don’t do that.” EFE
EFEComunica gathered information from the Economic Development Office of the State of Chihuahua for this report.