Copper Canyon Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Copper Canyon. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Copper Canyon

• Combined Tour

There’s no cost to visit the Copper Canyon, as it’s a natural attraction in the state of Chihuahua. However, most people head there on guided, multi-day tours—or by riding the El Chepe train, which traverses the canyon—so you’ll likely have to factor in these types of costs. Expect to pay around US$80 for full-day visits.

Yes, Chihuahua's Copper Canyon is definitely worth visiting. Not only is it much deeper than the Grand Canyon, it's also home to the Indigenous Tarahumara people, which makes it a great place to learn about a different side of Mexican culture. However, given its somewhat remote location in Northern Mexico, you'll want to book a guided tour and let a guide show you around.

Per one customer who booked the Combined Tour, "This tour was amazing. There were lots of things to see and a lot of walking. We learned about the people living in this area and our tour guide Ricardo Bustillos was a very knowledgeable and friendly guy. He was awesome at explaining everything."

You can visit the Copper Canyon year-round. Flowing waterfalls and lush greenery make the fall months of September and October a popular time to travel, with mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. While winter brings cold nights—even snow—that season is perfect for trips to lower-elevation spots, including Batopilas and Urique.

Winding through the scenic heart of the Copper Canyon, the 418-mile (673-kilometer) Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway (El Chepe) is the most popular way to explore the area. In between are hiking trails, rafting, mountain biking, and small towns exuding rural charm—there's even a natural hot spring perfect for post-adventure soaking.

Tours of the Copper Canyon take in soaring rock walls, desert landscapes, and small towns with intermingled Indigenous and Norteño (northern Mexican) cultures. Simply taking in the Copper Canyon's scenery is an adventure, but activities for visitors go from white-water rafting trips to guided hikes, mountain biking, and hot springs.

The Copper Canyon has faced severe problems related to drug trafficking, but it's still possible to visit the area safely. Before setting out on a hike, check in with locals about places to avoid. Or, opt for a guided hike; tour guides stay abreast of security issues and cartel activity.

You need at least 2–3 days in the Copper Canyon. That's enough to travel the 418-mile (673-kilometer) Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway (El Chepe) line with one or two stops. Some travelers spend up to 10 days here, pausing to hike, bike, and explore small towns.

It's important to book Copper Canyon tours in advance, particularly during the Christmas and Easter holidays and the October–March high season. A checklist for early booking includes tickets for the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway (El Chepe); all hotels; and excursions such as white-water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and hot springs.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Copper Canyon. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Mexico:

• Quintana Roo

• Teotihuacán

• Chichen Itza

• Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo)

• Isla Mujeres

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Mexico.