20 Things To Do In Chihuahua

Chihuahua is Mexico’s largest state, and its capital city, also called Chihuahua, is a beautiful colonial city full of history and art. This lush state in the north of the country borders the U.S., known for its impressive valleys and canyons. So if you want to enjoy the natural diversity of Mexico, go hiking and soak in its history, Chihuahua is the place for you. 

Chihuahua’s landscape differs from the states in the country’s south. Here, you’ll find forests, desert-like valleys and more of a dry climate. It can get be freezing in the wintertime and quite warm in the summer, so check the weather before you visit. 

Besides hiking adventures, explore the capital city of Chihuahua, which is full of history. It was one of the key places where the Mexican Revolution took place, so you’ll find a lot of historical buildings and museums. With amazing landscapes, kind people and beautiful buildings, there are plenty of things to do in Chihuahua. It is pretty easy to move around the city, and you’ll be able to find guided tours for almost any place you want to go. 

20 Things To Do In Chihuahua

Creel, Chihuahua

1- Ride El Chepe 

El Chepe is a train that travels from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, to the town of Creel in the state of Chihuahua. 

This is a scenic train journey where you can admire the landscape of Mexico, and it takes you past many traditional towns along the way. 

It’s one of the best things to do when visiting Chihuahua, as each stop has something different to offer.

El Chepe operates between Creel (about 3.5 hours from the city of Chihuahua) and Los Mochis in Sinaloa. Tickets start from $700 pesos. 

2- Visit The Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon has one of the most impressive landscapes in Mexico. 

Nothing compares to watching the sunset at the Copper Canyon from your hotel window and waking up to the impressive view. 

Stay the night at Hotel Mirador and book a room with a view of the canyon.  

From the hotel, you can hike down the canyon and explore the area but pack warm clothes as it gets very cold by the time the sun sets.  

Take a bus to Park Aventura and enjoy thrill-seeking activities for the day. 

3- Explore Creel

The town of Creel can be the beginning or the end of your ride on El Chepe, but still, it has a variety of activities you can do here. 

This is a small town in the Sierra Tarahumara where many indigenous people live. 

You can walk around, no need for a car, and enjoy the day while you wait for the train. 

Book a tour to explore the parks near the town, Arareko Lake and the Valley of the Monks.

You can walk around town and shop for traditional indigenous crafts or go downtown to the plaza. 

This lovely town is surrounded by forests and mountains, perfect for hiking and outdoor lovers. 

Bring cash as most shops don’t accept credit cards. 

4- Relax In Recowata’s Hot Springs

Recowata is a lovely thermal pool attraction in the Creel forest run by the town’s indigenous people. 

These pools have an amazing view of the valley, with a small river that runs at the bottom. 

To get here is a bit of an adventure since you can’t access it by car. You can walk, bike or take a small vehicle to get there. 

Soaking in a pool is a great way to relax after a hike through the forest but bring your own water and snacks, as there are no shops.  

The entrance fee is around $40 pesos. 

5- Fly Over The Canyon In Parque Aventura

If you are a thrill seeker or enjoy rappelling, a visit to Parque Aventura is a fun thing to do. 

This park is in the Copper Canyon and offers different activities for everyone, including a ride on one of the world’s longest zip lines. 

If zip lines aren’t for you, admire the landscape on the cableway carts that glide over the canyon. 

There’s a range of activities in the park, but even if you’re not keen on getting active, it’s still worth seeing the vast canyon landscape.

Parque Aventura is at Av. de la Cantera s/n, Campestre I Etapa, Panamericana, 31210 Chihuahua, Chih.

Chihuahua City

6- Visit Chihuahua City’s Downtown 

In Mexico, the majority of important buildings and places to see are usually in the downtown areas of the cities, and Chihuahua is no different. 

Walk around, and you’ll find the Cathedral, traditional places to eat, busy shopping streets and museums. 

I recommend joining a tour, as they are usually inexpensive and you can learn a lot about the buildings since most of them are related to the Mexican Revolution.

Cathedral Calle Guadalupe Victoria S/N, Zona Centro, 31000 Chihuahua, Chih.

7- Take A Historical Tour in Chihuahua City

One of the best things to do in Chihuahua city is to book a historical tour with professional actors that guide you through the city. 

They take you on a trolley through all the important buildings related to the Mexican Revolution, and at each stop, you’ll live the history as they recreate scenes that took place there. 

It is an immersive experience that anyone can enjoy. 

You’ll laugh and get chills, feeling like you’ve travelled through time. Tickets are around $150 pesos for adults and $120 pesos for children.

8- Explore Quinta Gameros

Quinta Gameros is a beautiful house near downtown Chihuahua. 

This historic building was built in 1907 by Manuel Gameros as a gift for his wife, but sadly, they had to flee the country in 1913, a few years after the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. 

The mansion is an important part of Chihuahua’s history, being the personal residence of Carranza, a military hospital, government offices and now a museum. 

Quinta Gameros is one of Mexico’s most beautiful mansions, with its Art Nouveau style, stained glass windows and green rooftops. 

Tip: You can rent the house for a private photoshoot for $660 pesos by reserving it in advance. 

Quinta Gameros is at Simon, Av. Paseo Bolívar 401, Zona Centro, 31000 Chihuahua, Chih.  

9- Explore Metropolitan Park Tres Presas El Rejón

The Metropolitan Park is a lovely place where you can enjoy activities like fishing, biking, kayaking or hop on a zip line.

This is a perfect spot if you love the outdoors or want to start your mornings with a jog. 

You can relax near the lake and even prepare a carne asada to spend the afternoon. 

If you’re travelling with kids, it’s a great spot for them to enjoy being outdoors. 

Metropolitan Park is at D. Reliz, Av. Prol. Teófilo Borunda S/N, Chihuahua, Chih.

10- Visit Casa Chihuahua Centro De Patrimonio Cultural 

This historic building is now a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions. 

You can also enjoy plays and concerts there each month. 

This museum is focused on promoting the traditional heritage and costumes of the north of Mexico. 

Many exhibitions are related to Tarahumara traditions and the people. 

Just under the Casa Chihuahua, there’s the prison where Miguel Hidalgo spent his last days. 

His prison cell looks exactly as it was, with a small chair, the crucifix he prayed with and a small notebook. 

Casa Chihuahua is at C. Libertad 901, Zona Centro, 31000 Chihuahua, Chih. The entrance fee is $50 pesos.

11- Visit The Historical Museum Of Mexican Revolution

This house once belonged to Francisco Villa, one of the men who played an important role in the Mexican Revolution. 

His wife donated the building in 1981 and it had to be restored as it was in bad condition.  

In the museum, you’ll be able to see the day-to-day items the family used and important objects like the car where Villa was shot. 

It also has exhibitions with displays from the revolution, a patio and a small chapel. 

The Historical Museum Of Mexican Revolution is at C. 10a 3010, Santa Rosa, 31050 Chihuahua, Chih.

12- Take The Kids To The Semilla Museum

The Semilla Museum is an interactive museum for children where they can learn about science in a fun way. 

If you’re visiting with kids, consider paying a visit to the museum.

They will have a good time, but it’s not very large and will take about two hours to visit. 

Semilla Museum is at Priv. Progreso 1201, San Pedro, Zona Centro, 31000 Chihuahua, Chih. Tickets for adults are $40 pesos and children $35 pesos. 

13- Go Wine Tasting In Chihuahua’s Wineries 

Chihuahua’s terrain produces excellent wine; since 2005, different wineries have been established. 

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Gewürztramminer are some of the grapes you’ll find in Chihuahua. 

Bodegas Pinesque is one of the best wineries in Chihuahua, and they offer tours and experiences for wine lovers. 

Bodegas Pinesque is at C. Autopista 1301, Campestre del Bosque, 31450 Chihuahua, Chih.

14- Discover Grottos Nombre De Dios 

This impressive cave system has 17 sections where you can admire stalactites and stalagmites that are 5 million years old. 

These grottos are not far from downtown Chihuahua so you can easily get there by taxi or uber. 

This is a very safe and well-lit place, with concrete floors and guided tours, great for all ages. 

When visiting, carry a water bottle as it can get very humid, comfortable clothes and shoes for walking.

Grottos Nombre De Dios is at Vialidad Sacramento S/N, Chihuahua, Chih. Tickets are about $50 pesos.

15- Explore Paquimé

If you love discovering archaeological places, you must visit Paquimé, an unusual place surrounded by the desert about three hours from the city of Chihuahua. 

You’ll be able to walk around the area and visit the museum, where you’ll see artifacts found on-site and learn more about the people who lived there.  

If you want to stay the night, check out hotel Las Guacamayas, where you’ll find lovely traditional rooms with Mexican decor. 

Tickets are around $85 pesos for adults, and kids don’t pay entrance fees. 

Hotel Las Guacamayas is at 20 de Noviembre 1101, Progreso, 31850 Casas Grandes, Chih.

16- Explore Namurachi Canyon

This spectacular canyon is about two hours from the city of Chihuahua and is worth the trip. 

Walk through past rock walls with serpent-like shapes and explore the small caves. 

At the end of the road, you’ll find a small altar where the town’s people have religious ceremonies. 

It’s a bit difficult to get here, so I recommend hiring a guide. You can bring your own food, have a picnic, and spend the day here. 

Namurachi Canyon is at 33165 San Francisco de Borja Municipality, Chihuahua. The entrance fee is $20 pesos (adult) and $10 pesos (children).

17- Visit The Mennonite Museum 

Step back into the past by visiting one of the largest Mennonite communities in Mexico. 

The Mennonites are a religious group formed during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation.

Located in the city of Cuauhtemoc, around two hours from the city of Chihuahua, you’ll find the museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the Mennonite culture and history. 

This community arrived from Manitoba, Canada in 1922, and 30% of the people of Cuauhtemoc are Mennonites. 

In this museum, you’ll see different objects used and created by the community’s people and walk around a traditional house with a guide. 

At the end of the tour, stop by their cafe and try one of their pastries. 

If you are hungry, pop into La Sierra, a Mennonite pizzeria. 

The Mennonite Museum is at Km. 10 Corredor Comercial Manitoba #1024 Col. Campo 21, 31607 Cd Cuauhtémoc, Chih. The entrance fee is $50 pesos or $30 pesos if you get the tickets online.

18- Go Hiking To The National Park Cumbres De Majalca 

Cumbres de Majalca is near the city of Chihuahua and the perfect spot for hiking or mountain biking. 

This national park has massive rock formations, rivers and flower fields.

You can also camp overnight. 

Cumbres De Majalca is at Carretera Panamericana de Chihuahua a Cd. Juárez KM. 27 Norte y, Salome Gardea, Chihuahua, Chih.

19- Drink Sotol 

Sotol is a traditional drink, popular in the states of Durango and Chihuahua, made from a desert plant similar to agave through a process similar to mezcal. 

It is part of the history of the indigenous people in the north since it has been part of rites and ceremonies for years. 

This alcoholic drink has around 38 to 45 per cent alcohol and a smoky and earthy scent.  

You can find different brands in Chihuahua, and sometimes you’ll see traditional sotol fermented with snakes.

You’ll find it in different bars throughout the city, or you can just buy a bottle to take home as a unique souvenir. 

20- Visit Poliforum Cultural Universitario

The Poliforum is an art museum owned by the University of Chihuahua.

This museum has a permanent exhibit of Enrique Carbajal and Agueda Lozano, the most relevant artists in Chihuahua.

The museum is well curated, and you can book a guided free tour. As it is in the downtown area, you’ll be able to easily get there and explore the city.

Escorza 900,Centro,CP 31000, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Chihuahua