Things to do in Chihuahua

Introduction

If you’re planning to journey through the Copper Canyon you’ll very likely find yourself looking for things to do in Chihuahua, the starting point and largest city along the Chepe route.

The city sits at an altitude of 1,500 m (4,900 ft) and has a semiarid climate. Basically a desert, the weather can vary greatly from day to night.

• December-February: daytime temperatures average 17°C (63°F) while nights drop to an average of 2°C (36°F), but can go as low as -10°C (14°F) with very little rainfall.
• March-May and October-November: daytime temperatures generally hover around 23°C (73°F) and drop to around 8°C (46°F) at night. March and April are quite dry while there’s slightly more rainfall in October and November.
• June-September: the hottest months with temperatures up to or greater than 32°C (90°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) overnight. This is also the rainy season with short but heavy daily showers.

The best time to visit is September to October but as the weather doesn’t get too severe you can enjoy a visit to Chihuahua any time of year.

Chihuahua city through the year, at 1,509 m

Average daily high and low, and monthly rain. Nights drop to 3 °C in winter; July is the wettest month.

Climate normals for Chihuahua city

Month	Average high	Average low	Rain
January	19 °C	3 °C	8 mm
February	22 °C	5 °C	5 mm
March	25 °C	8 °C	6 mm
April	29 °C	12 °C	7 mm
May	33 °C	16 °C	15 mm
June	35 °C	20 °C	31 mm
July	33 °C	20 °C	107 mm
August	32 °C	19 °C	88 mm
September	30 °C	17 °C	75 mm
October	28 °C	12 °C	25 mm
November	23 °C	6 °C	13 mm
December	19 °C	3 °C	9 mm

Chihuahua’s history as a city dates back to 1709 when it was established by the Spanish as a trading centre for nearby mining towns. The region, however, contains archaeological sites that date as far back as 500 AD. Although these sites are some distance from the city, downtown museums do provide some insight to these cultures.

The city of Chihuahua played a small role during the Mexican War of Independence, as it was here that Miguel Hidalgo was imprisoned and executed in 1811. Nearly a century later the city played a much larger role as the base for General Pancho Villa’s army in the Mexican Revolution between 1910 and 1917.

The city has since prospered and developed a strong economy based primarily in the manufacturing industry. Although tourism is not a principal focus of Chihuahua, if you’re looking for things to do you’ll find a wonderful mix of history and nature in and around the city. From archaeological sites to caves to historical museums you’re sure to be kept busy and entertained while you visit.

The city of Chihuahua is the capital of the state of Chihuahua. It's located in the centre of the state, approximately 370 km (270 mi) south of the U.S. border.

If you're travelling through the Copper Canyon via El Chepe you'll likely start or finish your route in Chihuahua.

The map shows the major transportation hubs (mentioned below), as well as the major sites mentioned in the section Things to do in Chihuahua.

The places mentioned on this page, on a map.

Open the map in Google Maps

You can arrive or depart Chihuahua by plane, train or bus.

How to get to Chihuahua By Plane

Chihuahua is the most accessible city along the Chepe route. That said, flying into or out of Chihuahua internationally can be expensive. Check prices and availability with Skyscanner.

To save money check flights to nearby cities such as Guadalajara, Mexico City or Monterrey, then check the Mexican low-cost airlines for flights to Chihuahua (CUU). Volaris and VivaAerobus are the two to check.

Flying into or out of El Paso, Texas in the U.S. is also an option if you're up for a long bus ride to Chihuahua. More details below.

How to get to Chihuahua By Train

From Chihuahua (1,458 m) the line climbs to about 2,451 m, passes Cuauhtémoc at 2,040 m (kilometre 134) and reaches Creel at 2,348 m, 297 km from Chihuahua.

El Chepe is the main reason for tourists to visit Chihuahua as this is where they either start or end their train ride through Copper Canyon.  The train doesn't depart every day so careful planning is a must.

Train days and times checked on September 18, 2026 against the operator's Chepe Regional schedule and fares and Chepe Express schedule.

Only the Chepe Regional serves Chihuahua. The Chepe Express, the tourist train, runs between Creel and Los Mochis and does not reach the city.

Any passenger can ride the Regional between Chihuahua and Creel; the 2026 tourist-class fare for that stretch is MXN 1,719 (about US$98 at 17.5 pesos per dollar). It is booked by phone (800 122 4373) or at a ticket office, not online. Our guide Chihuahua to Creel compares the train with the bus, a private transfer and a tour.

How to get to Chihuahua By Bus

Transportation by bus can be booked to or from just about anywhere in the country, but as the low-cost airlines will be faster and likely similar in price, you're probably better off flying in most cases. However, if you're coming from El Paso, Texas, or Creel, in the Copper Canyon, then your options are detailed below.

To get to El Paso, Texas, you can book online with Limousines de Mexico. The station is marked on the map above; check the carrier's site for the current departures and travel time.

If you're looking to get to or from Creel by bus you can do so with either Rápidos Cuauhtémoc or Autotransportes Turísticos del Noroeste. Rápidos Cuauhtémoc leaves from the Central Bus Terminal while Noroeste has its own station. Both stations are marked on the map above.

For other destinations visit the Estrella Blanca website.

Chihuahua is a decent size city with an interesting history but you can see most of the tourist attractions in just one day, two at most. The majority of the sites are concentrated in downtown Chihuahua but there are a few attractions on the outskirts of the city should you feel like venturing further.

Below the sites and attractions are organized by area. You can find all of them marked on the map above.

Downtown Chihuahua

The downtown is easily accessed by taxi or Uber or even by walking if your hotel is close enough. Once there it should be fairly easy to visit most of these sites on foot or with just a short Uber ride. There are, however, trolley tours, which leave every few hours and stop at a few of the destinations below. Their location is marked on the map above but note that their tours are only done in Spanish unless booked in advance.

• In the very heart of downtown is the Plaza de Armas. A central square surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants and street stalls. It's an excellent area to wander around, shop for souvenirs, eat and people watch.
• Situated in the centre of the Plaza de Armas is the 18th century Cathedral of Chihuahua. In the catacombs of the cathedral you can visit the Museum of Sacred Art, which houses religious artworks from the colonial era.
• The Museum of the Revolution, sometimes referred to as Francisco 'Pancho' Villa's House or Quinta Luz, is probably one of the most interesting museums in Chihuahua and even houses the car in which Pancho Villa was killed. It’s located 1.6 km (1 mi) south of Plaza de Armas. They don't provide English tours but most of the written information throughout the museum is in English and Spanish.

• Halfway between Plaza de Armas and the Museum of the Revolution is Quinta Gameros, a mansion built in the early 1900s and now used as a cultural centre. On the main floor you can see and read about the Art Nouveau decor while upstairs houses different art exhibits.

• Casa Chihuahua, just a few minutes walk from Plaza de Armas, provides an excellent overview of the history of Chihuahua and its many diverse cultures. Although the current structure was built in the early 1900s, it does maintain one tower from the original structure built centuries earlier. The tower is were Miguel Hidalgo, often considered the Father of Mexico, was imprisoned in 1810 before he was executed at the Government Palace next door. Displays throughout Casa Chihuahua are in both English and Spanish but guided tours in English are not provided.
• The interior courtyard of the Government Palace, just around the corner from Casa Chihuahua, is adorned with colourful murals depicting the execution of Miguel Hidalgo. There is also an alter located in the very spot where he died.
• The Mammoth Museum attempts to cover the natural history of Chihuahua. It's old, dusty and out-dated but does house an almost complete mammoth skeleton and a grey whale skeleton among many other unrelated items. It’s only 1 km (0.6 mi) from Plaza de Armas.
• About 2.5 km (1.5 mi) north of the Plaza de Armas is the Roundhouse Museum, an old railway roundhouse converted into a museum. It houses a few relics from its original use but is primarily an art museum containing works from famous Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, among others.

• The Museum of Republican Loyalty, also known as Casa de Juarez Museum, is a house museum restored to look as it did when President Benito Juarez lived in it from 1864-1866. It’s just a few minutes walk from Plaza de Armas.
• If you’re travelling with kids check out the Semilla Museum of Science and Technology, an interactive learning centre geared towards children. It’s located 1 km (0.6 mi) west of Plaza de Armas.

The sights at a glance

We removed the opening hours and entrance fees this table used to show: they dated from 2018 and we have not verified current ones. Most of these museums charge a small fee; many close one day a week, so check the hours with each museum or with your hotel before you go.

Things to do Around Chihuahua

There are a few notable attractions that aren’t quite within walking distance of the downtown core. The easiest way to reach these places is to take an Uber or taxi, though cheap, organized tours are available in the case of Nombre de Dios caves.

• The Chihuahua Gate is a 46 m (151 ft) tall structure designed by Mexico’s well-known sculptor, Sebastian. His sculptures can be found scattered throughout the country and in a few other places around the world but he’s originally from the state of Chihuahua. The gate is located about 15 km (9.3 mi) southeast of downtown.
• Nombre de Dios caves are located only 12 km (7.5 mi) from downtown Chihuahua. Here you’ll walk about 1.6 km (1 mi) through the caves, taking approximately an hour, as you go through multiple chambers and take in the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The trolley tour company located downtown Chihuahua organizes daily tours to the cave, although only offered in Spanish the sights are interesting nonetheless.

The sights at a glance

We removed the opening hours and entrance fees this table used to show: they dated from 2018 and we have not verified current ones. Most of these museums charge a small fee; many close one day a week, so check the hours with each museum or with your hotel before you go.

Cuauhtémoc

The city of Cuauhtémoc lays roughly 100 km (62 mi) to the west of the city of Chihuahua and is actually one of the stops along El Chepe. However, if you're not planning to spend the night here then it’s much more practical to go by bus from Chihuahua.

The city is known for its Mennonite inhabitants who arrived in the 1920s and now comprise about one third of the city’s population. The Mennonites are well known for their cheese and this is the main attraction for tourists. You can see cheese being made at La Quesería América.

To know a bit more about the Mennonite culture visit the Museo Menonita just north of the Quesería América.

Cuauhtémoc is also well known for its apple orchards, which have contributed greatly to the city’s economic growth. If you’re into apples you may want to pick up a few apple snacks for the ride back to Chihuahua.

How to get to Cuauhtémoc

El Chepe: The Chepe Regional leaves Chihuahua from the Chepe Station (marked on the map above) at 06:00 on Tuesdays and Saturdays and reaches Cuauhtémoc at 08:25. Coming back, it passes Cuauhtémoc at 20:07 on Wednesdays and Sundays. With only two trains a week in each direction, the train does not work for a day trip; the bus does. For more details about booking train tickets see How to Visit Copper Canyon by Train.

Bus: You can reach Cuauhtémoc by bus in the same way you’d reach Creel, with either Rápidos Cuauhtémoc or Autotransportes Turísticos del Noroeste.

Rápidos Cuauhtémoc leaves from the Central Bus Terminal and Noroeste from its own station (both marked on the map above). We no longer print their departure times or fares, which dated from 2018: ask at the terminal for the day you travel.

Casas Grandes

Located almost 300 km (186 mi) north of the city of Chihuahua, Casas Grandes is a town bearing the “Pueblo Magico” status and is home to the archaeological site of Paquimé, now recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Next to the archaeological site is the Museum of the Northern Cultures featuring artefacts of the pre-hispanic inhabitants of the area.

About 30 km (18.6 mi) south of Casas Grandes is the small town of Mata Ortiz, the home to world famous potter, Juan Quezada. Maestro Quezada, attempting to replicate pottery relics from Paquimé culture, wound up developing his own modernized style. When interest in his pieces sparked in the U.S. he taught friends and family his technique and the Mata Ortiz art movement was born. Today many of the villagers produce Mata Ortiz pottery for international exhibits and sale. You can view and purchase these unique pieces of pottery at the Quezada Gallery in Mata Ortiz.

How to get to Casas Grandes

The best way to get to Casas Grandes and Mata Ortiz is to rent your own vehicle for a day or two. However, if driving yourself is not an option you can take a Chihuahuenses (Estrella Blanca) bus to Nuevo Casas Grandes. From there you can either take a taxi or a bus another 16 km (10 mi) to Casas Grandes.

The bus station is marked on the map above; check the carrier's site for current departures.

If you want to see the town of Mata Ortiz you’ll need to take a taxi another 30 km (18.6 mi) south.

Hotels in Chihuahua are generally geared towards business travellers so most are located in the industrial or financial areas but they’re comfortable and range in price to fit any budget. Ubers are cheap so it’s very easy to get around the city no matter where your hotel is located.

Below are a few recommendations for different budgets:

Low budget

Hostel Ika

This hostel is located in downtown Chihuahua so you’ll be within walking distance of all the downtown attractions.

A cozy place to stay and excellent value for the price.

Click here to check prices and availability

Mid budget

Best Western Plus Chihuahua Juventud

Located about 5 km from downtown it’s a very comfortable hotel with spacious rooms and an airport shuttle should you need it. Your stay also includes breakfast.

Click here to check prices and availability

High budget

Central Hotel Boutique

Discover this charming hotel with tastefully designed rooms, located next to Chihuahua Cathedral. Enjoy easy access to top attractions and savor delightful local cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Click here to check prices and availability

Below are some practical tips for a stay in Chihuahua.

Money

There are plenty of banks scattered throughout the city of Chihuahua including Scotiabank and HSBC.

If you're travelling through the Copper Canyon, take pesos with you as a backup. Cards are widely accepted in Creel today, but on board the train only cash is accepted, community entrance fees are cash only, and the train operator notes that along its route there are ATMs only in Creel, El Fuerte and Los Mochis. Take the usual precautions when carrying cash and don't visit an ATM after dark.

ATMs dispense primarily in 500-peso denominations and more often than not retailers don't have change for these large bills. Hold on to as many small bills (20s, 50s, 100s, 200s) as you can, ideally getting change before you leave the city.

Don't accept change in the form of ripped or torn bills as the next retailer won't accept them from you. If you do find one in your wallet you can exchange it at a bank.

Travel Insurance

Due to government travel advisories, not all travel insurance policies provide coverage for travel in the states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa, Mexico. Make sure you purchase the right policy for your trip. Click here to learn more about travel insurance specifically for the Copper Canyon.

Valuables

Many of the hotels throughout the Copper Canyon do not contain room safes and front desk staff will not assume responsibility for valuable items left with them. Carry your passport and other valuables with you, or ask your hotel what it offers before you book.

Cellular Service

Service in Chihuahua is strong but if you're heading into the Copper Canyon it gets pretty weak if non-existent for many providers. Most hotels offer free wifi. If you want cell service in the Sierra, Chihuahua is the place to buy a Mexican SIM card for an unlocked phone before you leave.

How long should you stay in Chihuahua? Most people who end up here are either just starting or just finishing a trip through Copper Canyon. In this case you'll usually need to stay at least one night but if you're interested in seeing more of the city consider staying two nights. If you plan to visit Casas Grandes be sure to leave yourself an extra night or two.

Below are some potential itineraries for those wishing to stay in Chihuahua 1 night or 2 nights. Of course you can change these up and mix up the sites depending on your interests and available time. The sites listed below are our picks. Note that the itineraries assume the traveller is embarking on a Copper Canyon journey and departing via El Chepe.

Staying 1 Night

Day 1: Arrive in Chihuahua

• Check-in at hotel
• Take an Uber to the Museum of the Revolution
• Walk to the Plaza de Armas
• Visit Casa Chihuahua
• Walk through the Government Palace
• Dinner and evening downtown
• Stock up on snacks for the morning (you may not have time for breakfast)

Day 2: Depart Chihuahua at 06:00 (Chepe Regional, Tuesdays and Saturdays)

• Breakfast if you have time
• Check-out at hotel
• Be at the train station by 5:00: the operator asks passengers to arrive one hour early

Staying 2 Nights

Day 1: Arrive in Chihuahua

• Check-in at hotel
• Uber to Nombre de Dios caves
• Uber to the Chihuahua Gate for sunset
• Uber downtown for dinner and evening

Day 2: Full day in Chihuahua

• Breakfast
• Take an Uber to the Museum of the Revolution
• Walk to the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral
• Lunch downtown
• Visit Casa Chihuahua
• Walk through the Government Palace
• Stroll over to the Roundhouse Museum
• Dinner and evening downtown
• Stock up on snacks for the morning (you may not have time for breakfast)

Day 3: Depart Chihuahua at 06:00 (Chepe Regional, Tuesdays and Saturdays)

• Breakfast if you have time
• Check-out at hotel
• Be at the train station by 5:00: the operator asks passengers to arrive one hour early