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This Mexican Region Has Stunning Mountains, Impressive Architecture, and a Historic Train That Travels Along Spectacular Canyons

Here's how to visit the Mexican state of Chihuahua, according to someone who lived in Mexico for years.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, cities and neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

Chihuahua offers a different kind of Mexican aesthetic. Far removed from the palm-fringed beaches and turquoise sea, this region is for travelers who crave soaring mountains, raw nature, Spanish-influenced cities, and a rugged ranchero vibe. 

The state of Chihuahua is one of the largest in Mexico, located in the northern part of the country and sharing a border with Texas. Steeped in iIndigenous and colonial history, and home to one of the largest canyons in the world — Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) — you can expect a ruggedly beautiful experience off the typical tourist trail.

"I love exploring less touristy destinations, and Chihuahua fits the bill," says Zachary Rabinor , CEO of Journey Mexico and a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor. "We typically visit on the way to or from Copper Canyon, and it's one of the termini of the Chihuahua al Pacifico (El Chepe) Railway. That said, the city of Chihuahua is worth a visit on its own for the warmth of its people and the burgeoning culinary and nightlife scenes. It's also easy to get around and interesting historically and culturally."

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at Central Hotel Boutique, one of the most charming and historic properties in downtown Chihuahua.
• Take a ride on the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico, also known as El Chepe, a major rail route in northwest Mexico that travels along the spectacular Copper Canyon.
• Have a sotol tasting at La Sotoleria.
• Sample traditional norteño cooking at La Cocineria.
• Explore the Centro Histórico for some of the most impressive Spanish Baroque architecture in North America.

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

Central Hotel Boutique

A historic hotel full of character, Central Hotel Boutique lies close to Chihuahua's Plaza de Armas and Colonial Theater. Rabinor recommends it for its historic charm and excellent restaurant. The property is built into the bones of a home that used to be part of a wealthy estate.

El Mirador Grand Hotel

Perched over the spectacular Barrancas del Cobre, El Mirador Grand Hotel offers a mountain escape with one of the best views in the state. Each of the 70 rooms here has a fireplace and a private terrace overlooking the canyon. The property also has an on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine, and guests are a short walk to the El Chepe train station.

The Lodge at Creel Hotel & Spa

A rugged setting sets the scene at this beautiful lodge-style hotel in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara mountains. Many of the cabin-style rooms come with wood-burning stoves, while the main lodge features a beautiful stone fireplace and a restaurant serving traditional northern cuisine and artisanal pizzas.

Copper Canyon

Most leisure travelers come to Chihuahua to explore the vast beauty and rugged landscape of the impressive Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon). This series of six canyons cuts through the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and is popular for hiking and viewing wildlife. The famous El Chepe train traverses the length of the canyon rim, crossing almost 40 bridges and passing through more than 80 tunnels. It's one of the most scenic train rides in the world .

Historic Downtown

Located in Chihuahua’s capital city, the Spanish-influenced Centro Histórico is a hub of beautiful architecture, restaurants, and nightlife. It's a must-visit, framed by historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Chihuahua dates back to the 18th century and is a beautiful example of Spanish Baroque architecture. Plaza de Armas, or the main square, is perfect for people-watching, while Palacio de Gobierno houses a museum dedicated to the Mexican War of Independence. This is the place where the Spanish firing squad executed Miguel Hidalgo, the leader of the Mexican War of Independence, in 1811.

Creel and Lake Arareco

Chihuahua is home to one of the oldest Indigenous groups in Mexico — the Rarámuri community. Today, these pastoral nomads live mostly in the high mountains surrounding Barrancas del Cobre and still practice their traditional customs. A visit to Museo Casa de las Artesanías in Creel is a great way to get to know the Rarámuri people. While visiting Creel, take the trip to Lake Arareco for one of the most gorgeous slices of pristine nature. 

Cusarare Falls

A scenic spot for hikers in Copper Canyon, these impressive waterfalls are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to see along the trail. Hikers will also pass by ancient ruins and cave dwellings, home to the Rarámuri. 

Quinta Gameros

This art nouveau mansion in the heart of Chihuahua is one of the most important architectural monuments in the state. Today, it houses the Quinta Gameros University Cultural Center and is brimming with early 20th-century furnishings and art. Each room is different, but design elements include stunning stained glass and elaborate wood carvings. 

PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images

El Gardenia

El Gardenia is a relaxing brewery serving craft beers in downtown Chihuahua. The lofty space is massive, with plenty of room for groups, and the food menu includes elevated international pub grub.

Humo Bar Culinario

A boho-chic, minimalist design sets the scene at Humo Bar Culinario. Add to that an impressive list of cocktails and fresh food like tiraditos , tacos, salads, and flatbreads. The dimly lit space is ideal for date nights, plus it's just a few steps from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Chihuahua.

La Sotolería

Native to the deserts of Chihuahua, Durango, and Coahuila, sotol is a regional spirit made from wild-harvested plants of the same name. Similar to tequila, this is the liquor to choose when you're traveling through Mexico's north country. At La Sotolería, you can indulge in a sotol tasting to get to know the traditional beverage.  

fitopardo/Getty Images

Rabinor calls Dos Aguas an institution for upscale dining in Chihuahua. The beautiful, industrial-chic dining room sets the stage for a menu of hearty steaks and seafood, salads, tacos, and small plates.

La Cocinería

Serving fantastic regional norteño cuisine, La Cocinería is a funky, chic restaurant with a fantastic wine list and one of the best young chefs in Mexico. 

Eleonora Bar à Vin

Fresh Italian food is what's on the menu at Eleonora (think: creamy balls of burrata, fresh pasta, and delicious wines and cocktails). The restaurant puts on a decadent breakfast, too, from omelets to crepes to flaky croissant sandwiches.

Mercado Reforma

Dig into contemporary Mexican fare at Mercado Reforma. The menu here offers a dizzying array of regional cuisine, from seafood tostadas and queso fundido to grilled meats and plumply stuffed tacos. 

La Calesa Steakhouse

A Chihuahua mainstay since 1965, La Calesa Steakhouse is the best seat in town for delicious steaks and rich, bold wines. It's also one of the top restaurants in the region for sampling the traditional norteño barbecue style. All cuts of meat are dry aged for 21 days.

The best time to visit Chihuahua is in the spring, when it's still dry and not overwhelmingly hot. Chihuahua is mostly a high desert state, so expect hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Rabinor recommends visiting in the fall, too, particularly if you want to see the waterfall at Basaseachic at its most dramatic.

The best way to reach Chihuahua is by plane. There are direct flights from Dallas, Tijuana, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancun , and Mexico City. 

Rabinor says travelers can also drive, as the border crossing in El Paso, Texas, is only three hours away. The highways are safe and in good condition, and if you choose this option, you can stop for the best burritos in Villa Ahumada, according to Rabinor.

Rabinor added, "The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway links Chihuahua to Los Mochis/El Fuerte and the Sea of Cortez."

Darrell Craig Harris/Getty Images

Downtown Chihuahua is where you’ll find the Centro Histórico and most of the architectural and historic sites. This is the oldest part of the city and the most equipped for tourists. It's also home to Plaza de Armas and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Distrito Uno

Distrito Uno is an increasingly trendy part of the city. Here, you'll find new mixed-use buildings, shopping centers, and some of the newest bars and restaurants in the capital. It also has plenty of green parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

If you're riding El Chepe along the Copper Canyon, Creel is a great place to stop. The small mountain town, just on the outskirts of the canyon system, is rich in natural beauty and native history. A must here is the Casa de las Artesanias, a collection of photographs depicting the Rarámuri culture. The Artesanías Misión is a small handicraft shop that supports traditional Rarámuri crafts.

Ubers are abundant in Chihuahua’s capital. This is a reliable and economical way to navigate the city. If you’re traveling along Copper Canyon, El Chepe is the most scenic and memorable option. You can also rent a car to get around Chihuahua, or, if your budget permits, hire a driver.

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Home » Travel Guides » Mexico » 15 Best Things to Do in Chihuahua (Mexico)

15 Best Things to Do in Chihuahua (Mexico)

A prosperous industrial city in the north of Mexico , Chihuahua is on the western flank of the desert of the same name. Chihuahua’s 18th-century cathedral is the outstanding Baroque monument in the north of the country and is the highlight of an engaging historic centre.

A few giants of Mexican history lived in Chihuahua, either out of choice or under duress.

In the latter category were independence leader Miguel Hidalgo, who was executed at the Federal Palace in 1811, and President Benito Juárez, who decamped to Chihuahua during the French incursion in the 1860s.

The folk hero and revolutionary, Pancho Villa had a home in Chihuahua, and in the courtyard of his mansion is the Dodge car in which he was assassinated in 1923.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Chihuahua :

• 1. Historical Museum of the Mexican Revolution

On Calle Decima you can visit the home of Pancho Villa, one of the protagonists of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 to 1920, and well-known for his guerrilla campaign against the United States Army.

The estate was acquired by the government upon the death of Villa’s widow María de la Luz Corral in 1981 and is chock full of memorabilia relating to the Mexican Revolution.

There are documents, weapons, personal effects and, in the main entrance, an intriguing photograph of the 25 women claiming to be wives of Pancho Villa.

He was assassinated in 1923 and his bullet-riddled car is on show in the courtyard.

2. Quinta Gameros

On Paseo Bolivar, the Quita Gameros is a lavish art Nouveau residence ordered by the entrepreneur Manuel Gameros for his wife.

Work began in 1907 and was completed at the dawn of the Mexican Revolution so this Porfirian couple was never able to stay in the building.

The house is decorated with Art Nouveau furniture from the Requena collection, and has quirky and more lavish details to keep an eye out for.

The ground floor has a double staircase under a Tiffany stained glass window, as well as wooden reliefs carved by European artists based in Mexico city.

There are parquet floors on both levels, and the exterior has whimsical carvings of salamanders at the base of its columns.

3. Centro Histórico

Bounded on the north by Av. Niños Héroes, to the east by la Av. Pacheco, the south by la Av. 20 de Noviembre and to the west by Blvd. Díaz Ordaz, the Centro Histórico is where all of Chihuhua’s oldest architecture can be found.

Like all Mexican cities Chihuahua was plotted on a grid system so is simple to navigate.

Some monuments to track down that aren’t on this list are the neo-Baroque Casa Creel (1894), at the corner of Libertad and Calle Segunda, the handsome Central University Hospital building from 1897 and the Francisco Villa Mausoleum (1914) in Parque de la Revolución.

The spacious Plaza Mayor features the Ángel de La Libertad, a 37-metre Ionic column capped with a golden angel to commemorate the independence leader Manuel Hidalgo.

4. Chihuahua Cathedral

Regarded as northern Mexico’s finest Baroque monument, Chihuahua Cathedral is on the south side of Plaza de Armas and dates from 1725. The facade stands out for its use of Solomonic columns, which aren’t common in New Spanish Baroque architecture.

Some of the fittings that you can see here were produced abroad, like the octagonal window commissioned in Germany, and the clock made in London.

Just inside the portal is a beautiful carved wooden nave screen with a carved relief of St Peter and St Paul.

In the Capilla del Cristo de Mapimi is a remarkable 18th-century reredos, blending the Baroque style with folk art and sporting a highly venerated image of Christ.

5. Museo Casa Chihuahua

Occupied by Chihuahua’s federal postal service up to 2004, the old Federal Palace is now an exhibition centre and museum.

The basement is where the independence leader Miguel Hidalgo was imprisoned by the Spanish in 1811 from April until his execution in July.

The museum revealing off his cell was opened in 1972 and has a few of Hidalgo’s belongings and documents, and a bronze inscription recounting the words he wrote with coal in the hours before his death.

The galleries on the ground floor and basement stage four exhibitions a year on topics relevant to the state of Chihuahua, while the top floor has a museum about the state, exploring its folk heritage, mountains, plain and desert.

6. Nombre de Dios Caves

The eight million year-old Nombre de Dios Caves are only 15 minutes from the centre of Chihuahua, beside the Sacramento River.

On an hour-long visit you’ll investigate 1,330 metres and 12 different chambers, descending 85 metres below the surface via a network of sturdy and well-lit walkways.

The caves are loaded with surreal stalagmites and stalactites, and at El Corazón de la Gruta there’s photo-worthy opening in the rock with the shape of a heart.

7. Government Palace

Up to 2004 the Government Palace next to the Museo Casa Chihuahua was where the legislature of the State of Chihuahua sat, and the building continues to hold the executive offices of the governor.

But there’s something much more intriguing about this location, as it is the very place where Miguel Hidalgo was executed by Spanish firing squad in 1811. The Altar de la Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), installed in 1956, is at the location where Hidalgo fell.

There’s also a mural showing Hidalgo’s last moments, painted in the late-50s by Aarón Piña Mora.

This initial piece was such a success that Piña Mora was then commissioned to decorate the entire first floor.

8. San Francisco Temple

On Calle Libertad, the San Francisco Temple is one of just a handful of monuments in Chihuahua still standing since colonial times.

It was begun in 1717 within ten years of the city’s foundation and was completed in 1789. As the name implies the church was established by the Franciscan order and with its plain whitewashed walls it has the no-frills style associated with the Franciscans.

If you’re on the Miguel Hidalgo trail, there’s a monument to the independence leader right in front of the church, and a stone in the church marks the place where he was buried between 1811 and 1823 before his body was moved to Mexico City.

9. Plaza de Armas

Between the current Ayuntamiento building and the Cathedral is Chihuahua’s the Plaza de Armas, which is the heart of the Centro Histórico and took on its current layout in 1895. On each corner of the square are bronze allegorical statues, cast in Paris and representing labour, commerce, agriculture and mining.

Also here, among the symmetrical gardens is a wrought iron French-style bandstand and a statue of Don Antonio de Deza y Ulloa, the governor of Nueva Vizcaya who founded Chihuahua in 1709.

10. Metropolitano Presa El Rejón Park

On Chihuahua’s southwestern outskirts is a park around the Presa El Rejón reservoir, lying just in front of the La Salle university.

Clear of the city, it’s a good place to size up Chihuahua’s topography and see the three hills, particularly Cerro Grande, that appear on the city’s coat of arms.

Many visitors come here for exercise and the perimeter jogging trail is 6.5 kilometres, with exercise stations every few hundred metres.

The “family centre” on the eastern shore has a place where you can hire a boat, food stands, a cafe, a children’s play area and an observatory to watch the night sky.

11. Museo Casa Juárez

Briefly, from 1864 to 1866, this building was home to President Benito Juárez’s and was the seat of his constitutional government while Mexico was under the rule of the France-backed Maximilian I of Mexico.

So essentially for those two years, the Casa Juárez was Mexico’s National Palace.

Juárez moved back to Mexico City after the defeat of the short-lived Second Mexican Empire and he was restored to full power.

When the new Government Palace was completed, the building became a school and it was only on the centenary of Benito Juárez’s death in 1972 that it was converted into a museum.

The interiors are furnished with items from the 1860s, and there’s information about Juárez’s military campaign against the French incursion.

12. Museo Semilla

A fun-filled interactive museum for kids, the Museo Semilla has six halls of interactive exhibits and experiments.

These deal with topics like biology, mathematics, astronomy, weather, electricity and are as entertaining as they are educational.

You can lie on a bed of nails, see inside a volcanic cone, walk over tectonic plates, program your own robot, feel what it’s like to be an astronaut on a gyroscope, generate electricity on a bicycle, to name a few activities.

The museum also has a working farm where kids can make friends with a horse and see chickens laying eggs, as well as a dinosaur area where budding palaeontologists can look for fossils.

13. Museo del Desierto Chihuahuense

Since you’re on the western edge of the Chihuahua Desert you could make for this museum not far away in Delicias to get to know this ecosystem and its natural history.

The museum is new, using modern design, low-energy lighting and ambient music in its four galleries charting the desert’s evolution and going into depth about its fauna and flora.

Two of these halls are devoted to the largest palaeontological collection in the State of Chihuahua, with 20 full-size skeleton models of the region’s Cretaceous dinosaurs, all moulded from original fossils.

14. Pegüis Canyon

On the road to the border town of Ojinaga is a 16-kilometre canyon with cliffs more than 350 metres high.

Pegüis Canyon is often overlooked in Chihuahua state in favour of the epic Candameña Canyon, and this is down to its isolated desert and a winding road approach road, which is not to be taken lightly! To avoid the most extreme temperatures it’s a good idea to plan a trip around early summer when you can hike for an hour through the gorge, which narrows to just eight metres in places.

The parched ground is sprinkled with biznaga and nopal, while the Conchos River attracts rafters and kayakers.

If you’re really up some adventure you can contact a tour company for rappelling down the canyon walls.

15. Regional Cuisine

The extreme temperatures in this desert region mean that settlers had to find ways to preserve food outside the short harvest periods.

That led to the dried pork and beef that goes into many regional preparations, like chile colorado con carne seca (red chilli sauce with dry meat). The breakfast of choice is machaca a la Mexicana, which is dried and spiced pork or beef, normally accompanied by egg and avocado and wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Burritos are also big in Chihuahua and have chile colorado, frijole beans and shredded pork or beef.

Chihuahua is famed for its Angus, Hereford and Charolais beef: The finest cuts are served at high-quality restaurants with roasted onion and potatoes, while the skirt, flap or flank steaks are seared on the grill to make carne asada.

15 Best Things to Do in Chihuahua (Mexico):

• Quinta Gameros
• Centro Histórico
• Chihuahua Cathedral
• Museo Casa Chihuahua
• Nombre de Dios Caves
• Government Palace
• San Francisco Temple
• Plaza de Armas
• Metropolitano Presa El Rejón Park
• Museo Casa Juárez
• Museo Semilla
• Museo del Desierto Chihuahuense
• Pegüis Canyon
• Regional Cuisine

Chihuahua Travel Guide

Mexico › Chihuahua Updated: March 1, 2022

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Chihuahua is one of our favorite provincial Mexican cities, with a wealth of historic attractions, grand 19th-century mansions, and the former home of Pancho Villa. This is also Mexico’s cowboy heartland, its markets crammed with vaquero boots and bargain leather gear.

The Cathedral of Chihuahua.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chihuahua

Where is chihuahua.

Chihuahua is a city in Mexico, the capital of the northern state of Chihuahua. The largest Mexican state, Chihuahua comprises vast areas of desert and mountainous terrain and runs along the US border. Chihuahua City lies around 155 miles (250 km) west of Presidio, Texas, and 240 miles (386 km) south of El Paso, Texas. The city is 1425 km northwest of Mexico City.

Non-stop flights to Chihuahua take 1 hour 25 minutes from Monterrey, 1 hour 45 minutes from Tijuana and Guadalajara, 2 hours from Dallas and Denver, and 2 hours 5 minutes from Mexico City.

How big is Chihuahua?

Chihuahua has a greater metro population of just over 1 million. The main city is hemmed in between mountains along the valley of the River Chuviscar.

The gorgeous Basaseachi Waterfall in the famous Copper Canyon.

What is the history of Chihuahua?

The Spanish largely ignored the harsh deserts of Chihuahua, home to nomadic peoples such as the Chichimeca. The city was officially founded by Spanish captain Antonio Deza y Ulloa in 1709, though it was originally dubbed “Real de Minas de San Francisco de Cuellar” after nearby silver mines. It remained small and largely unimportant well into the 19th century, though the Spanish imprisoned and later executed Independence hero Miguel Hidalgo here in 1811. The city received a boost when President Benito Juárez made Chihuahua his capital-in-exile during the French Intervention of the 1860s, and its growing importance led to Pancho Villa establishing his base here during the Mexican Revolution. Thanks to booming cross-border trade with the US, Chihuahua has since blossomed into one of Mexico’s richest cities.

How do I get to Chihuahua?

Chihuahua is connected to the US and cities throughout Mexico by numerous non-stop flights; Dallas, Houston, and Denver, as well as Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Cancún. Flights from Canada and Europe route through the US or Mexico City.

Within Mexico, first-class long-distance buses are an economical and comfortable alternative to flying – buses to Ciudad Juárez (5–6hr), just across the border from El Paso, Texas, run hourly to and from Chihuahua. Chihuahua’s Terminal Central de Autobuses (main bus station) is an inconvenient 10km east of the city center; local buses run from right outside to and from downtown, but arriving here it’s far easier and quicker to take a taxi – taxis should have meters (Uber is also available).

The Santa Teresa border crossing from the U.S. state of New Mexico into the Mexican State of Chihuahua.

What are the options for Chihuahua airport transportation?

Taxis are the best option for getting to and from Chihuahua airport. Chihuahua’s airport is 18km northeast of the city, and a fixed-fare taxi system operates – buy a voucher before leaving the terminal (around M$350 for downtown; the trip takes around 30 minutes).

Can I use Uber in Chihuahua?

Uber does operate in Chihuahua (assuming your phone has roaming, and the app works), but drivers are usually reluctant to pick-up from the airport due to hostility from the airport taxi union. However, Uber should be available heading back to the airport for as low as 115 pesos. Once in the city, getting an Uber should be no problem, and can be cheaper than regular taxis.

Various other ride-sharing apps operate in Chihuahua, with Chinese-owned DiDi offering slightly cheaper rates, but we’d recommend sticking with Uber for first-time visitors.

Can I drive to Chihuahua?

Driving down to Chihuahua from the US border is relatively straightforward – the main highway is well-maintained and fast. It takes around 4 hours to drive to central Chihuahua from the border city of Ciudad Juárez, and just 2 hours 40 minutes from Ojinaga, across from Presidio, Texas. However, parts of Chihuahua state have been affected by drug cartel violence – driving at night is definitely a bad idea. Check the latest travel advisories at travel.state.gov or ask the hotel. Drivers also need a Mexican “Temporary Importation of Vehicle Permit”.

Renting a car is much easier to do on the Mexican side of the border, as taking US rental vehicles into Mexico comes with all sorts of restrictions.

An old aqueduct runs through the city.

Do I need a car in Chihuahua?

It’s relatively easy and cheap to get around Chihuahua on foot, by bus, or taxi/Uber – most taxi trips in the city should be 50 to 80 pesos. Local buses are cheap but are unlikely to be needed.

When is the best time to go to Chihuahua?

Chihuahua has a mild, dry climate, with the wettest months July through September. There’s no real “bad” time to visit, though it can actually get chilly from November to February. March through June, and October, are probably best when the weather is pleasantly warm, the days are dry, and crowds low-key.

Where should I stay in Chihuahua?

Aim to stay in the atmospheric center of old Chihuahua, close to all the sights, best restaurants, and attractions. Modern hotels and motel chains have sprung up around the city, near the major highways, and can offer good rates, but these are all a long way from the action and it can be hassle shuttling back and forwards. We love the stylish and modern Hotel Plaza Chihuahua , and the atmospheric San Felipe El Real , set in a fabulous adobe mansion built in 1882.

What are the best things to do in Chihuahua?

Chihuahua is an incredibly historic city, and anyone interested in Mexico’s past is in for a treat – though with so many vaqueros around it’s also the best place in Mexico to buy authentic cowboy boots.

Start exploring on Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, dominated by the Chihuahua’s fine 18th-century cathedral. Pedestrianized Libertad street runs from here up to Playa Mayor (another large square), but it’s worth detouring to the Museo Casa de Juárez (Juárez 321), a museum housed in Benito Juárez’s base during the French Intervention. Plaza Mayor itself is home to Casa Chihuahua , the former federal government building and now a museum that preserves “Hidalgo’s dungeon” and has exhibits on the history of the city. It’s also worth popping into Chihuahua’s Palacio de Gobierno across the street to view the florid murals by Aarón Piña Mora.

For many Mexican tourists, the Museo Histórico de la Revolución (aka Casa de Villa at Calle 10 no. 3010) is the city’s premier site, the lavish mansion and former home of Pancho Villa himself (though he didn’t spend as much time here as his “official” widow Doña Luz Corral). The collection inside includes the bullet-spattered limousine in which Villa was assassinated in 1923. An even more ostentatious mansion has been preserved as the Centro Cultural Universitario Quinta Gameros (Paseo Bolivar 401), briefly the home of ex-president Venustiano Carranza.

What are the restaurants like in Chihuahua?

Chihuahua’s restaurants are surprisingly varied. Our favorites include the Casa de los Milagros at Victoria 812, set inside a pretty colonial courtyard, and offering an eclectic menu of Mexican and international dishes.

For a splurge, book a table at La Casona (Aldama 430), which offers contemporary Mexican and Argentine cuisine in a grand colonial-style mansion. For good coffee and excellent value breakfasts, it’s hard to beat El Hojaldre at Allende 200. Be sure also to visit legendary local taco chain Chih’ua Tacos y Cortes .

What currency is used in Chihuahua?

The Mexican peso (often prefixed with a “$” sign) is the currency of Mexico and Chihuahua. Most major shops and restaurants in Chihuahua accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some peso cash on hand for museum entry and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are easy to find in Chihuahua around Plaza de Armas.

Is Chihuahua expensive?

It’s easy to visit Chihuahua on a modest budget. To save cash, stay in the cheaper B&Bs (budget Airbnb deals are also a viable option), and eat at local restaurants and taco stalls. Buses and taxis are cheap, and museum entry is rarely more than US$2–3.

Is Chihuahua safe?

Though drug cartels do operate in Chihuahua state, the historic heart of Chihuahua city has generally avoided the violence. Take the usual precautions, especially at night, and keep valuables in room safes.

Do Chihuahua dogs really come from here?

The tiny bug-eyed dog was really named after Chihuahua state, but they are not especially common in the city today. They likely did originate somewhere in Mexico, back in pre-Hispanic times, but their modern history isn’t well known and the current breed emerged relatively recently. In recent years Chihuahua City has sponsored a “dog parade” each summer, where multicolored Chihuahua sculptures are dotted around town.

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Amazing Chihuahua Itinerary For Families: 15 Things To Do in Chihuahua Mexico

A Chihuahua itinerary isn’t necessarily the first thing people think of for a family vacation but Chihuahua City is actually great for a family city break. There are so many things to do in Chihuahua Mexico for families!

The capital of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the city  of Chihuahua is a historically important place chock-full of museums, culture, great food and friendly, welcoming people. Take a look at why we love Chihuahua, and why you should consider Chihuahua Mexico travel for your family. 

Plus, read more to get our suggestions of what to do in Chihuahua Mexico with kids.

This post was written by Cassie Pearse of Mexico Cassie Goes International .

This post may contain affiliate links. That means this blog will receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase something. However, this will not result in any extra costs to you.

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Where to stay during your Chihuahua itinerary

Whether you’re planning to stay at a hotel or a vacation rental during your Chihuahua itinerary, aim to stay close to Zona Centro. This area is close to many of the things to do in Chihuahua. If you’re working with a travel agent or trip planner for your trip, they can also recommend some hotels to stay in Chihuahua. 

In terms of where to eat in Chihuahua, Plaza del Mariachi in Zona Centro is a small area with a number of restaurant options. There’s bound to be something for everyone here and the bandstand in the middle will keep smaller kids happy while you wait for food to arrive. 

Here are some highly rated hotels around Zona Centro that you can book for your family-friendly Chihuahua itinerary.

Hotel Plaza Chihuahua

For a basic hotel offering during your Chihuahua itinerary, consider staying at Hotel Plaza Chihuahua . This hotel is located near the Cathedral of Chihuahua and Plaza de Armas.

There's a rooftop terrace, and continental breakfast is offered for free. Rooms have free wifi, and there are rooms that can accommodate families of four.

Quality Inn San Francisco

For a hotel option during your Chihuahua itinerary that offers more amenities, consider staying at the Quality Inn San Francisco . This hotel offers a gym, laundry services, cribs for babies, and babysitting for families.

If you have a car, parking is available on site for free. Quality Inn San Francisco is located a couple of blocks away from the Plaza de Armas in Zona Centro. Families of four can book rooms with two queen beds.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chihuahua

If you want to splurge, consider the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chihuahua . This hotel is actually located outside of Zona Centro. So if you're planning on staying here, you might want to rent a car to get to your Chihuahua itinerary activities.

This hotel offers a pool, gym, free parking, laundry services, and free cribs for families who need it. Families of four can book suites with double beds. The suites are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and free WiFi.

Things to know as you plan your Chihuahua itinerary

Before jetting off to Chihuahua with all your Chihuahua itinerary plans, take some time to get to know the history and basic info about the city. Also learn about the best time to visit Chihuahua, how to get to Chihuahua, and where to stay in Chihuahua.

These Mexico guide books are helpful for general Mexico travel information:

The Rough Guide to Mexico

Lonely Planet Mexico

Insight Guides Mexico

In addition, here is more specific information about Chihuahua to get you started before you dive into all the things to do in Chihuahua Mexico.

How to get to Chihuahua Mexico by plane

The main airport in Chihuahua City is Aeropuerto Internacional de Chihuahua General Roberto Fierro Villalobos (Chihuahua International Airport). This airport primarily services destinations throughout Mexico. But there are also two US destinations that the airport services: Dallas and Denver. However, you can always get a flight into Mexico City and then find cheap flights into Chihuahua from there.

Other ways to get to Chihuahua

If you’re planning to travel to Chihuahua by bus from around Mexico for your Chihuahua itinerary, the main bus operators are Chihuahuenses and Omnibus de Mexico . From Mexico City, the bus ride takes between 20-24 hours, and costs around 2400 pesos (roughly $120 USD). From the city of Monterrey in Nuevo Leon state, the bus ride takes around 12-13 hours and costs around 1200-1300 pesos (roughly $60-65 USD).

For a longer, more scenic option to get to Chihuahua, take the Copper Canyon Railroad, also known as the Chepe Express. This 9-10 hour train takes passengers from the coastal city of Los Mochis in Sinaloa through Copper Canyon to the city of Creel in Chihuahua state. From Creel, you can take a 4-6 hour bus (booked through Chihuahuenses) to Chihuahua City. The whole trip, including the bus Chihuahua to Creel portion, costs 3000-5,200 pesos (roughly $150-260 USD) per person.  

Getting around during your Chihuahua itinerary

For getting around to your things to do in Chihuahua, there are taxis all throughout the city. Ubers also exist in Chihuahua, however you might not want to rely on it all the time as only a few of them are active.

Another transportation option for your Chihuahua itinerary, especially if you’re flying into Chihuahua International Airport, is to rent a car . International car rental companies that are available at the airport include Alamo, Thrifty, Europcar, and Avis. Make sure you get insurance for your car rental (having insurance is mandatory for car rentals in Mexico) as your standard travel insurance might not include it.

Best time to visit Chihuahua Mexico

Being a desert and mountainous climate, Chihuahua City receives less rainfall throughout the year than other parts of Mexico. The rainiest months are between June and October. However, the most rain Chihuahua receives is in the month of July, at around 3 inches for that month. For most of the year, Chihuahua City receives less than an inch of rain each month.

The hottest time of the year in Chihuahua City is between the months of May and early August. During that time of year, the temperatures reach highs of 80-93 degrees Fahrenheit (though evenings can get quite cool). The coldest months of the year run from late November to early February, with temperatures hovering around mid-30 degrees Fahrenheit.

As you’re planning your Chihuahua itinerary, consider the climate and weather for each month . The best time of year to visit Chihuahua City is from March to May and September to October.

Basic history and facts for your Chihuahua itinerary

Some of the indigenous groups who lived in the area before the arrival of the Spanish in the late 16th century include the Tarahumara (Raramuri), Apache, Comanche and Guarojío. Many historians believe the name Chihuahua is a variation of an indigenous Nahuatl word meaning “dry sandy place”. But the city, itself, was established by the Spanish in 1709.

During Spanish colonization, Chihuahua City was a center for silver mining. And during the Mexican Revolution, revolutionary leader Pancho Villa fought all throughout the state for the rights of peasant farmers. Today, Chihuahua serves as a center of industry, known for its many car, electronics, and textile factories (called maquiladores ).

Additionally, Chihuahua state has its fair share of nature and archeological sites worth visiting and exploring. The state has a mix of mountains, plains, and deserts.

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Top 15 things to do in Chihuahua Mexico

Some of the best places to visit in Chihuahua Mexico are its museums and plazas. Many of the Chihuahua Mexico attractions are located in Zona Centro, but some can be found throughout the city as well. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to include some excursions too during your Chihuahua itinerary, as the area has some beautiful natural landscapes.

Here are the top 15 things to do in Chihuahua Mexico for your next family vacation.

Best museums for your Chihuahua itinerary

Begin your Chihuahua itinerary by visiting museums to get a handle on the significance of this magnificent city. There are two museums in particular that should be visited with children: the Museo del Mamut and the Museo Semilla Interactivo. 

However, there are also other museums worth checking out with kids if they can face it. These museums showcase the history of Chihuahua. Read on to find out what each museum has to offer families.

1. Museo del Mamut 

Housed in an old school in downtown Chihuahua, the Museo del Mamut (Mammoth Museum) is bound to capture the attention of the kids during your Chihuahua itinerary. Work your way through this strange and eclectic collection of artifacts. Marvel at the enormous mammoth skeleton and other items relating to the history of Chihuahua. 

The Museo del Mamut is open to the public on Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am to 4pm. Admission to the museum is 15 pesos (roughly $.75 USD) for adults and 5 pesos (roughly $.25 USD) for children.

2. Semilla Museo Interactivo

For an interactive science museum to include in a Chihuahua itinerary, the Semilla Museo Interactivo is just perfect for the kids. The museum has two enormous halls filled to the brim with exhibits that kids are welcome to touch and enjoy. There are guides who will take you around and explain everything should you so desire. If you don’t want a guide with you all the time there are also staff available to answer specific questions as they crop up. 

Semilla Museo Interactivo is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum is open from 11am to 6pm. Admission to the museum is 40 pesos (roughly $2 USD) for adults and 35 pesos (roughly $1.75 USD) for children.

3. Palacio del Gobierno

It’s always a good idea to check out the Palacio del Gobierno (also known as the Government Palace) in any Mexico city you visit because they are generally decorated with murals that are both fascinating to examine and also historically informative. Chihuahua’s Palacio is no letdown. 

This 19th century building has some wonderful architecture you can admire. It also houses a shrine commemorating the execution of Miguel Hidalgo at the hands of a Spanish firing squad in 1811. Be sure to include a visit on your Chihuahua itinerary.

4. Museo Casa Chihuahua

The Museo Casa Chihuahua (officially known as Casa Chihuahua Centro de Patrimonio Cultural) focuses on showcasing the cultural heritage of Chihuahua state. It’s a perfect educational activity for a Chihuahua itinerary. 

Besides permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum also offers artistic activities and an educational library. A (weird) highlight of this museum is the dungeon where Hidalgo was held prisoner until he was executed in the Palacio opposite. 

You can visit Museo Casa Chihuahua on Wednesdays to Mondays from 9am to 5pm. Tickets to Museo Casa Chihuahua costs 50 pesos (roughly $2.50 USD) per person. Families can purchase a family package, good for 5 tickets, for 125 pesos (roughly $6.25 USD). Museo Casa Chihuahua is located across the street from Palacio del Gobierno.

5. Ex-Hacienda El Sauz

For a chance to learn more about the indigenous history of Chihuahua during your Chihuahua itinerary, head to Ex-Hacienda El Sauz . Just outside the city (about 60 kilometers), this museum is dedicated to the Apaches and Cowboys. 

Ex-Hacienda El Sauz was established in the 1700s and owned by Benito Aspedes de Rivera. In the late 1800s, the property was transferred to the Terrazas family. Today, the ex-hacienda houses the Museo de La Apacheria and exhibits address the tension between the Apaches and the Spanish in the past. The museum also has exhibits about the famous Apache, Geronimo.

The museum is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Admission to the Ex-Hacienda El Sauz costs 20 pesos (roughly $1 USD) per person.

6. Museo Histórico de la Revolución

Another great museum to learn about Mexican history is the Museo Histórico de la Revolución . Here you will learn about Pancho Villa and the Mexican revolution.

The museum showcases exhibits and furniture belonging to Pancho Villa, known formally as General Francisco Villa. He served as a leader in the Mexican Revolution. Museo Historico de la Revolución is also a great example of houses of the time of the Mexican Revolution.

Museo Histórico de la Revolución is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm. On Sundays, the museum is open from 9am to 5pm. Admission to the museum is 10 pesos (roughly $.50 USD) for adults and 5 pesos (roughly $.25 USD) for children. It’s an inexpensive activity to include on a Chihuahua itinerary.

Other activities to include in your Chihuahua itinerary

Once the kids are all museum-ed out, it’s time to consider more outdoorsy activities for your Chihuahua itinerary. Check out our recommendations for great options.

7. Plaza de Armas

For some people-watching opportunities during a Chihuahua itinerary, head to Plaza de Armas. Located in Zona Centro, right in front of the 18th century Catedral Metropolitana de Chihuahua, Plaza de Armas is a popular hang out place for local families. 

Every evening people come out to dance and enjoy themselves. It’s a great place to let the kids run around while also seeing some local culture. While on the plaza you could also let them take a ride on the small train that loops around the plaza. 

8. Plaza de Angel and Plaza Mayor

Also in Zona Centro, several blocks from Plaza de Armas are two more plazas worth visiting for your Chihuahua itinerary: Plaza de Angel and Plaza Mayor de Chihuahua. 

These two large, pedestrianized squares are side-by-side and offer a great space for the kids to run and play. They can join local kids enjoying splashing in the fountains (take towels), sliding down the steps on the monument in the middle of the Plaza de Angel and generally running riot.

9. Parque Metropolitano Tres Presas el Rejon

For outdoor enthusiasts, head southwest of Chihuahua to Parque Metropolitano Tres Presas el Rejon . It’s just south of Centro Cultural Universitario, one of the universities in Chihuahua. This park surrounds Presa El Rejon (El Rejon Dam), which creates a lake for sport fishing and water activities.

At the lake you can hire boats, kayaks and take a turn on the zipline (tirolesa in Spanish). There’s a six kilometer walking trail here and plenty of space for picnicking. There are also bike trails for cycling. It’s a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon on your Chihuahua itinerary.

10. Tio Alberto waterpark

For another opportunity to cool off during your Chihuahua itinerary, take an uber and head out to a traditional Mexican water park for the day. Cabañas del Tio Alberto is a local aquatic center located northeast of Chihuahua City with water slides, pools, and splash areas.

The kids will just adore the slides and water play and you’ll love the cheap snacks and laid back atmosphere. Tio Alberto has small cabins for rent for the day or per night. There’s also a small train young kids can ride.

Cabañas del Tio Alberto is open every day from 10am to 7pm. Tickets are 100 pesos (roughly $5 USD) per person, but children under 90 cm (roughly 35 inches) are free. Cabana rentals range from 1,100 to 4,460 pesos (roughly $55-$223 USD). The least expensive cabanas can accommodate two people, while the most expensive accommodates ten people.

11. Puerta de Chihuahua

If you are renting a car during your Chihuahua itinerary, it’s worth driving out to Puerto de Chihuahua . This interesting large, red sculpture is 46 meters tall and is located about 15km outside of town. It was designed by Sebastian, a famous Mexican sculptor. 

The sculpture, erected in 1997, is meant to represent a sundial. In addition, it makes reference to rituals surrounding the sun in Chihuahuan culture. 

Day trips from Chihuahua for a Chihuahua itinerary

Besides spending time within Chihuahua City during your Chihuahua itinerary, take some time to do excursions too. There are plenty of things to do in Chihuahua Mexico outside of Chihuahua City.

Popular activities include visiting caves, hiking at nature parks, and exploring nearby communities. Here are some suggestions for excursions to include in your Chihuahua itinerary.

12. Caves around Chihuahua

There are two caves to explore just outside Chihuahua: Las Monas and Nombre de Dios. Las Monas caves, located 49 km northwest of Chihuahua, are home to the famous Raramuri cave paintings. 

Most people, however, visit the Grutas Nombre de Dios, located 10 km north of Chihuahua, since they are just twenty minutes from town. The visit is a guided tour that lasts around ninety minutes and takes in around 1.5km of fascinating caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. 

Be warned that there is a decent amount of walking and it isn’t always an easy trail so wear good quality shoes.

Consider bring one of these shoes along on your Chihuahua itinerary:

A third cave option is the Grutas de Coyame, located 139 km northeast of Chihuahua. These beautifully lit caves hold pools of water, stalactites and stalagmites and apparently provide proof that this region was once under water. 

13. Paquimé (Casas Grandes) 

300 km is a long way to drive for a day trip but Paquimé is one of those places you will never regret visiting. 

Paquimé is a prehispanic desert settlement that is considered a significant Mogollon archaeological zone that had links to other sites in Arizona and New Mexico. Take some time during your Chihuahua itinerary to take a road trip to this unique site.

14. Cuauhetémoc

Around 100km from Chihuahua, is home to a sizable Mennonite community. People visit the city for the Mennonite museum, to check out La Quesería Americana and for the apple orchards. 

15. Other excursion ideas for a Chihuahua itinerary

Longer day trips include Creel, Divisadero (Copper Canyon Adventure Park), Cascadas de Basaseachi (the second highest waterfall in Mexico at 246 meters). These can all be visited in one day on organized tours but if you have time, they would be better visited over a few days to really get the most out of your visit to the region. 

Take a look at these partial day or full day excursions from Chihuahua City tours packed with things to do in Creel Chihuahua and Copper Canyon Mexico.

Tour around El Creel Chihuahua

Missions around Creel tour

Copper Canyon tour

Private Sandboarding Experience in the Samalayuca Dunes

Bonus: Chihuahua letters

Of course, you can’t forget to check out the Chihuahua letters. This is surely one of the fun things to see in Chihuahua Mexico, and makes for a great photo opportunity!

Every kid enjoys clambering around these famous Mexican landmarks. Here, the sign is on a ramp so kids can play without actually climbing on the letters, which is, of course, frowned upon.

Traveling to the Yucatan?

Get this must-have guide, Yucatan With Kids by Cassie Pearse, to plan your trip to the Yucatan.

Suggested Chihuahua Mexico travel itineraries

If your time in Chihuahua is limited and you’re looking for specific things to do in Chihuahua Mexico to make the most of your time, here are our recommendations for your trip itinerary.

1 day Chihuahua itinerary: top Chihuahua tourist attractions

For a short Chihuahua itinerary, focus on visiting the top attractions in the city. These Chihuahua Mexico tourist attractions include museums, as well as famous government buildings and plazas. Here are our recommendations for a one day Chihuahua itinerary.

• Visit Casa Chihuahua in the morning
• Stop by Palacio de Gobierno
• Get lunch around Plaza del Angel
• Visit another museum in the afternoon: Museo Semilla or Museo Historico de la Revolucion 
• Get dinner near Plaza de Armas

2 day Chihuahua itinerary: more Chihuahua points of interest

If you have two days in Chihuahua, use that time to include an excursion. On your first day, do all the activities in the one day Chihuahua itinerary, then include an excursion out to Creel or one of the caves on day 2.

3 day Chihuahua itinerary: Chihuahua sightseeing at its best

For a three day Chihuahua itinerary, take your time enjoying Chihuahua at its best. For the first two days, do the activities suggested above for a 2 day Chihuahua itinerary. Then on day 3, take a look at these recommended activities.

• Spend the morning at Parque Tres Presas
• Have lunch and spend the afternoon at Tio Alberto waterpark

7 day Chihuahua itinerary: the best Chihuahua places to visit

If you have seven or more days to spend in Chihuahua, then you’ll have plenty of time to experience all the things to do in Chihuahua Mexico, as well as outside of the city. Here are our recommendations for a Chihuahua Mexico itinerary 7 days and more.

• Spend a day visiting the other museums in Chihuahua, including Museo del Mamut 
• Take an excursion to see Puerta Chihuahua then drive out to Ex-Hacienda El Sauz
• Take an excursion through Copper Canyon
• Head out to Grutas de Coyame

An unforgettable Chihuahua itinerary for families

Chihuahua, Mexico is a fantastic destination for families with kids. The city offers a rich history, unique cultural experiences, delicious food, and breathtaking natural beauty. There are plenty of things to do in Chihuahua City to keep kids entertained, from exploring museums and parks to trying new foods and meeting friendly locals. 

Whether you're looking for an adventurous trip or a relaxing vacation, a Chihuahua itinerary has something for everyone. With its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities for fun and exploration, Chihuahua is sure to be an unforgettable destination for your family vacation.

Check out these other off-the-beaten path city itineraries:

15 Best Places To Visit In Veracruz For Families and Kids

The Ultimate Isla Holbox Itinerary: 13 Best Ideas For What To Do In Holbox

10 Amazing Oaxaca City Itinerary Activities For Families

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12 Best Things To Do In Chihuahua, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in Chihuahua, Mexico?

Chihuahua, the capital city of its namesake state in northern Mexico, is one of the largest cities in the country. It boasts a wealth of history and cultural heritage, which is seen in its numerous art galleries and museums, as well as various cultural events.

One of the most charming and authentic colonial cities you can visit in Mexico, Chihuahua also offers a vibrant nightlife experience and a diverse culinary scene. It is a hub for business and industry as well, with various national and international companies operating here, which says a lot about the city’s economy.

Overall, Chihuahua is a dynamic and progressive city with a warm atmosphere that both locals and visitors love. If you are visiting soon, here are some of the best things to do in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Things you'll find in this article

1. Start your exploration at the city’s historic center

2. visit the cathedral of chihuahua, 3. relax at the plaza de armas, 4. visit the museo casa chihuahua, 5. check out the palacio de gobierno, 6. tour the murals of chihuahua, 7. visit the quinta gameros, 8. explore the museo histórico de la revolución mexicana, 9. chill at the parque el palomar, 10. enjoy some local cuisine, 11. visit the grutas nombre de dios, travel tips and resources.

Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Chihuahua in the heart of the city is the perfect starting point of your tour of the city.

It is a must-visit destination for history, culture, and architecture buffs since the district is famed for its historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and nicely-preserved colonial-era architecture.

In addition, Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Chihuahua is also teeming with cafés, restaurants, and shops along its cobblestone streets.

Located in the city’s historic center, the Cathedral of Chihuahua is one of the most important structures in Chihuahua. It is an exquisite example of Spanish Baroque architecture which dates back to the 18th century.

The Cathedral of Chihuahua features beautiful stained-glass windows and ornate decorations. It still has many of the original bells in its Church towers. You should explore its interior to appreciate the intricate details and learn about its history.

Also check out the Sacred Art Museum in the crypt, where paintings by Miguel Cabrera, José de Alcíbar, José de Páez, and Antonio de Torres are showcased.

Surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, shops, and restaurants, the Plaza de Armas is an ideal place to relax with a coffee or ice cream in hand.

Here you can people-watch and simply enjoy the lively atmosphere while sitting on one of its benches. The plaza is a must-stop on your tour of Chihuahua’s historic center.

The Museo Casa Chihuahua is located in a beautiful historic building that used to be the Federal Palace. This space is allotted for visiting exhibits and Miguel Hidalgo’s jail cell.

The museum features a collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents. If you want to learn about Chihuahua’s history, this is the place to be!

Another notable landmark you can find in the historic center is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), right next to the Museo Casa Chihuahua.

Palacio de Gobierno houses a museum dedicated to the Mexican War of Independence, which is one of the must-not-miss activities in the city.

Palacio de Gobierno is the very place where the Spanish firing squad executed Catholic priest and Mexican War of Independence hero Miguel Hidalgo in 1811.

In 1956, the Altar de la Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) was installed in the same exact spot where he fell.

Chihuahua is home to vibrant and colorful murals decorating the walls of many buildings throughout the city. These murals are an important part of the city’s cultural heritage and serve as a reminder of its rich history and traditions.

One of the most famous murals you must never miss in Chihuahua is the one in the Palacio de Gobierno.

Local artist Aarón Piña Mora painted the mural called El Mestizaje due to the blending of Indigenous and European cultures in Mexico that is depicted there. It measures more than 1,000 square meters and covers the entire interior courtyard of the Palacio.

Another notable mural in Chihuahua is the one you can find at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (Autonomous University of Chihuahua), which depicts the history of the universe according to Mesoamerican mythology.

Other murals in Chihuahua are scattered around the city’s parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The Quinta Gameros, or the Gameros Country House, is a historic mansion located on Paseo Bolívar 401, in Chihuahua’s historic center. It was constructed between 1907 and 1910, and owned by the wealthy businessman Manuel Gameros.

The mansion, adorned with marble columns, stained glass windows, and ornate ironwork, is a stunning example of a neoclassical style with elements of Art Nouveau.

The Quinta Gameros was declared a Historic National Monument of Mexico in 1987. It serves as a cultural heritage site in Chihuahua and currently housing a regional museum.

Museo Histórico de la Revolución Mexicana, or the Historical Museum of the Mexican Revolution, was once the residence of the celebrated Mexican revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa and has been converted into a museum in his honor.

The museum houses artifacts and exhibits associated with the Mexican Revolution (1910 – 1920). It hosts a good number of permanent exhibitions, which include showcases on the life and legacy of Pancho Villa. Temporary exhibitions and educational programs are also held here.

Museo Histórico de la Revolución Mexicana is a prominent cultural institution not only in Chihuahua but in the whole of Mexico, offering a treasure trove of knowledge and information about this pivotal period in Mexican history.

The Parque El Palomar is a great place for relaxation or walking around. Located in the heart of the city, the park features beautiful gardens, fountains, and a lake with paddle boats.

It’s a great place for a picnic, especially if you have kids in tow. Here they can play and run around. If you happen to be visiting in the summer, free concerts are held at the park.

There are many restaurants and cafés in the city where you can enjoy some delicious local food .

Some of the popular dishes in Chihuahua that you must partake in while here include machaca (dried beef), asado de puerco (pork roast), carne asada (grilled beef with beans, avocado, and tortillas), menudo (tripe and red chili pepper soup), enchiladas, and burritos.

There are several caves in Chihuahua, the most popular of which is the Grutas de Nombre de Dios.

Many tourists visit this beautiful natural cave system for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites and to learn about the caves’ history and geology.

Located just outside of Chihuahua, the Grutas de Nombre de Dios boasts stunning rock formations and underground lakes. The area also allows visitors to enjoy stunning views.

12. Shop for souvenirs at the Mercado de Artesanias (Craft Market)

The Mercado de Artesanias is a bustling craft market in the historic center of the Chihuahua. It offers a vast array of handcrafted souvenirs you can take home with you as keepsakes of your visit to Chichuahua.

The Mercado de Artesanias sells local arts and handicrafts in an interesting setup. You will find various unique items here from typical local crafts like ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, wrought iron, blown glass, and jewelry. These items are all created by local artisans and are of excellent quality.

Apart from shopping, here you can also learn about Chihuahua’s culture and tradition from sellers who are eager to share their knowledge and information.

The market is near the Chihuahua Cathedral and the main plaza, so it’s hard to miss.

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Hola! Que tal? I'm Christine, a Filipina but in love with Mexico. I used to live in Central America and Mexico is my favorite. Love tacos, tequila, and margarita.

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Trip planning, travel destinations, destination highlights, mexico lifestyles, living & lifestyle, lifestyle planning, real estate, healthcare & wellbeing, leisure assistance, lifestyle assistance, insurance coverages, property assistance, about mexperience, mexico essentials, discover more, experience chihuahua.

Discover Chihuahua

Chihuahua City (“chi-WAH’-wah”) is the capital city of Chihuahua state – by far Mexico’s largest state. With over a quarter of a million square kilometers of territory, Chihuahua occupies nearly 13% of Mexico’s total land space. It also shares a long land border with the USA.

Although the state capital of Chihuahua provides the eastern terminus of the Copper Canyon train, it has not really been part of the Mexican tourist trail in the past; ignored by some guidebooks and distanced from the cluster of cities in Mexico’s colonial heartland, Chihuahua has been overlooked by many people who visited Mexico’s other colonial cities. It is nevertheless, a very important city in Mexico: its wealth built on agriculture and industry which still thrive here. It’s also one of Mexico’s most important historical centers.

Chihuahua’s atmosphere is truly Mexican and deeply patriotic, which adds remarkably to the sense of history found here. Its remoteness from the traditional colonial heartland means that it hosts fewer tourists than its counterparts; although a tour of Mexico’s colonial heritage, without including Chihuahua, would be incomplete.

Chihuahua’s colonial center is filled with handsome colonial buildings, mansions and palaces – most are open to the public – and also has some fine museums, including the ex-houses of two of Mexico’s most famous leaders.

Surrounding Chihuahua City are a number of areas of outstanding natural beauty which lend themselves to adventure and eco tourism, something the local government here is actively promoting (see Key Attractions).

This is a city with an authentic Mexican feel, a friendly atmosphere, important historical significance and a selection of fine attractions. A stay of 1 or 2 nights here, either as part of colonial city tour, an adventure holiday, perhaps as part of a copper canyon train ride, will be rewarded with your discovery of a true hidden gem within Mexico’s rich colonial heritage.

Key Attractions

Colonial center.

The city’s Cathedral overlooks the busy Plaza de Armas (main Plaza) where small band-stand like structures host a series of shoe shiners busy polishing the shoes and cowboy boots that can be seen everywhere here; Chihuahua has a lot of ranches on its outskirts. This is Mexico’s cowboy country.

Two imposing buildings greet you at the end of Calle Libertad , a pedestrianized area of shops: The Federal Palace; a fine looking building inside and out that today houses Chihuahua’s main postal and telegraph offices; on the left of it, the back of the Government Palace. Around the corner is Plaza Hidalgo , where a statue commemorating Padre Miguel Hidalgo , one of the fathers of Mexico’s independence movement, stands proudly in the center. The main entrance to the Government Palace is off here.

The Government Palace is built in the traditional style with an impressive courtyard surrounded by a series of passageways and rooms; today they are all official government offices. All three levels of the building have public access, and there are fine murals on most of the walls which depict Mexico’s struggle for independence. The Palace is one of the finest in Mexico; it takes a good couple of hours to see the building properly.

Paseo de Simón Bolivar (Simón Bolivar was a Venezuelan who led the independence movement in South America) – is a picturesque avenue lined with old colonial villas and mansions and a nice park where families gather to play, eat, drink and relax.

Museums in Chihuahua

Chihuahua has some fine museums.

Museo Casa Benito Juarez – Benito Juarez was Mexico’s first president; his home is now a significant museum in the city. It’s small, but has some interesting rooms that give a glimpse into how Juarez lived and worked; many of his famous quotes and sayings are displayed around the museum; he was something of a philosopher as well as a statesman.

Museo de la Revolución Mexicana – (Museum of the Mexican Revolution) The museum is in the middle of a residential suburb; it is General Francisco (Pancho) Villa’s old home. In 1982, the building was formally taken over by the state, turned into a museum and inaugurated by President Jose Lopez Portillo. The museum gives a good insight into the life and work of Pancho Villa. Various rooms depict the different eras of Mexico’s history around the time of the revolution with many fine and original examples of tools, machinery, weapons, clothing and technologies of the day.

Calabozo de Hidalgo – Calabozo means dungeon and this place, now a museum, is where Padre Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende were held before being executed by the Spanish for treason. Their heads were severed and sent to be hung on the hooks of the Granary in Guanajuato as a warning to other would-be insurgents. In the Government Palace downtown, there is a special room that is now a shrine to Miguel Hidalgo with a light, representing an eternal flame, glowing inside.

Adventure & Eco Tourism in Chihuahua

The natural areas surrounding Chihuahua include mountains, rivers and the Copper Canyon region (Chihuahua City hosts the eastern terminus of the Copper Canyon train ride). This makes the city an ideal base for people wanting to take part in a variety of eco and adventure travel experiences , and the local government is actively encouraging, investing in and promoting this kind of tourism in the state. The area has sponsored an Adventure Tourism Festival that is now going on its second decade (see Local Events )

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can get to Chihuahua City by plane from Mexico City, Monterrey, Tijuana, La Paz, and destinations in the USA including Los Angeles, Houston and San Antonio. The airport is about 30 minutes drive from Chihuahua City. A taxi will take up to four people for a fixed fee; buy your tickets at the taxi desk inside the terminal building. If you want to rent a car, agencies have desks inside the main airport terminal building; booking car rental in advance will save you money in comparison to renting on the day (see car rental). For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico .

By Bus – First class buses run all day every day from Mexico City to Chihuahua and even further north to Ciudad Juarez on Mexico-USA border. Chihuahua has excellent national bus connections and you can get from here to many places south, north, east and west. There are also regular buses from Chihuahua to destinations in the USA. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico .

By Car – Driving to Chihuahua City from the southern border of the United States at Ciudad Juarez will take you about 4 hours on Toll Road 45. The drive north from Mexico City will take considerably longer – around 12 hours using the faster toll roads where possible. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car .

Local Buses – Local buses are available, but most of Chihuahua City’s main attractions downtown are best experienced on foot.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish , you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico .

Chihuahua Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialling codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Chihuahua City. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s cheques and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico .

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

What to Buy in Chihuahua

Cowboy boots can be seen for sale everywhere in Chihuahua. You can buy the real thing here, good quality and in virtually any color you care to mention! There are also a number of stores selling arts and crafts created by the Tarahumara Indians who live in the Copper Canyon as well as Menonite cheese, (“ Queso Menonite “) made and sold here and in many other places around Mexico, too.

Local Climate

Chihuahua City sits at a reasonably high altitude of 1,500 meters (4,800ft) above sea level. Because of its arid, inland location, it is hot and dry most of the year. Mexico’s rainy season does not really affect this area.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

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Where Do We Go From Here?

Things to Do in Chihuahua, Mexico

Last Updated on January 4, 2021

We discovered some interesting things to do in Chihuahua, Mexico during our first long-term backpacking trip in 2014. That first impression was so good we decided to return in 2019 to discover even more things to do in Chihuahua.

Our time in Chihuahua was spent sitting in the pleasant main square, exploring the cathedral, visiting historic sights and sites and admiring colonial architecture. Expect plenty of things to do here during your visit to this vibrant capital city and throughout all of Mexico .

Most of the things to do in Chihuahua center around Plaza de Armas, the very heart of the city. However, plenty of other attractions are either a short walk from the main plaza or an inexpensive bus or taxi ride away. Getting around Chihuahua really is quite easy on foot and I recommend using Plaza de Armas as a starting point for walking to each of the attractions mentioned in this article.

Need a Place to Stay in Chihuahua?

Check out the amazing selection of Airbnb rentals in Chihuahua . You’ll always find something through Airbnb, no matter your style or budget.

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Chihuahua has hosted some rather big names in Mexican history – Father Miguel Hidalgo and Pancho Villa both live on in several interesting museums around town. The city has a great art museum displaying permanent and temporary exhibits along with plenty of colonial architecture lining narrow streets throughout the center. Chihuahua also features some pleasant parks to explore during your visit.

Spend some time in Chihuahua to really get a sense of this pleasant city. To start, take a walk through the pedestrianized city center and relax in some peaceful parks to get your bearings and plan your visit. I suggest at least 3 full days here to enjoy the many things to do in Chihuahua.

Bonus Section: Transportation, a Budget Hotel and Restaurants in Chihuahua

I’ve included a bonus section below containing additional information for getting the most out of your visit to Chihuahua.

You need to know how to get into and around Chihuahua once you arrive. Taxis are the simplest, most convenient option and are quite affordable. However, buses are much cheaper and offer several different systems.

You’ll get hungry exploring the city so we’ve included 2 of our favorite  restaurants in Chihuahua and our favorite bar which is a unique place you’ll want to see. We can’t promise you’ll be blown away by our suggestions but the restaurants included here all offer good food at reasonable prices.

Of course, you’ll need a place to stay. Save your pesos by checking out one of the best budget hotels in Chihuahua  just 2 blocks from the city center. We’ve stayed at the Hotel San Juan during both of our visits to Chihuahua and it’s always a great deal. Look for the bonus section below!

Things to Do in Chihuahua…

Learn about pancho villa at the museum of the mexican revolution.

Where: 3010 Calle 10a, east of Plaza de Armas

• 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, Closed Monday.
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sundays & Holidays.

Website:  www.gob.mx/museo-historico-de-la-revolucion

The former mansion of Pancho Villa is now a fascinating museum dedicated to this revolutionary figure. Displays include plenty of photos, furnishings, personal effects (including some of Villa’s weapons ) and even the bullet-riddled car in which Pancho was assassinated in. Visiting this museum is one of the most obligatory things to do in Chihuahua, Mexico. Signs throughout the site are in Spanish and English .

Villa’s wife lived in the house until her death in 1981. She donated this to the city for the public to enjoy as a museum; it opened in 1982. The museum is a 20 minute walk (5 minute taxi ride) from Plaza de Armas.

Walking here : With the cathedral behind you turn right on Avenida Independencia for about 12 blocks, then right on Terrazas for 5 blocks. Turn left on Calle 10a to the museum.

Visit Chihuahua Cathedral

Where: Plaza de Armas

Fronting the the south side of Plaza de Armas , the ornate Chihuahua Cathedral easily holds pride of place in this town. This church, designed in the Spanish Baroque style, took just over 100 years (1725 – 1826) to complete. Interestingly, the facade of the cathedral features an octagonal window at the front from Germany and a clock from London  which replaced the royal Spanish coat of arms in 1874.

The inside of the cathedral is just as ornate as it’s exterior would suggest and a peek inside is mandatory. Fine carved wooden confessionals line both sides of the cathedral along with a beautiful baptismal chapel at the front. You’ll also see plenty of Italian marble throughout and the pipe organ is original. Plenty of peace and and light fills the interior providing a good base to sit for a while and plan your next thing to do.

Visit a Dungeon at Casa Chihuahua

Where: 901 Calle Libertad, 5 blocks northeast of Plaza de Armas.

Hours:  10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesday.

Website: www.casachihuahua.org.mx

Casa Chihuahua is an excellent museum on 3 levels hosting temporary and permanent exhibits throughout the year. However, this imposing building is most famous for containing the dungeon where Father Miguel Hidalgo was held prior to his execution in 1811. The dungeon, known as Calabazo de Hidalgo , was originally part of a Jesuit seminary and present-day Casa Chihuahua was built around this.

Permanent exhibits include explanations of Chihuahua’s ecosystems, native cultures and colonial history. The basement is devoted to various items from the buildings past role as a mint and post office. Hidalgo’s holding cell still contains his bible and crucifix . A plaque outside the dungeon recalls a message Hidalgo scrawled on the wall in charcoal before his execution thanking his captors for their humane treatment while imprisoned.

Tip:  Lights illuminate the dark cell after completion of a 5 minute film on Father Hidalgo and his execution.

See Murals and a Sacred Site at the Governor’s Palace

Where: 901 Calle Juan Aldama, opposite Casa Chihuahua, 5 blocks northeast of Plaza de Armas.

Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, daily.

The Governor’s Palace ( Palacio Gobierno ) is a grand old colonial building featuring an open courtyard surrounded by plenty of arches and columns . The palace is 3 floors altogether, however the first 2 floors showcase murals by artist Aarón Piña Mora depicting scenes from Mexico’s turbulent and not-too-distant past. Head up to the 3rd floor and enjoy the warm light and the view down on to the courtyard below.

The real draw here is a plaque marking the exact spot where Father Miguel Hidalgo, a leader of the Mexican War of Independence, was executed on the 30th of July in 1811. To the right of this spot is a memorial room featuring several statues of Hidalgo and an eternal flame flickering away. The Hidalgo Museum, just inside the west entrance to the Governor’s Palace, is under renovation as of November 2019 and closed indefinitely.

Enjoy the Splendor of Quinta Gameros

Where: 401 Paseo Bolivar. From Plaza de Armas take Calle 4a right for 7 blocks.

Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.

This over-the-top-in-style mansion was built for a very wealthy mine owner named Manuel Gameros in 1907. Soon after completion the Mexican Revolution happened and the Gameros family fled the country. Today, the home still drips sumptuous elegance and presents an exquisite display of stone, wrought iron, stained glass, floral motifs and plenty of period furnishings.

Admire the Transepts in the Temple of San Francisco

Where: Corner of Calle Libertad and Calle 15; cross the busy Avenida Carranza just outside the Governor’s Palace and Casa Chihuahua and continue 1 block north to the Temple of San Francisco.

The Temple of San Francisco is quite austere both inside and out compared to Chihuahua Cathedral. However, there are 2 beautiful transepts to observe here – the one on the right side of the altar is especially ornate. Father Hidalgo was briefly entombed in the chapel on the west side of this small church after his execution in 1811 and his remains were transferred to Mexico City after independence from Spain was won.

Step Way Back in Time at the Mammoth Museum

Where: 2506 Avenida Juárez, about 7 blocks north of the Governor’s Palace.

Hours:  9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.

Website: www.sic.cultura.gob.mx/mamut

If you’re really looking for things to do in Chihuahua I suggest the 15 minute walk from Plaza de Armas to this odd museum. Quite a bit is on display here at Chihuahua’s premier paleontology and geology museum: an antique car, old industrial meat slicers , giant oak beer kegs from Germany and other odds and ends vie for your attention along with a giant mammoth skeleton found in Chihuahua state.

Considering the (relatively) modern things on display here the Mammoth Museum still contains plenty of fossilized marine animals, petrified wood, minerals and even a rather large whale skeleton on display in it’s own room on the 2nd floor. This eclectic museum contains quite a bit from 2,000,000 years ago right up to very recent years. It’s fun to visit but you won’t be blown away by much here. All signs are in Spanish.

Get a Lesson in History at the Casa de Juárez Museum

Where: 321 Avenida Juárez; 1 block northwest of Plaza de Armas, then 2 blocks northeast.

Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Monday.

Former Mexican President Benito Juárez established his government-in-exile in this building in 1864. He also lived here as he ran his constitutional government until 1866. Today the museum houses limited original furnishings from his occupation along with plenty of signed documents, weapons and photographs. For just 10 pesos this museum offers a peaceful break from the bustle of the city. All signs are in Spanish.

Relax in Parque Lerdo

Where: East of Plaza de Armas at the corners of Avenida Ocampo and Paseo Bolivar.

Take a seat and relax at this well-kept and peaceful park located just a handful of blocks from Plaza de Armas. Plenty of benches and shade await, perfect for sitting with a snack and a cold drink as you watch the city pass by. Pick a bench and consider all the things to do in Chihuahua left on your list and  where you’ll grab a bite to eat later.

See Pancho Villa’s Mausoleum

Where:  Parque Revolución, east of the intersections of Paseo Bolivar and Avenida Independencia.

The small Parque Revolución, several blocks east of Plaza de Armas, boasts Pancho Villa’s mausoleum . This fancy structure is testament to the style of final resting places for the wealthy in Mexico during the early 20th century.

Oddly, Pancho’s mausoleum  never held his body . Villa was buried in the town where he was assassinated – Hidalgo del Parral – and controversy surrounds what happened to his remains several years after his interment.

Bonus: Food, Lodging and Transportation in Chihuahua

We were lucky to discover some rather good restaurants in Chihuahua over the years. Our budget means we often split our plates but we still managed to find affordable  seafood restaurants and a great  diner across the street from our hotel.

If it’s something more you’re after take a stroll north of Plaza de Armas on Calle Guadalupe Victoria where  hip cafés and eateries – including a cool pulqueria – are found beneath the umbrellas.

Our Favorite Restaurant in Chihuahua: Mariscos Lalo

Where: 123 Calle Dr. Leandro Gutierrez, several blocks northwest of Plaza de Armas.

Hours: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm, daily.

Telephone: 52 614 410 6752

Locals pack into this restaurant throughout the day for good value seafood dishes. Waitresses promptly bring out heaping baskets of tortilla chips with salsa and fresh bread. Choose from fresh ceviches, fish tacos , octopus , fillets of fish, whole fried fish , seafood soups and giant stone bowls of aguachile . Even in a landlocked state such as Chihuahua, NOTHING beats a Mexican seafood restaurant.

Our Favorite Budget Restaurant in Chihuahua: Mi Café

Where: Calle Guadalupe Victoria, 2 blocks behind Plaza de Armas.

Hours: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm, Thursday through Tuesday. Closed Wednesday.

F illing breakfasts are the name of the game at this corner diner opposite Hotel San Juan . Of course hamburgers , milkshakes and french fries feature on the menu along with grilled meats and  Mexican favorites . Comfortable booth seating is available and the service here is always friendly. The food is good and the price is right at Mi Café.

Restaurant Bar La Roca

Where: 202 Calle Progresso, about six blocks west of Plaza De Armas

Hours: Daily 1:00 pm – 2:00 am

If all bars were as unique as La Roca the world would be an even better place! Grab your beer and have a look around at every nook and cranny of this eclectic establishment. Collections of stamps fill one corner and antique goods, vintage framed photos, old toys, forgotten furniture and other assorted things are either nailed to the walls or hung from the ceiling. For good measure order another beer and peruse the odd assortment again.

Hotel San Juan: The Best Budget Hotel in Chihuahua

Where: 823 Calle Guadalupe Victoria, two blocks south of Plaza de Armas

Telephone: 52 614 413 2130

Rates: Rooms start at 145 pesos ($7.50) per night.

The Hotel San Juan is simply one of the best budget hotels in Chihuahua . Rooms are basic but include TV, private bathroom and pretty decent Wi Fi. Believe it or not the price of the rooms at Hotel San Juan haven’t changed since our first stay here in 2014! The rooms don’t appear to have ever changed either but it’s clean, central, quiet and cheap. Check out the San Juan and take advantage of the best hotel deal in Chihuahua .

Public Transportation in Chihuahua

Getting to the center of Chihuahua is easy from the train station or the main bus terminal . Plenty of old buses ply main roads throughout the city, often with their destinations written on the windshield. Ask at the tourist office  in the Palacio Gobierno (above) for information on routes. Chihuahua also features the more formal ViveBus which picks up and drops off on elevated platforms throughout the city.

Note:  Riding ViveBus means either purchasing a journey card for 25 pesos ($1.25) and topping it up or paying someone with a card to add your ride to theirs, which is what we did. Simply offer the the amount of the fair to the person and they’ll add the ride to their card. Vending kiosks for journey cards are on every platform and single rides cost 7 pesos (35¢).

Getting From the Train Station to The Center on ViveBus

Coming in on the CHEPE ? The train terminates at the  Estacion de Trenes de Chihuahua,  about 15 blocks east of Plaza de Armas. From the station turn left on Calle 20a  for one block, then right onto Terrazas for three blocks to Ocampo . From Ocampo head either right or left for the nearest ViveBus platforms,   Urguidi or Sagrado Corazon , respectively. Take any bus heading toward Terminal Norte  and alight at Catedral.

Getting From the Chihuahua Bus Terminal to the Center

There are two ways to get into town from the bus station : Take ViveBus or a regular bus from the road in front of the Chihuahua Terminal. For ViveBus exit the terminal and turn right; continue about 300 yards to Terminal Sur  and take the next ViveBus to Catedral station. For the easiest option simply exit the Chihuahua Bus Terminal and take any regular bus marked Centro for 9 MXN (45¢) from the road out front.

In Conclusion…

Checking out this fascinating city is a must during any visit to Northern Mexico. You’ll certainly find plenty of interesting things to do in Chihuahua, Mexico during your visit. So give this friendly city some serious consideration and take advantage of everything to see and do.

Is this your first time in Mexico? If so, I hope you enjoy this country as much as we do, because we never get tired backpacking Mexico. Why not check out some of the other great places off the beaten path in this great country? Finally (and most importantly), take your time here in Chihuahua and make the most of it.

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México » States » Chihuahua

Tourism in CHIHUAHUA

The Chihuahua tourist area represents one eighth of all Mexico and has the best tourist attractions in the entire country. It is an area that is full of sites and hotels for the enjoyment, accommodation and relaxation of young and old: museums, cathedrals, natural parks full of meadows, ravines, ancient curiosities, vegetation, among others, that allow you to explore the adventurous spirit of the more warriors, that is why you have several places to visit: Basaseachi Waterfall, El Chepe Train, Copper Canyon, Mammoth Museum, El Valle de los Monjes, El Calabozo de Hidalgo, spaces that represent the culture and beliefs of the natives in Chihuahua.

If you are a lover of peace and tranquility, these places of relaxation and encounter with nature in Chihuahua preserve the tranquility, the tourist quality and the friendliness of those who reside in this peculiar tourist point of Mexico.

The state of Chihuahua is the largest and most touristic state in Mexico, located in the north of the country. It is bordered by the United States, Sonora , Sinaloa , Cohaulia , and Durango . Chihuahua offers visitors a varied landscape of desert, sierra, and plain, and is home to the largest desert in North America.

The state has a rich history dating back to the Paleoindian period, and evidence of human presence can be seen in settlements such as Paquimé and Cuarenta Casas. The state was also home to various indigenous groups such as the Tepehuanes, Conchos, Rarámuris, and Tobosos, and missionaries consolidated settlements that were used as mining operations.

In the revolutionary period, General Francisco Villa fought against government troops in Chihuahua and the state has several places linked to his figure, including his tomb. The state is also known for its exceptional gastronomy, which includes dishes like machaca, chile con asadero, and freshly made flour tortillas.

The state capital is Chihuahua, which is home to numerous buildings from the Porfirian period and attractive museums. Another well-known town in the state is Ciudad Juárez, located on the border with the United States. Visitors can explore the state’s natural attractions, from the Copper Canyon to waterfalls, caves, deserts, and magical towns. The Copper Canyon is one of the most amazing mountain systems in Mexico and offers a unique natural attraction that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.

Chihuahua has echoes of ancient civilizations and monuments to modernity. The state’s prosperous cities offer first-class services and visitors can enjoy an incomparable adventure in its caves and canyons. The people of Chihuahua are accommodating and friendly, and they will entertain visitors with their gastronomic wonders.

The Gastronomy of Chihuahua is exceptional, offering a rich variety of regional dishes and meals, such as fine cuts of excellent quality meat served with wheat flour tortillas and refried beans. Visitors can try traditional foods like machaca (sun-dried beef) with different sauces, asadero chili with cheese, pasado chili with meat or cheese, or burritos prepared with flour tortillas and stuffed with beef or pork, beans, or chile con queso.

Chihuahua is a state that offers a unique experience to visitors. It has a rich history, exceptional gastronomy, and natural attractions that cannot be found anywhere else in the country. Visitors can explore the state’s cities, including Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez, as well as its natural wonders, including the Copper Canyon and various waterfalls, caves, and deserts. Chihuahua is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the diverse beauty of Mexico.

Tourist Attractions in CHIHUAHUA

Gastronomy of Chihuahua

Chihuahua has developed a unique gastronomy that has its roots in the extreme climate and strong livestock production of the region. Most of the regional dishes are made with beef, with the white-faced Brangus, Angus, and Charolais breeds being particularly renowned. Fine cuts of meat are typically served with baked potatoes and grilled onions in restaurants.… Read More

Map of CHIHUAHUA

Guided Tours in CHIHUAHUA

Flights & hotels in chihuahua, more tourist attractions in mexico.

States Of Mexico

Mexico has an incredible diversity of landscapes, where the beauty of its beaches, internationally recognized, stands out. In its vast territory of coasts, there are beaches of unparalleled beauty, and colorful landscapes. A large network of first-class hotels and tourist services is available to visitors to these beaches. Mexico is also mystical places, dotted with archaeological testimonies inherited from its original inhabitants. Monuments made by the Mayas, Aztecs and Toltecs are located in magical landscapes, like lighthouses in an ocean of natural beauty. They offer visitors buildings that tell their history, and museums that collect their cultural heritage. And that keep alive ancestral traditions, in ceremonies and festivals, where you can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment.… Read More

• Capital Cities

Folklore, gastronomy, literary culture, art and exhibitions, is what you will find in the capitals of the states of Mexico. To the north, colonial Mexico, Puebla, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, the Sonoran desert and the California peninsula. To the east Veracruz and the gulf. To the west Acapulco, Oaxaca and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. And to the south the Riviera Maya and the pyramids of Chichén-Itzá, Tulúm and Cobá in Yucatán, Palenque in Chiapas, the cenotes, and the Central American jungles.… Read More

On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More

The Gastronomy of Mexico has a great diversity of typical dishes, which is why it was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The basic and representative ingredients of Mexican dishes are: corn, coriander, chili, beans, piloncillo, nopal and tomato. Mexican cuisine is also characterized by its sauces, which serve as an accompaniment to traditional dishes, prepared based on spices.… Read More

• Magical Towns

A Magical Town is a place with symbols and legends, towns with history that in many cases have been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show the national identity in each of its corners, with a magic that emanates from its attractions ; visiting them is an opportunity to discover the charm of Mexico. The Magical Towns Program contributes to revalue a set of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation and that represent fresh and varied alternatives for national and foreign visitors. A town that through time and in the face of modernity, has conserved, valued and defended its historical, cultural and natural heritage; and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. A Magical Town is a town that has unique, symbolic attributes, authentic stories, transcendent events, everyday life, which means a great opportunity for tourist use, taking into account the motivations and needs of travelers.… Read More

• Archaeological Sites

The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north. … Read More

• Ecotourism and Adventure

Mexico is one of the best countries for Ecotourism as it has a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as a large number of refuges for extraordinary species. You can enjoy recreational activities of appreciation and knowledge of nature through contact with it, such as: stargazing, observation of natural attractions, wildlife and bird watching. Throughout México there are more than 176 protected natural areas, 5 of them considered by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. Just for this and much more, we believe that Mexico is a Paradise for Ecotourism.… Read More

• Traditions in Mexico

It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More

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• States of Mexico
• Animal Rescue in Mexico

Mexican Routes

• Chihuahua / Towns & Cities

by admin · Published May 29, 2017 · Updated August 15, 2018

The city of Chihuahua is the state capital of the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

Chihuahua is best described as shaped as a large letter L, with plains to the north and hills on both sides, as well as the south; it is crossed east-and-west by Teofilo Borunda Avenue, which follows the natural flow of the Chuviscar River. Borunda is crossed in the west by the Periferico de la Juventud, a major limited-access highway running north-and-south. The main entrance to the city from the north (from the direction of Ciudad Juárez) is Tecnològico Avenue, part of the Pan-American Highway.

It has a population of about 925,970. The predominant activity is industry, including domestic heavy, light industries, consumer goods production, and to a smaller extent maquiladoras.

Geo & Climate

The geography of the city is dominated by three hills that appear in the Coat of Arms: Cerro Grande, Cerro Coronel and Santa Rosa, the last of which is fully covered by the city. The Cerro Grande has a monumental cross that is lighted each Christmas.

Chihuahua lies on the western side of the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion and as such has a semiarid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh). However, it is not as hot as most of the lower elevated portions of the desert to the east owing to an altitude of almost 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) above sea level.

Winters are mild with an average daytime temperature of 17 °C (62.6 °F) and an average minimum temperature of 2 °C (35.6 °F) in January, the coldest month. Occasionally, temperatures can exceed 26 °C (78.8 °F) while cold fronts can push it below −10 °C (14.0 °F). Frosts are common during winter nights. During this time of the year, the climate is dry, with an average humidity around 46% and many days are sunny, averaging 15–18 clear days. Precipitation is rare, with only 1 or 3 days with measureable precipitation from December to March. Snowfall is somewhat uncommon in the city, normally with 2 snowfalls a year, although the surrounding area may receive three or four snowfalls.

Summers are hot with June being the hottest month, averaging 33 °C (91.4 °F) during the day and 19 °C (66.2 °F) during the night. Temperatures can easily exceed 32 °C (89.6 °F) on most days and it can occasionally exceed 38 °C (100.4 °F). Most of the precipitation falls during the summer months, when the monsoon moves up northwards, causing moist air from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico to move into the city. Afternoon storms are common during the monsoon season and they can be accompanied with hail and thunderstorms. The days are still warm to hot in July and August, though slightly cooler due to the presence of the rain, with an average high of 30 °C (86.0 °F). Humidity is also higher during this time, averaging 53%.

March, April, October and November are transitional months that are unpredictable. Temperatures can reach up to 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) in April while cold fronts can push it below freezing. Usually, these months have warm days, averaging 22 °C (71.6 °F) to 28 °C (82.4 °F) and cool nights (around 5 °C (41.0 °F) to 11 °C (51.8 °F)). During the months of March and April, there can be strong winds that cause dusts and sandstorms.

Origin of the Name

It has been said that the name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “between two waters”, other accepted definitions are “place of the holed-rock” ” or from Tarahumara, “dry and sandy place”.

The city was founded on October 12, 1709, by Blas Cano de los Rios and Antonio Deza y Ulloa, a Spanish explorer, as El Real de Minas de San Francisco de Cuéllar. Don Ildefonso de Irigoyen donated the land for the city foundation. The town was erected a Villa in 1718 (or 1715) with the name of San Felipe el Real de Chihuahua, and the name was shortened in 1823. The location was chosen because it is the intersection of the rivers Chuviscar and Sacramento. It is also the midpoint between the Río Bravo del Norte (Rio Grande) and the then-important mining city of Hidalgo del Parral. For much of the 18th century, Chihuahua served as the de facto capital of Nueva Vizcaya because most governors preferred to reside there rather than in Durango, the capital of the province at that time.

Just as in other parts of Northern Mexico, Roman Catholic missionaries were an important influence during the colonial era, and the city became a meeting point for missionaries heading to and from the ‘sierra’, the mountainous region in western Chihuahua State where the native Tarahumara still live.

During the War of Independence, the city saw little action. However, it was in Chihuahua where Miguel Hidalgo, considered the Father of the Country, was held prisoner in the Federal Palace of Chihuahua and executed in 1811 at the nearby Government Palace by the Spaniards.

During the French invasion, President Benito Juárez made the city the seat of his government-in-exile from 1864 to 1867. During the presidency of Porfirio Díaz the city experienced explosive growth and became one of the most important cities in Mexico. The city became the seat for important banks and wealthy families.

The city was more involved during the Mexican Revolution (1910–1917), for it became at times the operations base for the División del Norte, the army led by Pancho Villa. Many sites and memories remain of the Revolutionary era; the most important of these is the Historical Museum of the Mexican Revolution at Villa’s former estate house near downtown Chihuahua. La Quinta Luz was turned into a museum by his widow, Sra. María Luz Corral de Villa, and is now managed by the federal government.

During the 20th century, the city grew in population and learned to take advantage of its proximity with the U.S. border. Until the establishment of foreign manufacturing plants in the 1970s, the city was largely a trade post for cattle and agricultural products.

During the 1990s the city grew dramatically economically, becoming the third wealthiest municipality (per capita) in the republic, after Benito Juárez borough of the Federal District (Mexico City), and San Pedro Garza García in Nuevo León.

Since 2005, the International Festivals of Chihuahua have been celebrated by both the state and city governments during the months of September/October with art shows, plays, stage presentations and concerts by such bands as America, Foreigner, Creedence and Los Lobos being held at venues throughout the city.

The city of Chihuahua offers many places of interest for the tourist, especially the history buff (see Museums of Chihuahua), including the baroque Metropolitan Cathedral, seat of the Archdiocese (and the resting place of St Peter of Jesus Maldonado, a Cristero martyr of the 1930s), dating from the 18th century, the Government Palace from the early 19th century, and the City Hall from the turn of the 20th century, on the Plaza de Armas across from the Cathedral.

During the French invasion and the Second Empire, which ended with the execution of the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian in 1867, the constitutional president, Benito Juárez García traveled the country, searching for support wherever he could. He found it in 1864 when he settled his cabinet and government-in-exile here in the city at the address now known as Ave. Juárez 321, and incidentally, making Chihuahua the only city, aside from Mexico City, to be the capital of the Republic. The Museo Casa Juarez, now known as The Museum of Republican Loyalty, has been faithfully restored to the appearance it had when President Juárez lived here from 1864 through 1866.

The city offers the service of the touristic “Trolley el Tarahumara” which is a special bus that goes around to all the main museums and monuments in the City Centre(starting its route at the Plaza de Armas), including parks like the Central Park “El Palomar”, a large park that has a collection of sculptures, including one depicting three doves (palomas, hence the park’s name) and a monumental flagpole, flying one of the largest flags in the Republic, as well as a statue of one of Chihuahua’s favourite sons, the late actor Anthony Quinn, in his famous role as ‘Zorba the Greek’, as well as many others. The city is renowned for its classical and modern sculpture, as seen on any main boulevard or avenue. Included are works by Espino, Baltazar, Ponzanelli and Sebastian, the latter being a native of Chihuahua.

The Plaza Mayor is an important square in the city centre that displays fountains, green spaces and a collection of monuments depicting local heroes. The main monument in the Plaza Mayor is the “Ángel de el Libertad” that was built in 2003 representing the freedom of all Mexicans, especially Chihuahua’s people. It was inaugurated during the Independence Day festivities on September 15 of that same year. The angel has a sword with a laser light at the tip, and is capable of rotating 360° over its axis.

The Mammoth Museum, at Gomez Morin (also Calle 27a) and Ave. Juarez, is the city natural history museum and contains 13 halls detailing prehistoric life from the dinosaurs through the reign of the mammals, or the Cenozoic Era. It also has exhibits of prehistoric art. The Semilla Museo Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología, or Seed Centre Museum of Science and Technology, on Teofilo Borunda and Lisboa in the City Centre, is a creative learning centre and interactive science museum for children.

Even though Chihuahua suffered a massive destruction of colonial buildings during the 1970s in order to widen the main streets and avenues in the downtown, it stills preserves some valuable monuments from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the more interesting sites in the city are listed below:

• Temple of San Francisco, commenced 1717 and completed in 1789-The original burial place of Fr Miguel Hidalgo
• Federal Palace of Chihuahua, now a museum, and the jail cell of Fr Hidalgo
• Museo Casa Juarez, also called The Museum of the Republican Loyalty, is the house where President Juarez lived during his time at Chihuahua City
• Central Park “El Palomar”-Once one of the worst slums in the city, now the largest city park
• Mansion Creel
• Mansion Terrazas
• Mansion ‘Quinta Carolina’ (Former summer estate of Don Luis Terrazas; see Creel-Terrazas Family.)-Now in semi-ruined condition, in process of restoration
• Torre Legislativa de Chihuahua (Legislative tower of Chihuahua-state legislators office building) -Fronts on the Plaza de Armas
• The Government Palace (The State House)
• Dancing Fountains north of the Federal Palace
• Mansion ‘Quinta Gameros’ (City Museum for the Decorative Arts)
• Church of Santa Rita (1731). St Rita of Cascia is the patroness of the city
• Ave. Zarco Residential Area (Some of the most impressive pre-revolutionary residences in the city are situated along this street)
• Colonial Aqueduct-lengths still exist of this monument which was built to transport water from mountain springs to the villa
• Ciudad Deportiva
• Deportiva Sur
• Parque metropolitano el rejon

There are two country clubs

• San Francisco Country Club
• Campestre Chihuahua

Most U.S. franchise restaurants and fast-food establishments will be found in Chihuahua, mostly on the Periferico de la Juventud, north of downtown on Universidad Avenue, or on Libertad Street Pedestrian Way in the city centre, and are patronised by the city’s youth and young professionals.

The nightlife is lively, especially in the city centre, where some of the large, pre-revolutionary estate houses have been turned into nightclubs and dance halls, many featuring the best of Chihuahua’s live bands.

How to get there & Transportation

Chihuahua is served by Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport (IATA Airport code: CUU). It is the starting point for the Chihuahua–Pacific Railroad, and is also served by Ferromex, a private Mexican railroad. There is a large central depot for intercity buses in the south side of the city. For transportation within the Chihuahua metropolitan area, a network of buses exists but is of very poor quality; the city does not provide a map of routes or operating hours. The system of avenues and main streets in the city is being constantly revamped, with the construction of new roads and bridges to handle the ever-increasing traffic.

Traditions & Festivals

The Feria (Fair) of Santa Rita, known throughout the Republic, is held during the last two weeks of May and features internationally known recording artists in concert. The fair has been held annually for decades. In addition, the University Symphony performs at the Paraninfo weekly during the summer months, and features international guest artists in classical and pop concerts. The Plaza de Toros, or bull ring, ‘La Esperanza’ is located on Teofilo Borunda on the north side of the river, and features Corridas (Bullfights) during the summer and fall.

Google map of Chihuahua

Tourist Assistance + Emergency Numbers

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839 .

You can also request information to the email [email protected]

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066 Police (Emergency): 060 Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222 Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913 Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757 Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

Chihuahua State of Chihuahua

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• The Best Time To Visit...

The Best Time to Visit Chihuahua, Mexico

Northern England Writer

Figuring out the best time to visit Chihuahua can be tricky, not least because Mexico’s biggest state has just as much weather variation you’d expect for a place that covers almost 250,000 sq km (96,525 sq miles). The best time to go will likely depend on what you’re planning to do there, and just what kind of climate you prefer, full stop. With that in mind, here’s a quick overview of the best times of year to visit.

Temperatures.

Let’s start with the most basic consideration of all: the weather. As a desert state, Chihuahua has extreme seasons that can drop close to zero in winter and reach up to 40 ° C (104 ° F) in summer. If you like hot weather, then the hottest months in Chihuahua are April through to October, with June being the hottest month of all. If you lean towards the cooler side of life, visit between November and March – December is the coolest month in Chihuahua. Generally speaking, if you want to enjoy hiking and adventure activities in the Copper Canyon , aim for months with milder weather, and stick to lower places in winter (for warmth) and higher places in summer.

Precipitation

As with most of Mexico though, even this vast desert state isn’t exempt from the rainy season, which runs from June to early October, with July and August clocking in as the wettest months of all. On the flip side, the dry period in Chihuahua stretches from late October to May, with February and March being the driest of those months. One thing to consider is that rainy season in the Copper Canyon can be very uncomfortable – humidity settles at the base of the canyon, whereas rain can obscure jaw-dropping viewpoints and scupper sightseeing plans. To experience the waterfalls in full flow then, time your trip for just after the rainy period.

If you’re looking for snow, you might be in luck during late-January and early-February. Keep in mind that this is all based on averages though, so there may well be variation depending exactly where you visit in Chihuahua state.

Peak season and key events

If you really want to avoid the peak tourism season in Chihuahua, then plan a visit in autumn or winter when the weather is considered by some a little too cold for most people to venture there – if you want to save some money, visiting in the down season could be the best option if you avoid a trip in the summer months (June and August in particular experience lots of tourism). May and January can also be busy months, and spring in general can be a busy(ish) time for tourism in Chihuahua.

As for the Copper Canyon Railway , a.k.a. El Chepe, October and November are busy times (both months fall right after rainy season and offer the best of all worlds for tourists in the Copper Canyon). It’s not going to be overrun with travellers, but you might want to book tickets a little more in advance than normal to ensure your spot on the train. Having said that, each month offers its own pluses and negative when it comes to visiting the Copper Canyon, as long as you plan appropriately (well, except maybe sweltering, wet June.) Bear in mind also that the Barrancas del Cobre hosts an annual triathlon and mountain biking competition, both of which take place in July.

Aside from events taking place in the Copper Canyon, you might want to plan your travel to Chihuahua around other key dates. There are the obvious ones, like Christmas and New Year (which are great fun to celebrate in the Copper Canyon too), though others worthy of mention include the Chihuahua International Film Festival in August, the Santa Rita celebrations in May and the International Chihuahua Festival in October.

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How to Explore a National Park for Free in 2024

S pending time outdoors is good for your mind and body. From snowshoeing to hiking to sitting on a pristine beach, time in the National Parks can be some of the best days of your year.  Every year the National Park Service offers free days in which visitors can enter for free. Read on for the free National Park days in 2024

The national parks are an amazing value since most NPS sites charge by the vehicle and not by the person, like typical attractions. With 425 National Park Service sites across the U.S., only about 100 sites charge admission ($3 to $35). Some of the iconic parks, like Olympic National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are free to enter year-round.

For even more value,  you can camp in one of the park’s campgrounds.  Most camping sites cost less than $30 a night, and even a package of hotdog and gourmet marshmallows are a bargain when toasted over a campfire. It’s a getaway your family will remember for years.

Yellowstone National Park Guide

Free national park days in 2024.

The National Park Service charges reasonable fees for their parks. A week in Grand Canyon National Park is $35 for seven days. The National Park Service offers several fee-free days sprinkled throughout the year.

Note: Fee-free days do not include user fees like camping, boat launches, shuttle buses, ferry rides, parking fees and tour fees.

Glacier National Park Guide 

National park service passes.

If you plan on visiting several national parks, an annual pass might be for you. Find several options, and some are free. For more information, check out the NPS website .

Grand Canyon National Park Guide

History of the national park service.

The idea of a national park is an American innovation that the world has adopted. In 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the first area to be set aside for its protection, preserving it for future generations. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service to govern the 35 national parks in the U.S. at the time.

Since then, the National Park Service has blossomed into 421 National Park Service sites. Find the large national parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national battlefields and national seashores, in every U.S. State.

Some parks feature vast, iconic scenery like Glacier National Park in Montana. Others are recognized for their historical significance like San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas or San Juan Island National Historical Park in Washington.

More Free Fun in National Parks

Junior ranger program.

Did you know that your kids could earn a Junior Ranger Badge or Patch at most National Park Service Sites for FREE? Some parks charge $3 for the program booklet though these parks usually hand out patches.

Junior Rangers are junior park rangers. Kids from 5 to 13 can join the ranks as they explore, learn and protect the U.S. National Parks. Most parks, over 200 national park sites in all, hand out free booklets specially designed for each park. Kids complete educational exercises in their booklet as they experience the national park in a kid-friendly way.

Junior Ranger booklets are available at the park site’s visitor center, usually from the information desk. As you explore the park, the Junior Ranger booklet will point out the park’s highlights. With activities like mazes, matching, and word searches, my kids complete the majority of the booklet on their own.

After completing the required activities, the kids turn in their booklets to the Park Ranger on duty at the Visitor Center. Then Park Rangers will go over each booklet and discuss important biological or geological features or the history of the park.

Finally, kids raise their hands to recite the Junior Ranger Oath, promising to explore, learn, and protect the National Parks. Then kids are encouraged to tell their friends at home about their experience. As a memento of their visit, each kid receives a free collectible badge or patch, depending on the park.

Guide to Junior Ranger Badges

Ranger programs.

When you enter the park stop by the Visitor Center. Along with maps, interpretive displays and current information on hiking, the Visitor Center provides the availability of Ranger Programs. Presented by Park Rangers, the free programs highlight the unique features of a National Park Service site.

Some National Park Service sites offer special summer ranger programs especially for kids, Junior Ranger Programs.

Free National Park Souvenirs

After purchasing a National Park Service passport book, stamp your booklet with a free dated park stamp. Find it in the Visitor Center or Ranger Station at each park.

Where to Stay in a National Park

The larger national parks feature historic lodges, many built over 100 years ago. From the largest log cabin hotel in the world to colorful cabins on the rim of the Grand Canyon, find memorable lodging in the National Parks that doesn’t require pitching a tent.

Top 3 National Park Lodges

Know before you go:.

• Since National Parks are popular destinations during summer and holidays, make reservations as early as possible.
• Reservations for lodging are available 13 months in advance.
• Parking can be an issue at popular destinations during the middle of the day.
• Watch your children at all times; many features have barricades kids can climb over.

The post How to Explore a National Park for Free in 2024 appeared first on Carful of Kids .

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Why You’ll Pay More and Behave Better When You Travel This Summer

From Barcelona to Bali, higher fees and new rules are targeting overtourism and unruly behavior. Some locals are worried the changes will keep tourists away.

By Paige McClanahan

A new tourist fee in Bali. Higher hotel taxes in Amsterdam and Paris. Stricter rules on public drinking in Milan and Majorca. Ahead of the summer travel season, leaders in many tourist spots have adopted measures to tame the tourist crowds — or at least earn more revenue from them.

All of this may pose headaches for travelers, although in most cases, the new fees or tax increases represent only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a trip. The goal is to ensure that tourism functions smoothly for visitors and locals alike, said Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University.

“All tourism is dependent on beautiful natural and cultural resources. You have to protect those resources in order to be a viable tourism destination — and if you don’t, they degrade,” Ms. Epler Wood said.

In some places, proposals for new fees or visitor rules have drawn opposition from residents, who fear they might scare away the tourists who bolster the local economy. But destinations need to find ways to counteract what Ms. Epler Wood calls “ the invisible burden ” of tourism, which includes strains on a community’s infrastructure, utilities and housing stock, as well as tourists’ carbon footprint and any challenges they might impose on residents’ daily lives.

“You put so much pressure on the place that the people who live there become unhappy, and then they don’t present a very good face to tourists,” Ms. Epler Wood said. “The longer you wait, the higher the cost to fix it.”

Here is a look at new measures that travelers can expect this summer, and where others might be coming in the future.

New visitor fees

Since February, visitors to the Indonesian island of Bali have been asked to pay a levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs, or about $9.40 per visit. Revenue will be used to support the preservation of cultural and natural assets on the island, where tourism has brought major challenges related to litter, water supply and overcrowding. Visitors are encouraged to pay the new fee online before departure, although it’s also possible to pay on arrival at the airport.

Beginning Aug. 1, most foreign travelers to the Galápagos Islands — which had a record-breaking 330,000 visitors last year — must pay a $200 entry fee, double the current rate. The money raised will be used to support conservation, improve infrastructure and fund community programs.

The change is the first increase to the entry fee since it was introduced in 1998, said Tom O’Hara, communications manager for the Galápagos Conservation Trust . Mr. O’Hara noted that the increase comes a year after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged the government of Ecuador to work toward a “zero-growth model” for tourism in the Galápagos.

“It’s quite a complicated topic,” Mr. O’Hara said, noting that the fee increase has been viewed “as part of the solution to overtourism.” On the other hand, he added, “everyone is trying to reassure the local tourist industry that this isn’t going to kill tourism on the islands.

In April, Venice began imposing a fee — 5 euros, about $5.40 — on day-trippers visiting on peak days, with the goal of striking “a new balance between the tourists and residents.”

But the new Venice Access Fee has drawn criticism from residents. “This project is a disaster for us. We are a city, not a park,” said Matteo Secchi, the president of Venessia.com, an association of Venice residents. Mr. Secchi said that a communications campaign would have been more effective.

The possibility of a new tourist fee has also drawn local opposition in Hawaii, where Gov. Josh Green has proposed a “climate impact fee” for visitors to the state. The measure failed during a recent meeting of the State Legislature, but Governor Green has persisted in calling for visitors to help fund the state’s preparation for future climate shocks.

“We have to get this tiger by the tail,” he told journalists in May, adding that $25 per visitor could raise $250 million a year, which the state could use to guard against climate disasters, manage erosion, strengthen infrastructure and protect parks.

Hotel fees and other taxes get a bump

Hotel taxes, also known as occupancy or accommodation taxes, are widespread in the United States and Europe, where they were on the rise for a decade leading up to the pandemic. With tourism’s rebound to prepandemic levels, several destinations have increased or adjusted the tax to capture more revenue.

Like Hawaii, Greece — which also suffered severe wildfires last summer — is looking to steel itself against climate disasters, and the government wants tourists to help foot the bill. Greece is calling the charge a climate crisis resilience fee , and it will be collected by accommodation providers. The tax will be higher from March to October, when it will top out at €10 per night at five-star hotels. The rate drops from November to February, and for hotels with fewer stars. The fee replaces the previous hotel tax, which ranged from €0.50 to €4 per night.

In Amsterdam, the hotel tax, which was already one of the highest in Europe, rose to 12.5 percent from 7 percent on Jan. 1. City lawmakers have also raised the tax on cruise passengers to €14 from €11 per person per night.

The hotel tax in Barcelona also rose this year, increasing to €3.25 per night. The measure was the final step-up in a gradual increase that began before the pandemic. A spokesman for Barcelona City Hall said that further tax increases would be aimed at tourist rental apartments and cruises that make short stopovers, which contribute less to the city’s income. The spokesman also noted that revenue generated by the tourist tax is being used, among other things, to fund the installation of solar panels and air-conditioning in Barcelona’s public schools.

Ahead of this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, lawmakers in the Île-de-France region have imposed a new tax, on top of the normal hotel levy. With the new tax, which will fund public transportation in the region, a guest in a five-star hotel now owes a total of €10.73 in tax per night stayed, while a stay in a two-star hotel incurs a tax of €3.25 per night.

Though the measure was adopted by the regional government, it was not supported by the leadership in Paris itself. A spokeswoman for Paris City Hall called the move “a democratic power grab” that “in no way benefits the city of Paris.” She noted that even with the funds generated by the new tax, the region still raised the price of tickets for public transportation in the city during the Olympics — a measure that has disgruntled many Paris residents.

Introducing new rules

In other tourist spots, the focus is on curbing behavior that pollutes the local environment or harms residents’ quality of life.

In Japan, authorities at Mount Fuji will cap visitors at 4,000 per day. They have also imposed a new fee of 2,000 yen (about $13) for access to the iconic summit. Elsewhere in the country, a community council in the Gion neighborhood of Kyoto has closed some small roads to tourists, after complaints that the area, home to the city’s geisha district, was suffering from crowds.

“We will ask tourists to refrain from entering narrow private streets in or after April,” Isokazu Ota, a leading member of the community council, told Agence-France Presse in March. “We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate.”

A spokeswoman for the city’s tourism board described the road closures as “a local initiative,” adding that “neither Kyoto City nor the Kyoto City Tourism Association are aware of any details beyond what is reported in the media.”

Rowdy visitor behavior has been the target of new rules in Milan. In some areas, city leaders have banned outdoor seating after 12:30 a.m. during the week and 1:30 a.m. on the weekend in response to resident complaints. They have also limited the late-night sale of takeaway food and drinks.

And in certain areas on the Spanish Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza that are overrun with drunk tourists, the government has imposed a ban on late-night sales of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in the street. New restrictions have also been imposed on party boats in the same areas.

“Tourism has negative externalities that must be managed and minimized,” Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, told a local gathering this month , according to The Majorca Daily Bulletin. Local tourism, she said, “cannot continue to grow in volume.”

Paige McClanahan, a regular contributor to the Travel section, is author of “The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel,” forthcoming from Scribner on June 18.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The Grammy-nominated D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a “land lab,”  where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

Greece:  Is Serifos the perfect Greek island? A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants.

Brooklyn:  This 36-hour itinerary  skips the most touristy and overdeveloped areas, including Williamsburg and Dumbo, and requires no restaurant reservations or advance planning.

Costa Rica:  Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience ?

American tourist found dead on small Greek island west of Corfu. 3 other tourists are missing.

ATHENS, Greece — A missing American tourist has been found dead on a beach on a small Greek island west of Corfu, local media reported.

The body of the man was found Sunday on a rocky, fairly remote beach on the island of Mathraki by another tourist. He had been reported missing Thursday by his host, a Greek-American friend. The tourist had last been seen Tuesday at a cafe in the company of two female tourists who have since left the island.

No further details about the victim, including a name or hometown, were immediately available.

Mathraki, which has a population of 100, is a 1.2-square-mile heavily wooded island, west of the better-known island of Corfu.

This was the latest in a string of recent cases in which tourists on the Greek islands have died or gone missing. Some, if not all, had set out on hikes in very hot temperatures.

A 74-year-old  Dutch tourist  was found by a fire department drone on Saturday lying face down in a ravine about 330 yards from the spot where he was last observed last Sunday, walking with some difficulty in the blistering heat.

Dr. Michael Mosley , a noted British television presenter and author, was found dead last Sunday on the island of Symi. A coroner concluded that he had died the previous Wednesday, shortly after going for a hike over difficult, rocky terrain.

On Friday, two French tourists were reported missing on Sikinos, a relatively secluded Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, with less than 400 permanent residents.

The two women, ages 64 and 73, had left their respective hotels to meet.

On the island of Amorgos, also in the Cyclades, authorities are still searching for a 59-year-old tourist reported missing since Tuesday, when he had gone on a solo hike in very hot conditions. U.S. media identified the missing tourist as retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Albert Calibet of Hermosa Beach, California.

The Associated Press

It’s been a record-setting year for global travel – here’s how we make tourism inclusive and sustainable

Inclusive and sustainable travel and tourism includes supporting micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses. Image:  Unsplash/Michael Barón

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Nicola Villa

.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved .chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

• The global travel sector is experiencing a robust recovery, with tourists increasingly spending more on travel.
• Despite the overall positive outlook, some destinations struggle with operational challenges, including workforce issues and resource management amid rising tourist numbers and environmental concerns.
• The travel and tourism sector’s potential for advancing socio-economic prosperity is particularly impactful through the support of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.

The global travel sector forecast is in and it's sunny skies ahead. Through March 2024, consumer spending on travel remains strong, and passenger traffic has soared. Empowered by a strong labour market worldwide, tourists will be on the roads, air and seas once again, with more of people’s budgets on travel.

The latest report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries , reveals that 2024 has already witnessed multiple record-setting days as consumer spending on leisure travel remains strong. The data shows that post-pandemic travellers continue to seek unique experiences rooted in local cultures while increasingly prioritizing spending on memorable events across sports, music and festivals.

The Mastercard Economics Institute’s analysis reveals that travellers also seek opportunities to extend their stays, prioritizing leisure for longer. For the first 12 months between March 2019 and February 2020, a trip’s average length of stay was about four days. As of March 2024, the average length of a leisure trip has edged closer to five days, which translates into an economic boost for the destinations and communities hosting them.

Have you read?

These are the top 10 countries for travel and tourism, what is travel and tourism’s role in future global prosperity, travel & tourism development index 2024, tackling tourism’s challenges.

Yet, while the overall outlook for travellers looks bright, that’s not the case for all destinations. Some tourism hotspots and lesser-known locales are facing growing challenges around operating conditions. The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 highlights the ongoing constraints facing the global travel and tourism sector – including the lack of investment in skilled and resilient workforces and issues around resource management – cultural and natural – as destinations grapple with higher tourist visitor numbers and rising environmental concerns.

The report offers travel and tourism decision-makers recommendations around how the sector can take a more active role in tackling social challenges across socio-economic prosperity, peace and cultural exchange. As the industry accounts for approximately one-tenth of global gross domestic product and employment , the public and private sectors must work together to ensure future tourism development is, first and foremost, inclusive and sustainable.

Supporting the backbone of travel and tourism

As the TTDI 2024 notes, one area where the sector’s potential in advancing socio-economic prosperity can be particularly impactful is in the economic empowerment of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, more than 80% of travel and tourism businesses fall under this category.

Policies and investments promoting the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing digital skills development while improving access to credit can provide a major boost to tourism-focused MSMEs.

In Costa Rica, the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo, a member of Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub , is championing such an approach to ensure increased tourist traffic results in better opportunities for MSMEs. Last year, the institute launched Tico Treasures , a platform facilitating tourist connections with Costa Rica’s Crafts with Identity programme, a group of 17 artisan collectives across the country. The platform allows visitors to discover local Costa Rican products, learn about artisan communities and then purchase and ship the goods back to their home country – all through one experience.

The programme is an example of public-private collaboration, including backing from Correos de Costa Rica, Banco de Costa Rica and the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo. Its objectives are multifold: delivering more authentic experiences for tourists, expanding citizens’ access to the digital economy and contributing to MSME resilience.

Protecting future environments

There are also novel approaches to solving destinations’ sustainability challenges underway. A key role of the Travel Foundation , a global non-government organization, is to facilitate innovative public-private collaborations in tourism that accelerate and scale sustainable solutions. One notable example is in Scotland, where the national tourism organization VisitScotland is partnering with the Travel Corporation, a global tour operator, to help decarbonize the destination supply chain. Both organizations are pooling their insights, data and expertise to support local businesses, develop new ideas for reducing carbon footprints and identify barriers to a green transition.

The learnings from this and other projects led by the Travel Foundation will be shared to influence future policy, investment and product development decisions at national and global levels. By combining public sector resources and capabilities with private sector technological expertise, travel and tourism decision-makers can enact policies and programmes that balance tourism growth with environmental protection, providing a nuanced approach that works for unique destinations.

It’s an important time for the sector – to leverage travel and tourism’s robust recovery and advance socio-economic prosperity, fuelling a more inclusive future for our treasured destinations. By accelerating collaboration between governments, destination management organizations and technology companies, we can ensure destinations, the communities that power them and the environments they inhabit are at the heart of all future tourism development.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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