How to Travel to the Copper Canyon From the United States

The Copper Canyon has rugged adventure, majestic beauty, native culture and a rich history. Located in northern Mexico, the canyon is four times larger and more than 300 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon. Despite its remote location, the canyon can be reached quickly and inexpensively by bus from the United States, starting out in El Paso, Texas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take a bus from the Greyhound depot in El Paso over the Mexican border to Juarez.
2. Notify the driver that you need a tourist card when the bus stops at the border.
3. Enter the immigration office and obtain your tourist card when the bus stops at the border.
4. Reboard the bus and proceed to Juarez.
5. Travel to Chihuahua City from the Juarez bus station.
6. Go to the Estrella Blanca ticket booth when entering the Chihuahua City bus terminal and purchase a ticket to Creel, where the Copper Canyon is located. Estrella Blanca is the only bus company that travels to the Copper Canyon.
7. Ride to Creel and enjoy North America's largest canyon.

Tips & Warnings

• When obtaining your tourist card at the border, an impatient bus driver may not wait for you. Don't panic: You can jump on the next Greyhound bus that comes by.
• On the ride to Juarez, the bus attendant may offer to call ahead and reserve a seat for you on a bus to Chihuahua City. This can save you time.
• Consider hiring a local guide in Creel. A local guide can streamline the process of finding lodging and transportation.
• A Mexican bus is a lot like an American airliner. You'll find beverages, reclining seats and even movies.
• Don't stow flashy, expensive backpacks in the baggage compartment below the bus. If you can carry your gear in a bag the size of an airline carry-on, you can take it with you on the bus and store it in the overhead compartment.