★ 2 · last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Northern Mexico
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Location Map of Northern Mexico
Northern Mexico
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Beyond a few beautiful colonial cities (Álamos, El Fuerte), the region's highlights center around Copper Canyon, which can be explored by tourist train with the Chihuahua al Pacífico, along with several nature reserves and various sites, including the country's tallest waterfalls.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Of the 34 sites in the country listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the North has three:
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (2010)
This is a route created during the Spanish era to connect the southern United States (Santa Fe) to the Mexico region. Several historic towns and sites line its path, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mexican side.
This is a route created during the Spanish era to connect the southern United States (Santa Fe) to the Mexico region. Several historic towns and sites line its path, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mexican side.
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar (2013)
This is a volcanic desert nature reserve between the Gulf of California and the US border, notably characterised by its dunes and towering cacti.
This is a volcanic desert nature reserve between the Gulf of California and the US border, notably characterised by its dunes and towering cacti.
Paquimé (1998)
With its archaeological zone, Paquimé is one of the few pre-Columbian sites in northern Mexico. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its archaeological zone, Paquimé is one of the few pre-Columbian sites in northern Mexico. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
This is a route created during the Spanish era to connect the southern United States (Santa Fe) to the Mexico region. Several historic towns and sites line its path, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mexican side.
This is a route created during the Spanish era to connect the southern United States (Santa Fe) to the Mexico region. Several historic towns and sites line its path, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mexican side.
Chihuahua
A large modern city, not necessarily very touristy, but with a small historic center. It's also the starting point for the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico train.
A large modern city, not necessarily very touristy, but with a small historic center. It's also the starting point for the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico train.
Ciudad Cuauhtémoc
The city and its surroundings are home to the world's largest Mennonite community, with around 50,000 people.
The city and its surroundings are home to the world's largest Mennonite community, with around 50,000 people.
Ciudad Juárez
A large border city near the United States (Texas), unfortunately best known for its extreme crime rates.
A large border city near the United States (Texas), unfortunately best known for its extreme crime rates.
Ciudad Obregón
This large city on the coast of Sonora is mainly used as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
This large city on the coast of Sonora is mainly used as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Creel
The town is a good starting point for exploring the surrounding area, particularly Copper Canyon. Creel is also a stop on the Chihuahua al Pacífico train.
The town is a good starting point for exploring the surrounding area, particularly Copper Canyon. Creel is also a stop on the Chihuahua al Pacífico train.
Cuatro Ciénegas
It’s an oasis in the northeastern desert region with several natural pools and springs perfect for swimming.
It’s an oasis in the northeastern desert region with several natural pools and springs perfect for swimming.
Hermosillo
It's a large urban area on the coast of the state of Sonora, not necessarily very touristy.
It's a large urban area on the coast of the state of Sonora, not necessarily very touristy.
Los Mochis
Pacific coast city known as the terminus of the Chihuahua al Pacifico train (670 km), connecting it to Chihuahua via the stunning landscapes of Copper Canyon. It also serves as a ferry crossing point across the Gulf of California to Baja California Sur (La Paz).
Pacific coast city known as the terminus of the Chihuahua al Pacifico train (670 km), connecting it to Chihuahua via the stunning landscapes of Copper Canyon. It also serves as a ferry crossing point across the Gulf of California to Baja California Sur (La Paz).
Mazatlan
A renowned beach resort on the northern Pacific coast. Mazatlan also hosts one of the country's most famous carnivals.
A renowned beach resort on the northern Pacific coast. Mazatlan also hosts one of the country's most famous carnivals.
Monterrey
Mexico's third-largest urban area, primarily a commercial and industrial hub rather than a tourist destination.
Mexico's third-largest urban area, primarily a commercial and industrial hub rather than a tourist destination.
Paquimé
With its archaeological zone, Paquimé is one of the few pre-Columbian sites in northern Mexico. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its archaeological zone, Paquimé is one of the few pre-Columbian sites in northern Mexico. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Puerto Peñasco
A beach resort in the northern Gulf of California, very popular with Americans due to its proximity to the border.
A beach resort in the northern Gulf of California, very popular with Americans due to its proximity to the border.
Tampico
An industrial port in the Caribbean, Tampico has a downtown area with "varied architecture" and a few beaches.
An industrial port in the Caribbean, Tampico has a downtown area with "varied architecture" and a few beaches.
Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway
A small tourist train connecting Chihuahua to Los Mochis on the Pacific coast (670 km) through stunning landscapes, particularly around Copper Canyon.
A small tourist train connecting Chihuahua to Los Mochis on the Pacific coast (670 km) through stunning landscapes, particularly around Copper Canyon.
Natural Heritage
Copper Canyon
Six stunning canyons with waterfalls and small villages where you can hike on foot or horseback. You can also explore the area on the (train) Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway.
Six stunning canyons with waterfalls and small villages where you can hike on foot or horseback. You can also explore the area on the (train) Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway.
Basaseachi Waterfall
One of Mexico's tallest waterfalls (246 m) located in the national park of the same name.
One of Mexico's tallest waterfalls (246 m) located in the national park of the same name.
Piedra Volada Waterfall
Mexico’s tallest waterfall at 453 m. It is located next to Basaseachi Waterfall.
Mexico’s tallest waterfall at 453 m. It is located next to Basaseachi Waterfall.
Majalca Peaks
National park in northern Mexico known for its rock formations that can be climbed. The site is also explored on foot.
National park in northern Mexico known for its rock formations that can be climbed. The site is also explored on foot.
Monterrey Peaks
On the doorstep of Monterrey, this park offers trekking and climbing opportunities amid stunning landscapes.
On the doorstep of Monterrey, this park offers trekking and climbing opportunities amid stunning landscapes.
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar
This is a volcanic desert nature reserve between the Gulf of California and the US border, notably characterised by its dunes and towering cacti.
This is a volcanic desert nature reserve between the Gulf of California and the US border, notably characterised by its dunes and towering cacti.
Matacanes
A canyon in the Monterrey region, in the municipality of Santiago, two hours' drive away, known as a premier destination for extreme sports (climbing, canyoning).
A canyon in the Monterrey region, in the municipality of Santiago, two hours' drive away, known as a premier destination for extreme sports (climbing, canyoning).
Warning: Part of the Northern region is currently either completely or strongly advised against for security reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Must-see & highly recommended
Copper Canyon
★★★★ Six stunning canyons with waterfalls and small villages where you can hike on foot or horseback. You can also explore the area on the…
Recommended
Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway
★★★ A small tourist train connecting Chihuahua to Los Mochis on the Pacific coast (670 km) through stunning landscapes, particularly around…
Worth a look / Other
Alamos
★★ A beautiful colonial city on the northwest coast of Mexico, in the state of Sonora.
Basaseachi Waterfall
★★ One of Mexico's tallest waterfalls (246 m) located in the national park of the same name.
Piedra Volada Waterfall
★★ Mexico’s tallest waterfall at 453 m. It is located next to Basaseachi Waterfall.
Cuatro Ciénegas
★★ It’s an oasis in the northeastern desert region with several natural pools and springs perfect for swimming.
Majalca Peaks
★★ National park in northern Mexico known for its rock formations that can be climbed. The site is also explored on foot.
Monterrey Peaks
★★ On the doorstep of Monterrey, this park offers trekking and climbing opportunities amid stunning landscapes.
El Fuerte
★★ A charming small colonial town in northern Mexico.
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar
★★ This is a volcanic desert nature reserve between the Gulf of California and the US border, notably characterised by its dunes and towering…
Matacanes
★★ A canyon in the Monterrey region, in the municipality of Santiago, two hours' drive away, known as a premier destination for extreme sports…
Mazatlan
★★ A renowned beach resort on the northern Pacific coast. Mazatlan also hosts one of the country's most famous carnivals.
Paquimé
★★ With its archaeological zone, Paquimé is one of the few pre-Columbian sites in northern Mexico. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
★ This is a route created during the Spanish era to connect the southern United States (Santa Fe) to the Mexico region. Several historic…
Chihuahua
★ A large modern city, not necessarily very touristy, but with a small historic center. It's also the starting point for the famous Chihuahua…
Ciudad Cuauhtémoc
★ The city and its surroundings are home to the world's largest Mennonite community, with around 50,000 people.
Ciudad Juárez
★ A large border city near the United States (Texas), unfortunately best known for its extreme crime rates.
Ciudad Obregón
★ This large city on the coast of Sonora is mainly used as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Creel
★ The town is a good starting point for exploring the surrounding area, particularly Copper Canyon. Creel is also a stop on the Chihuahua al…
Durango
★ The capital of the state of the same name has a charming historic center.
Hermosillo
★ It's a large urban area on the coast of the state of Sonora, not necessarily very touristy.
Los Mochis
★ Pacific coast city known as the terminus of the Chihuahua al Pacifico train (670 km), connecting it to Chihuahua via the stunning…
Matamoros
★ It’s one of the many border cities with the USA (Texas) used by Americans for shopping.
Monterrey
★ Mexico's third-largest urban area, primarily a commercial and industrial hub rather than a tourist destination.
Nogales
★ A border town in the United States (Arizona) often used by Americans for bargain shopping.
Puerto Peñasco
★ A beach resort in the northern Gulf of California, very popular with Americans due to its proximity to the border.
Saltillo
★ The capital of the state of Coahuila has a beautiful historic centre and several museums.
Tampico
★ An industrial port in the Caribbean, Tampico has a downtown area with "varied architecture" and a few beaches.
- Chihuahua
- Ciudad Juárez
- Creel
- Durango
- Monterrey
- Nogales
- Puerto Peñasco
- Tampico
- Alamos
- Ciudad Cuauhtémoc
- Ciudad Obregón
- El Fuerte
- Hermosillo
- Los Mochis
- Matamoros
- Mazatlan
- Paquimé
- Saltillo
- Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway
- Copper Canyon
- Basaseachi Waterfall
- Piedra Volada Waterfall
- Majalca Peaks
- Monterrey Peaks
- Cuatro Ciénegas
- El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar
- Matacanes
- Camino Real de Tierra Adentro