In this large Mexican state, see impressive geographical contrasts of vast deserts, wide rocky canyons, beautiful river valleys and lush forests.
Chihuahua is one of the largest states in México, covering an area bigger than the United Kingdom. It’s no surprise that it’s also known as “El Estado Grande” (the Big State). Visit Chihuahua to see its spectacular landscapes, with imposing rugged mountainous terrain and sandy deserts. Marvel at the great variety of plant and animals species living in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world.
The famous Desierto de Chihuahua (Chihuahuan Desert) extends at both sides of the border between México and the United States. Explore a region full of rich valleys separated by dramatic mountain ranges. See the Sierra Madre Occidental (Western Mountains), an extension of the American Rocky Mountains. One of the most famous attractions in the area, Las Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon), a spectacular group of six canyons, is here.
Discover other great ranges, including the Sierra Madre Oriental (Eastern Mountains) and the picturesque Sky Islands, which are isolated mountains surrounded by radically different lowland environments.
Learn about the many animals and plants living in the desert and the devastating effects of urbanization and overgrazing in the region. The well-known species here include the lobo gris Chihuahueño (Chihuahuan gray wolf), the zorro norteño (northern fox) and the correcaminos norteño (northern roadrunner).
In the desert area, you’ll find populated areas of Chihuahua. Ciudad Juarez and the U.S. town of El Paso in Texas form El-Paso-Juarez, a very large bi-national metropolitan area on the border between the two countries.
Visit Chihuahua City, capital of the state, to see a traditional Mexican town. Stop at the Museo Casa Chihuahua, a downtown museum with fine artworks and exhibits. In the basement is the jail cell of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Mexican Roman Catholic priest and a leader of the Mexican War of Independence. In the city center, take photos of the Templo de San Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), one of the few colonial monuments remaining in Chihuahua.
