Chihuahua, the largest state of Mexico

Chihuahua is the largest state in the Mexican Republic: 247,084 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 3 million. Situated to the north of the country, bordering to the USA to the north and the states of Coahuila, Sonora, Durango and Sinaloa.

The word Chihuahua is derived from the Nahuatl language and means “dry and sandy place”, and indeed the geography of the states displays extensive desert lands, although it is also abundant in other climates, which contrast with its rough dryness. In the rainy season, with hot summer days, one can observe tree filled landscapes abound with vegetation echoing a beautiful scale of green tones between imposing mountain ranges and magnificent waterfalls. This is a modern state, vigorous and progressive, full of splendour and magic due to its great history. It is the site of great transcendental moments in history, such as the imprisonment and shooting of several leaders of war of independence. A land of power where the first rising of the Mexican Revolution occurred at the hands of the legendry Pancho Villa and the North Division Army. Chihuahua is not only rich due to its commercial and industrial activities, or agricultural and cattle farming, but also because of its history, its culture and its extraordinary natural beauty which make this an exceptional place.

We find the magical Tarahumara mountain range, the impressive rock formation and deep blue of the Arareco lake, the Basaseachi waterfall; the highest in Mexico at 246 meters high. We find the old mining town of Batopilas, and the beautiful rustic “Cañon del Cobre” (Copper Canyon). One can also experience the ancient township of Cerocahui with its wonderful waterfall and shelter for girls of Tarahumara; Creel, a township known as the door to the “Madre Occidental” mountain range, home of an old neo-gothic style Jesuit mission building with a wooden tower and a multitude of tarahumaran handcrafts. There is Causarare with its tarahumaran museum displaying aspects of indigenous culture; the magnitude of the ravines in the Divisadero (a vantage point) and the healthy long walks to Tarahumara´s various view points and caves. Or maybe you would prefer a ride to Chihuahua distant past? Departing from Ciudad Madera one can visit archeological sites such as “Las 40 Casas” (The 4 homes) and Casas Grandes (The Big House) and set out on an unforgettable journey through ravines, gorges, waterfalls and mystical towns on the Chihuahua Pacific railway, one of the world’s most important routes, crossing the Sierra Madre mountains and the valleys of Sinaloa. One would have to cross the whole of Chihuahua, city by city, in order to piece together all of its stories and legends; Aldama, Camargo, Cuahutémoc, Delicias, Hidalgo del Parral, Jimenez, Ciudad Juárez, Ojinaga and Valle de Allende; cities of architectural beauty in terms of temples, chapels and cathedrals.

And one shouldn’t miss the museums! In Delicias one can visit the Museum of Paleontology, whilst in the capital city, Chihuahua, there is the Sacred Arts Museum, the Casa de Juárez Museum and the Revolution Museum, which was also the home of the revolution hero PanchoVilla. The Casas Grandes Museum homes a fabulous archeological collection of ceramics from the “Paquime” culture, and in the border town of Juárez one can find the History Museum, the Museum of Art and the Museum or Archeology.
This state is home to beautiful natural attractions such as the Aldama Forest, the Waterpark Los Filtros and Lake Colina in Camargo, Las Grutas (caves) and the natural mineral springs and spas of Coyame. Close to the city of Chihuahua is the majestic Cumbres de Mahalca National Park, a forestal area of great beauty. In Jiménez one can enjoy the natural thermal springs of Ojo de Dolores and the caves which are known as La Cueva del Diablo (Devil’s Cave). Also nearby are the Médanos de Samalayuca, whose sand dunes are in constant modification due to the airflow, thus creating capricious shapes that reflect natures harmony, and the characteristic flora and fauna of the region. You mustn’t miss a trip to see the Ojos del Chuviscar cave paintings as well as the Las Monas caves, or a visit to the old buildings such as the municipal palaces, the former aqueduct and the capital city’s federal palace, where the father of independence , a priest known as Hidalgo, was held in a cell during his last days before being shot. There is also the Jiménez market with its iron construction, the Juárez market with its great variety of handcrafts and the countless monuments, ancient theatres, well stock libraries and legendary mining centers.

In the state of Chihuahua there are many menonite settlements, famous for their production of cheeses as well as for an interesting life style full of peculiar customs and traditions.

Chihuahua is also a site of great shows and sports events such as bull fighting, rodeos, car racing, etc. And naturally one couldn’t failed to mention the great festivals, regional fairs and celebrations, events which serve as a showcase of Chihuahuan products, glorifying via its music, celebrations, food and multicolored lights the great pride of this, the largest state in the country in every sense of the word. See you in Chihuahua!