Interesting places to visit in the Creel Area

San Ignacio, located only 3 kms outside of town, this area is host to the rock formations of the Mushrooms, Frogs and Monks, as well as Lake Arareko. You can see all of this area by walking, biking or taking a scooter around the dirt roads that encircle the area. The whole trip through this area is only about 22 kms. San Ignacio Mission is here and although it is usually locked these days, the area in itself is very nice to visit.

Lake Arareko ' This lake is manmade and was originally intended to be the reservoir for Creel. Its name, Arareko, means "horseshoe" in Raramuri. You may rent row boats here for a spin around the lake and black bass is often caught here too. It is located just 8kms from Creel, either down the main highway or by the back roads through the Valleys Area. Entrance fee of $15 pesos will get you into the Lake and Mushrooms/Frogs area.

Valley of the Monks ' The name in Raramuri is "Bisabirachi", which means "valley of the erect penises". The locals have renamed it Valley of the Monks to be a bit more politically correct. This valley is amazing, as the name suggests, it is filled with enormous and tall rock spires that are truly fascinating to look upon. It is located just 8kms from Creel down the back road. Entrance fee of $15 pesos.

Valley of the Mushrooms and Frogs ' Located just next to the San Ignacio Mission, this area is aptly named after the rock formations that look surprisingly like mushrooms and frogs. Entrance fee of $15 pesos for both this area and the Lake.

Recowata Hot Springs - This very popular hot springs is just 22 km from Creel. It sits at the bottom of a small canyon called Tararecua and can be reached by bicycle, horseback or even on foot (if you're into death marches!)There are several concrete pools now so it is a bit more commercial than it used to be but it is still the closest one to Creel that is easily accessible. The water temperature is around 98 degrees year around so it isn't terribly hot but it is nice in the spring and summer.

It's recently been a bit harder to reach Recowata as the Raramuri of the area have discontinued access by road to the bottom of the canyon. One can still hike down though and this is the recommended way to reach the bottom. The Indians are offering transfers from time to time but the vehicles are not properly maintained and it is difficult to get back to the top when you wish to as it takes so long to come down the canyon. Best to just hoof it and be done with it. Great exercise, great views, no worries. Entrance fee of $15 pesos.

Cusarare Waterfall, located only 22 kms from Creel, this waterfall has a height of 30 meters and steps that lead all the way to the bottom. There is water year around but only a trickle in April and May as it is the driest time of the year. Even so, it is worth seeing as one must either walk down the 40 minutes of dirt road, laced through the forest, or take a tour from Creel. The walk is the best if you can manage it and makes it all the more worthwhile when you arrive to find a bit of peace in the sound of the running water and cool breezes. Entrance fee of $15 pesos.

Cusarare Mission and Loyola Museum is just across the road from Cusarare Waterfall. It sits about 3kms off the main road to the left if you are coming from Creel. Just look for the sign. Here you can see a museum that features paintings by famous Mexican Artists from the 16th century. Next door is the Cusarare Mission that is worth a peek too. Entrance fee of $15 pesos for museum and they usually ask for a donation at the mission.

Basirecota Hot Springs is located at the bottom of a small canyon just a 4 hour hike from the Cusarare area. The spring is very hot and very nice to sit in. You'll find a small overhang of rock up above it too where the steam escapes and makes a nice place to hang a towel over your head and relax. There is water most of the year but at times in the spring it seems to fade away. The best way to do this hike is to spend a few nights at the Sierra Lodge Hotel in Cusarare. In this manner, you can spend a full day hiking first to the springs and then onto the waterfall of Cusarare as well before heading back to the Lodge to sip margaritas and enjoy a home cooked meal made by the Raramuri in the area. A Raramuri guide can be arranged for at the Sierra Lodge for the hike and will cost about $300 pesos for the day for 1 to 4 people.