Things to do in Posada Barrancas and Divisadero, Mexico

Finding things to do in Divisadero, Mexico, will not be difficult. Posada Barrancas and Divisadero are the most iconic stops along the Chepe route as this is where you’ll find the most spectacular panoramic views of the Copper Canyon system.

Divisadero and Posada Barrancas are two different Chepe stops but they are only separated by about 5 km 3 mi. This page refers primarily to Divisadero but due to its close proximity to Posada Barrancas, almost all the information can be applied to both stops unless stated otherwise.

So what’s the difference between the two?

Divisadero, whose name means lookout or viewpoint, is exactly that: an incredible lookout point of the canyon system. The only other things that exist here are the station itself, with a few food and handicraft stalls, and one hotel situated on the very edge of the canyon wall.

Posada Barrancas is the name of the nearby station, which is located in the small town of Areponapuchi. While it does have some areas with wonderful views it is more often frequented for its wider variety of affordable accommodations.

However, the entire area around both stops has little to offer in terms of amenities. There’s no town centre and barely any restaurants aside from those in the hotels. Staying near either of these two stops means you’ll likely be eating at your hotel.

There may be a lack of amenities but there is no lack of adventure at these stops. In 2010 an adventure park was built in the area allowing visitors to experience the Copper Canyon with a shot of adrenaline. The park is now the top attraction in the area with options for all ages and adventure levels.

Divisadero and Posada Barrancas sit at an altitude of about 2200 m 7500 ft and can get cold once the sun goes down and during the winter months.

• November-February: daily highs are between 15 and 20°C (59 to 68°F) while nights drop between 0 and 5°C (32 and 41°F), with occasional, light snowfall in January and February.
• March-May and September-October: daily highs are 23-30°C (73-86°F) while nights are between 5 and 12°C (41 and 54°F). March to May are the driest months, while September and October are the tail end of the rainy season and will be very lush.
• June-August: daily highs are between 25 and 35°C (77 and 95°F), and the night time temperature averages 15 °C 59 °F. This is the rainy season with short but heavy daily showers.

September and October leave the rim at its greenest, as the rainy season ends — but they are also two of the four months when the Chepe Express runs only Thursday to Sunday. Our guide to the best time to visit weighs both. The views are mind-blowing whatever time of year you choose to visit.

Despite the lack of amenities around these two stops, Divisadero often ends up being the highlight of many travellers’ Copper Canyon journey. Don’t miss this incredible location!

Divisadero and Posada Barrancas are both located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. They can be found roughly 300 km 185 mi southwest of the state capital, the city of Chihuahua.

The two stops, separated by only a few kilometres, are situated at the halfway point between Chihuahua and Los Mochis along the Chepe route.

The map shows the major transportation hubs (mentioned below), as well as the major sites mentioned in the section Things to do in Divisadero.

The two main forms of transportation to or from Divisadero are train and bus. If coming from the Chihuahua/Creel direction, then you'll have both of these options. However, if coming from the Los Mochis direction then the train is your only option.

How to get to Divisadero, Mexico, by Train

Train days and times checked on September 18, 2026 against the operator's Chepe Express 2026 schedule and Chepe Regional schedule. Times are local.

The Chepe Express stops at Divisadero only. The Chepe Regional stops at both Divisadero and Posada Barrancas. From Divisadero the Express continues to Bahuichivo, El Fuerte and Los Mochis; in the other direction it ends in Creel, about 1 hour 55 minutes away.

You may need to scroll left and right to view the entire table.

In May, June, August and September the Chepe Express runs only from Thursday to Sunday. Tickets for the Divisadero to Creel segment cannot be changed once bought, and to ride the Chepe Regional on this part of the line you need a Chepe Express reservation first.

If you're arriving on the Chepe Express and staying near Posada Barrancas, arrange a pick-up with your hotel at Divisadero.

How to get to Divisadero, Mexico, by Bus

Two bus companies, Autotransportes Turísticos del Noroeste and Rápidos Cuauhtémoc, run between Creel and Divisadero. In Creel, the two stations are next door to each other, right beside the train tracks (see Creel map).

We no longer print departure times or fares for these buses: the ones this page showed were from 2018 and we could not verify current ones, because the carriers do not publish a timetable online. Confirm the day's departures at the station in Creel, including the time of the last bus back, before you set out.

At Divisadero, passengers are picked up right beside the train stop (see map above); wave the driver down, as the bus may not stop otherwise. For Posada Barrancas, the pickup area is marked on the map above.

As the name suggests (Divisadero means ‘lookout’), the views are the top things to do in Divisadero. Taking in the scenery and surroundings is a wonderful way to relax but if you also want some excitement make sure you leave some time for the Adventure Park and its many activities, including one of the longest zip lines of its kind in the world. Hiking and mountain biking are also offered at the Adventure Park.

All the attractions found in Divisadero, Mexico, are divided into two below: the viewpoints and the Adventure Park.

Viewpoints

Divisadero Lookout

The Copper Canyon is actually a system of 6 separate canyons, and this viewpoint, located just meters away from the Divisadero train stop, provides the most astonishing views of three of them. From here you can see the Copper Canyon, Urique Canyon and Tararecua Canyon.

The entire lookout area is fenced for safety and Rarámuri locals set up food and merchant stalls during the day.

Walking Path

There is a lovely 2.5 km 1.5 mi long stone path that runs between the Divisadero lookout and the Adventure Park. It provides plenty of photo opportunities but exercise caution as the path is only a few meters from the edge of the cliffs and there are no fences along most of its length.

Walking Trail

This short and easy to navigate dirt path runs along the edge of the canyon just behind the Hotel Posada Barranca Mirador. You can walk there from most hotels in Areponapuchi or ask your hotel to give you a ride (they will charge a fee). See the map above for the starting location.

Hotel Posada Barranca Mirador

Even if you’re not staying at this hotel you can head on in and sit on the deck overlooking the canyons. The bar is cash only and very overpriced but worth it for the views.

Copper Canyon Adventure Park

The Adventure Park, known in Spanish as Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre, is located halfway between Divisadero and Posada Barrancas, right at the edge of the canyons. Most hotels will offer a shuttle to and from the park for a fee but it is walkable from either Divisadero stop or Areponapuchi if you’re up for it.

Prices, hours and limits checked on September 18, 2026 against the park's official site, parquebarrancas.com (activities and FAQ). The park says any activity can be suspended without notice for rain, lightning or wind.

The park is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00, and its Restaurante Barranco, with a glass floor over the canyon, is on site in case you plan to spend the day there.

For any zip line activity, your return on the cable car is included in the price. You fill in a waiver and pay at the park's ticket window, and the park asks you to check the availability of each activity first.

Cable Car

The Cable Car, or Teleférico, is the most relaxing, adrenaline-free way to get a unique perspective of the canyons. The ride is 3 km 1.9 mi long, takes about 8 minutes in the cabin and drops you off at the Mesa de Bacajípare viewpoint, where you look over the meeting of the Copper, Tararecua and Urique canyons. The park says everyone is welcome on it, including people with disabilities and pets.

Zip Rider

A single seated zip line on a cable 2,554 m (2.6 km 1.6 mi) long, up to 290 m 950 ft above the ground. After the ride, you’ll have a hike of about 700 m 2,300 ft uphill to the Mesa de Bacajipare viewpoint and cable car station so you can return to the park.

Via Ferrata

If you’re looking for more variety sign up for Via Ferrata, which includes rappelling, suspension bridges, a wire bridge, a slight variation of rock climbing, a cave and a pendulum-like swing (they call it a Tarzan swing).

Zip Line Circuit

The circuit, called 7 Tirolesas, includes 7 different zip lines, from 141 m 465 ft to 1,113 m 3,650 ft long, and 2 suspension bridges, close to 5 km 3 mi in all. The park gives speeds of 60 to 110 km/h and two to two and a half hours for the whole circuit. You'll finish the circuit at the Mesa de Bacajipare viewpoint where you can catch the cable car back to the park.

Bosque Aereo

Translated into English this activity is called Air Forest: 12 suspension bridges between the trees, 8 to 9 m 30 ft above the ground, ending with a short zip line. You won’t be crossing over the canyons so there’s no cable car ride included in this one.

Rocodromo

If you’re not ready to fly or swing through the canyons you can try your hand at this 7 m 23 ft tall artificial rock-climbing wall, with eight routes. Your price includes three climbs.

For Younger Adventurers

The Adventure Park also offers harnessed trampoline sessions (Euro Bungee) and an 18-hole mini-golf course with canyon views.

Hiking and Biking

Within the Adventure Park you can hire a Rarámuri guide to take you on a hike to a number of destinations. They also rent bikes and provide ATV tours.

Activity Hours, Restrictions and Prices

Prices are in Mexican pesos; the U.S. dollar figures are approximate, at 17.5 pesos per dollar. Near the weight limits, the park weighs you on site. Its FAQ also gives a general minimum of 45 kg and a height between 1.60 m 5.2 ft and 1.90 m 6.2 ft for the adventure activities, and says each activity has its own limits: if you are close to any of them, call the park before you go, (614) 194-0271, every day from 9:00 to 16:00.

*Discounts are available if you purchase a package for multiple activities at the park

As Divisadero is a lookout point, not a town, there’s only one hotel near this Chepe station. Although it offers incredible views, it isn’t cheap and it's booked solid come major holidays, especially Semana Santa (Easter), Christmas and Valentines Day. It's a good idea to book this place a few weeks in advance any time of year.

Hotel Divisadero Barrancas

Situated on the edge of a canyon wall this hotel offers breath-taking views of the canyons whether you’re sitting outside in the fresh air or cozying up inside on a couch. There is a restaurant and bar on site but expect high prices, as it’s the only place in the area to eat.

Click here to check prices and availability

There is a wider variety of hotels to choose from in Areponapuchi, the town around Posada Barrancas. Keep in mind that the town is very small and simple with essentially no restaurants or stores, so you’ll likely be eating most of your meals at your hotel.

If you're arriving on the Chepe Express you'll get off at Divisadero as the train doesn't stop at Posada Barrancas. Be sure to arrange a pick-up with your hotel at Divisadero.

Below are a few recommendations to suit different budgets.

Low budget

Cabaña Los Portales

This hotel offers spacious and clean but very basic rooms. The staff are friendly and helpful, and meals are served on site.

Click here to check prices and availability

Mid budget

Mansion Tarahumara

This castle-like hotel is set on a hill providing panoramic views of Areponapuchi and the canyons a little further on. There’s hot tub, pool and billiards table to keep you entertained once the sun sets.

Click here to check prices and availability

High budget

Hotel Mirador Posada Barranca

Like the hotel at Divisadero, this one is set on the edge of a canyon wall and anyone who’s stayed here can’t say enough about the phenomenal views. Plus most rooms have their own terrace with a canyon view and indoor fireplace. There’s also a restaurant and bar on site.

Click here to check prices and availability

Below are some practical tips for a stay at Divisadero or Posada Barrancas.

On a Budget?

Hotels in Divisadero are, on average, more expensive than in Creel. If you’d like to save money on accommodations consider staying in Creel overnight and either booking a tour to Divisadero or taking a bus in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Click here for Creel hotel options.

Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies will cover travel in the Copper Canyon. Make sure you've purchased the right travel insurance for your trip and make sure you're covered for activities at the Adventure Park.

Click here to learn more about travel insurance specifically for the Copper Canyon.

Money

There are no ATMs or banks in Divisadero or Areponapuchi so make sure you have some cash with you before arriving. Most hotels accept credit cards although it’d be a good idea to double-check this before arriving. Bring cash for the community access fee and for the food stalls at the station.

If you are paying in cash don't accept change in the form of ripped or torn bills as the next retailer won't accept them from you. If you do find one in your wallet you can exchange it at a bank in one of the bigger towns.

Valuables

Many of the hotels throughout the Copper Canyon do not contain room safes and front desk staff will not assume responsibility for valuable items left with them. Carry your passport and other valuables with you, or ask your hotel what it offers before you book.

Cellular Service

Unless you have a telcel SIM you won’t have any cellular service in Divisadero and most hotels here don’t offer wifi, or it costs extra and doesn’t work anyway.

If being connected is important to you, get a Mexican SIM card for an unlocked phone in a city before you head into the Sierra, and ask your hotel what connection it has before you book.

Entertainment

Evenings here are quiet, and the connection may be weak or absent: bring a good book or preload a device with something to watch.

Maps.me

The free app Maps.me contains more detailed routes and amenities than Google maps. You can download it for apple or android, and then download the map of Mexico before you leave to visit the Copper Canyon. Even if you don't have data while travelling in Mexico you'll be able to navigate using the map and GPS on your phone.

Deciding how much time to spend in Divisadero will vary greatly among travellers. If you’ve got lots of time you may want to spend a few nights just soaking up the scenery and relaxing. If you’re on a tighter time schedule you can see most of what Divisadero has to offer in 1 night. Others may even decide to see Divisadero as a day trip from Creel.

Below are a few itineraries for those on a tighter time schedule. The train days decide how many nights you stay: check the table in How to get to Divisadero first. Times below use the 2026 schedules, checked on September 18, 2026.

Daytrip from Creel

• Take a morning bus from Creel to Divisadero; confirm the departure and the last bus back at the station in Creel the day before
• Get off at Divisadero Station and take in the lookout
• Stroll along the stone path towards the Adventure Park
• Spend about 2.5 hours enjoying the Park's activities; the adventure activities take their last groups between 13:30 and 15:30
• Head back along the stone path towards Divisadero station
• Grab some gorditas for lunch at the station
• Flag down your bus back to Creel

Staying 1 Night

With the Chepe Express, one night is not possible in the same direction of travel: the next train onward is two or three days later. One night works if you arrive by train and leave by bus to Creel, or the other way round.

Day 1: Arrive at Divisadero at 9:55 (from Creel) or at 16:15 (from Los Mochis)

• Check-in at hotel
• Walk or hire a ride to Hotel Mirador Posada Barranca
• Walk along the trail just behind the hotel
• Return to Hotel Mirador for drinks/hot chocolate on the terrace
• Walk back to your hotel
• Dinner and evening in your hotel

Day 2: The Adventure Park, then onward

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Hire a ride to the Adventure Park at 9:00
• Spend a few hours at the Park
• Walk north along the stone path towards Divisadero station
• Have some gorditas for lunch
• Catch your ride back to the hotel to check-out
• Take the bus to Creel, or stay a second night and board the next train

Staying 2 or 3 Nights

This is what a Chepe Express ticket with a stop at Divisadero gives you: the operator asks for at least two nights at each stop. Coming from Creel and continuing towards Los Mochis:

In May, June, August and September there are no Tuesday trains, so the only short stay is Friday to Sunday. Use the extra day for one of the longer trails along the rim, or for a second, slower visit to the lookouts.

Answers checked on September 15, 2026 against the official pages of the Chepe train operator (chepe.mx).