Chihuahua is Mexico's largest state, a vast expanse of high desert, pine-covered sierra, and one of the world's great canyon systems. It is home to the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre), a network of gorges deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon, crossed by the legendary El Chepe railway. The state blends Rarámuri indigenous culture, Mennonite farming communities, and the ranching and revolutionary history of Pancho Villa's home city, Chihuahua City.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Rarámuri Woven Pine-Needle and Palm Baskets (Huari)
Price: MXN 100-600 (approx USD 6-33)
Where: Creel craft shops and street stalls, Casa de las Artesanías in Chihuahua City, Museo de la Cultura Tarahumara shop
Queso Menonita (Mennonite Cheese)
Price: MXN 120-220 per kilo (approx USD 7-12)
Where: Roadside stands and dairy shops around Cuauhtémoc, supermarkets in Chihuahua City, Casa de las Artesanías
Sotol (agave-like Dasylirion spirit)
Price: MXN 350-900 per bottle (approx USD 19-50)
Where: Hacienda de Chihuahua distillery shop, specialty liquor stores in Chihuahua City, Casa de las Artesanías
Handmade Vaquero (Cowboy) Boots
Price: MXN 1,800-6,500 per pair (approx USD 100-361)
Where: Western-wear boot shops in central Chihuahua City and Cuauhtémoc
Mata Ortiz Pottery
Price: MXN 300-3,000+ per piece (approx USD 17-167+)
Where: Casa de las Artesanías Chihuahua, specialty galleries in Chihuahua City, artisan workshops in Mata Ortiz village
Pinole and Dried Meat (Machaca)
Price: MXN 60-150 per package (approx USD 3-8)
Where: Casa de las Artesanías, mercados in Chihuahua City, Rarámuri roadside vendors
Rarámuri Wooden Violins and Drums
Price: MXN 250-800 (approx USD 14-44)
Where: Museo de la Cultura Tarahumara shop in Creel, Artesanías Misión
Rarámuri Woven Belts and Sashes
Price: MXN 150-450 (approx USD 8-25)
Where: Creel market stalls, Casa de las Artesanías
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Casa de las Artesanías del Estado de Chihuahua
Rarámuri baskets and pottery, Mennonite cheese, Mata Ortiz ceramics, sotol, pinole
Where: Centro, Chihuahua City
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 10AM-3PM
Artesanías Misión (Creel)
Rarámuri basketry, traditional clothing, Mata Ortiz and Rarámuri pottery, musical instruments
Where: Creel, Sierra Tarahumara
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-9PM
Mennonite Dairy Stands and Roadside Cheese Market, Cuauhtémoc
Queso menonita, fresh cream, baked bread and preserves sold directly by Mennonite farmers
Where: Highway approach to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc
Hours: Daily approx. 8AM-6PM (varies by stand)
Museo de la Cultura Tarahumara Shop, Creel
Rarámuri wood carvings, palm weavings, textiles, jewelry
Where: Creel town center, Sierra Tarahumara
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-1PM and 3PM-7PM