| The town of Creel serves
as a starting point for many tours of the Copper
Canyon. If you stay here long a few days, you begin to recognize
almost everyone in town --- and, of course, the reverse is true.
SMALL TOWN
While its small hotels and restaurants offer something for every
budget, the town is relatively quiet. Most everyone here is coming
from somewhere else and heading in an altogether different direction.
Creel is Mexico's ultimate small town. If you're looking for a guide,
ask - either at your hotel or among your fellow travelers. It can
be chilly at night, so dress appropriately. The town is nestled
high in the mountains at 2,338 meters (7,670 feet).
Creel is named after the former state governor, Enrique Creel, son
of the United States ambassador to Mexico in the 1930s, who founded
timber works in the area. This town is a study in paradox, a logging
town that supports environmental tourism.
Noteworthy projects are those that not only involve but are run
by the indigenous Tarahumara communities. Be sure to visit the ejidos
of San Ignancio Arareko and Cusárare, just outside of town.
BIKING
Creel is also the hub of mountain biking in Mexico. The Mexican
Mountain Bike Nationals are held here each summer.
CRAFTS
A good spot in which to get your bearings is the Casa de Las Artesanías
, located next to the train station. The crafts store, run by the
Catholic mission, promotes Tarahumara crafts and culture. They sell
wooden dolls, drums, blankets and photos of the Tarahumara, who
would rather not be photographed by tourists. |
