The Insider Guide to Creel, Chihuahua
Discover Creel – a magical town in the state of Chihuahua
Creel Chihuahua is the most famous stop on the Chepe train journey and the gateway to the Tarahumara Sierra.
Even though it’s small, this pueblo magico doesn’t lack amazing things to see and do, especially for those who love unique nature and enjoy learning about new cultures and ways of life.
All around Creel, you’ll find dreamy pine forests, interesting valleys dotted by quirky-looking rock formations, and landscapes you wouldn’t exactly expect to find in Mexico.
✈️ Creel Chihuahua quick info
???????? State: Chihuahua
???? Currency: The currency in Mexico is called the New Mexican peso (MXN). $1 USD = $20 MXN. Mexico also uses the $ sign so don’t get confused. Most prices in PV are in Mexican peso.
???? Power plug: Mexico uses types A and B and you will usually find both. See all plug types here to know what to pack for Creel, Chihuahua.
???? Visa: Mexico no longer gives 180-day tourists visas. It all depends on your itinerary and proof of accommodations/tours. Mexico will not stamp your passport but they will give you an entry card. Don’t lose it because it’s your only proof that you legally entered the country. You will need to present it when you leave.
???? Language: English is commonly spoken all over Chihuahua due to its closeness to the United States. However, knowing a bit of Spanish also goes a long way. In Creel, there is a big Raramuri community that speaks their own language (Raramuri, a language from the Uto-Aztecan family).
???? Culture: Creel is mainly inhabited by Raramuri people (also known as Tarahumaras). The Raramuris are a tribe in northern Mexico who are known for their great artisan works and for being incredibly fast runners.
???? Wifi: Wifi is available in many restaurants, guesthouses, and hotels. However, expect it to be pretty slow in most places.
???? Creel Chihuahua Travel Blog
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???? Planning your trip to Creel, Chihuahua
Planning a trip to Creel, Chihuahua isn’t very hard. However, being a destination that is not really on the typical tourist route, you may want to prepare a bit more than you would if you were visiting Cabo, Tulum, or Cancun.
Best time to visit Creel Chihuahua Mexico
Fall and Spring are usually the best times to visit Creel for pleasant weather. Winters are usually high season here as many Mexicans travel to the pueblo magico for the chance to see snow.
???? Don’t travel to Creel Chihuahua without insurance!
Just a reminder. You know it’s important! We use SafetyWing and we only pay US$40 per month for long-term traveling with COVID coverage. Check them out and choose an insurance plan that fits you.
Planning your budget
???? Accommodation costs: Hotels and guesthouses here vary. A very simple room at a family-owned guesthouse will cost you around $50 whole fancier alternatives like bubble glamping or cabins can cost around $250.
???? Food costs: Food in Creel Chihuahua. You can expect to pay around $8 for a very decent meal or up to $20 for fancier options.
✈️ How to get to Creel Chihuahua
The closest airport to Creel is Chihuahua City, which is where we recommend landing if you’re flying into Chihuahua. From Chihuahua City, you can get to Creel in three different ways: Train, bus, or rental car.
How to get to Creel Chihuahua via train
The famous Chepe Express doesn’t actually offer journeys from Chihuahua City to Creel, but here’s a secret most visitors don’t know: There is another train that does take passengers there called El Chepe Regional.
This train is known as “Budget Chepe” and is not really marketed. Even though it’s not as “fancy” as the Chepe Express, this train is cheaper and does offer a route between Creel and Chihuahua City several times a week.
You can see El Chepe Regional schedule here and book your tickets directly at the train station or by contacting their offices via the telephone.
How to get to Creel Chihuahua via rental car
If you arrive in Chihuahua, you can rent a car very easily at Chihuahua airport. Trisha and I did it and it only cost US$15 per day plus a security deposit of US$500.
How to get to Creel Chihuahua by bus
Autobuses Chihuahuenses offers multiple daily routes between Chihuahua City and Creel.
In my opinion, if you don’t want to drive and want to get to Creel in the most budget-friendly way, the bus is the way to go.
While riding the train is fun, I found their schedule can be restrictive and the ride itself not to be very easy on the wallet considering Creel is not that far from Chihuahua City. The ticket costs US$70 whereas the bus costs less than US$20 and they both take the same time to get to Creel.
Getting around
Creel Chihuahua is very small and getting around on foot is very easy. Some accommodation options are located on the outskirts of the village, so you may need to hire a taxi (there is no Uber here). You can either get your hotel to arrange one for you, or catch official taxis right in the main plaza.
Many of the main things to see in Creel are set about 10-20 minutes drive away from downtown. We recommend hiring a taxi or a tour guide to take you there.
⛰️ Things to do in Creel Chihuahua
Creel Chihuahua is very small and you can easily cover most of the best things to do in town in just one of two days. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss out on these activities in Creel Chihuahua.
Valle de los Monjes
An expansive valley made up of colossal pointy rocks and monoliths that, as the legend goes, were once monks who were petrified during meditation.
Valle de los Hongos
Valle de los Hongos means “Valley of the Mushrooms” and it’s exactly what it sounds like.
While it doesn’t feature any real mushrooms, all the rocks in this small valley resemble them.
Shop Raramuri Crafts
Creel has a very strong Raramuri indigenous heritage. Take up the chance to do some shopping here!
Lake Arecaco
An idyllic lake surrounded by a pine forest, a sight most people don’t really expect to find in Mexico. Great for hiking, kayaking, boating, and camping.
Monumento a Cristo Rey
A neogothic church sitting on the main plaza. From here, you can also continue exploring the rest of downtown Creel.
San Sebastian Cave
San Sebastian Cave is one of the very few inhabited caves that the Raramuris allow visitors to enter.
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????️ Where to stay in Creel Chihuahua
???? Creel Chihuahua restaurants
Best local/Mexican
Best Italian and wine selection
Best breakfast
???? Creel Chihuahua ATMs, USD exchange, etc
???? US dollars: Creel Chihuahua is still a very cash-based society and they mostly use Mexican pesos, but USD may be accepted.
If the current USD to Mexican peso exchange rate is 20 pesos, you can expect 17-18 pesos exchange from establishments. All in all, it is better to have Mexican peso with you.
???? ATMs: There is only one Santander ATM in Creel. We recommend bringing enough cash from Chihuahua City.
???? Credit/debit cards: Only a few restaurants and hotels in Creel Chihuahua accept credit cards.
???? Tipping: 10% is okay to tip if the service wasn’t great. If you liked the service 15% will do and if it was exceptional, 20%.
⁉️ Creel Chihuahua FAQ
