Free Mexico Travel Guide and Travel Information

Creel

by admin · Published June 16, 2017 · Updated September 5, 2018

Creel is a town in the Sierra Tarahumara (part of the Sierra Madre Occidental) of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is the second-largest town (after San Juanito) in the municipality of Bocoyna. It is located some 175 kilometres (109 mi) to the southwest of the state capital, Chihuahua, Chih. At the census of 2010, it had a population of 5,026, down from 5,338 as of 2005.

Near Creel is Divisadero, perhaps the best-known overlook of the “Three Canyons” area of the Copper Canyon, as well as Basaseachic Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Mexico. Creel was historically a logging town, although tourism has become the primary job source over the last 20 years. There are many hotels, restaurants and a number of tours down into the canyons and throughout the surrounding area.

The forest and tourism are important activities. More than 7,700 feet (2386m), Creel is the center of Tarahumara land.

Climate

Creel’s high altitude gives it a cool subtropical highland climate (Köppen climate classification Cwb), characterised by mild days and cold nights with frost occurring most mornings from October to April, though daytime temperatures in those months remain comfortable. Precipitation during the winter is not infrequent, but snowfalls are not particularly common, occurring on average only four days per year (more frequently on the nearby mountain peaks). Light snowfall has occurred in Creel during the month of June.

Christmas in Creel Chihuahua is a good alternative, since the entire family can move to that location and spend the holidays in the village. As this population is very cold, no doubt Christmas will be different and unforgettable

History

Creel was founded with the name ‘Estación Creel’ on May 26, 1907, as a railroad depot on the Chihuahua–Pacific line. It was named after Enrique Creel governor of Chihuahua state at the time. He was the son of Reuben W. Creel, American delegate in Chihuahua. Creel was founded as a planned agricultural settlement that was intended to have a small number of Mexicans who were supposed to spread their culture onto the Tarahumara who were supposed to be the majority of the population. It was supposed to have 25 Mexican and 75 Tarahumara families, but in its early years only had about 30 Tarahumara families although the right number of Mexicans.

For many years before its completion the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico line ended at Creel.

How to get there & Transport

Transport

The Chihuahua al Pacífico (Chepe) railroad runs from the city of Chihuahua to Los Mochis with four passenger trains arriving daily – two from each direction. There is also bus service to Chihuahua, as well as regular service down to the small town of Batopilas, a trip that takes about five hours each way.

From Chihuahua via Ciudad Cuauhtemoc

By train from Chihuahua $40-$66 (5:45 hours), 4 times a day.
By bus from Chihuahua $16-$25 (6:05 hours), every 4 hours a day.
By taxi from Chihuahua $70-$85 (3:40 hours).

From Ciudad Obregon via Navojoa

By bus from Ciudad Obregon to Navojoa $6-$13 (0:45 min) hourly.
By taxi from Navojoa to Chinipas de Almeda $27-$33 (2:50 hours).
By bus from Chinipas de Almeda to Creel $35 (3:10 hours) every 4 hours daily.

From Ciudad Obregon via Los Mochis

By bus from Ciudad Obregon to Los Mochis $11-$24 (2:30 hours) hourly.
By taxi to CP station $1-$2 (0:05 min).
By train from Los Mochis to Creel $45-$80 (9:40 hours) every 4 hours daily.

From Ciudad Obregon to Creel

By taxi $110-$140 (7:40 hours).

From Los Mochis to Creel by train

By train from Los Mochis to Creel $45-$80 (9:40 hours) every 4 hours daily.

From Los Mochis to Creel by bus

By bus from Los Mochis to Navojoa $9-$20 (1:45 hours) every 20 min daily.
By taxi from Navojoa to Chinipas de Almeda $27-$33 (2:50 hours).
By bus from Chinipas de Almeda to Creel $35 (3:10 hours) every 4 hours daily.

From Ciudad Cuauhtemoc

By train $22 (3:25 hours)
By bus $10 (3:35 hours)

From Hermosillo to Creel

Just via Ciudad Obregon and Los Mochis

Google map of Creel

Tourist Assistance + Emergency Numbers

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx