ve main cave complexes are spread along the length of the
Huapoca Canyon and its side canyons and arroyos. The distance between the sites, poor
roads and the necessity of a one to two hour walk to each site makes it impractical to
visit more than one complex in the course of a single day. An exception is the Cuarenta
Casas site which can be combined with the Cueva del Puente. Both are located along the
same paved road but an early start is recommended due to the requisite hike to the sites
The best way to explore the Huapoca Canyon is by private 4WD vehicle with the option of
camping when convenient. However, most visitors must make do with the limited tourist
infrastructure of the region. Using Madera as a base, day trips can be undertaken to the
cave dwellings. Tours are offered by the Motel Real del Bosque for groups of 4 to 6
depending on the destination. A more convenient alternative is to negotiate your own tour
with a local taxi driver. The cost will vary but approximately $20 - $25 per hour is a
The few hotels in Madera are more expensive than comparable hotels in Creel. The Motel
Real del Bosque, located at the entrance to town, is considered to be the best hotel
available and it has a good adjoining restaurant. Travelers arriving by bus may find the
Parador de la Sierra and Motel Maria to be more convenient as they are located within
walking distance of the bus station and other restaurants. Their facilities are not modern
but rooms are clean with private bathrooms and hot water. Nearby grocery stores have a
good variety of canned and fresh foods for picnic lunches and to supplement the mostly
fried meals available in the restaurants.
- Consider including a trip to Paquime when visiting the Huapoca Canyon. Their related
history will make this journey more interesting.
- Dont try to incorporate all the canyons into a single Copper Canyon adventure.
Each canyon is unique and should be explored leisurely. The Huapoca Canyon offers the best
examples of thousand year old Paquime-style cliff and cave dwellings.
- The tourist infrastructure of this region is limited and there are no
luxury accommodations available.
- Dont wander off the paths to the archaeological sites. The terrain is very rough
and it would be unlikely to find help should you need it. Also, drug cultivators may
occupy the barrancas of the remote Huapoca Canyon.
- Dont assume that it is easy to get from one place to another because they appear
to be close on a map.
- Take all your food and water requirements when entering the canyon as few provisions
are available outside of Madera.
- Motel Real del Bosque
Carretera Chihuahua-Madera Barrio Americano Madera
Madera Chihuahua, Mexico
Motel Real del Bosque has the best accommodations in Madera. Consequently, it is
frequented by tour buses and advanced reservations are highly recommended. It is the only
motel in town that offers organized tours of the surrounding countryside including the
archaeological sites. Tours require a minimum of 4-6 people depending on the destination.
- Northern Mexico Handbook by Joe Cummings has very good overall information about
the Paquime culture and the archaeological sites of the Huapoca Canyon.
- 2001 Mexico and Central America Handbook by Peter Hutchison is
published by Footprint Books in the UK and Passport Books in the US. There is a good
section about Madera and the archaeological sites of the Huapoca Canyon. It also has the
most current information about available accommodations in Madera.
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