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Writer's pictureEquipo Creel Sierra Tarahumara

Lake Arareko, Creel, Chihuahua.



Lake Arareko, Creel, Chihuahua.

Lake Arareko is a stunning place in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, surrounded by pine and coniferous trees. The name "Arareko" means "horseshoe" in Rarámuri, and refers to the U-shape of the lake. It is an artificial lake created by damming two rivers and has a length of 3 km. The lake is surrounded by 40 hectares of pine, oak and strawberry forest, which gives the environment a pleasant feeling of tranquility.


Lake Arareko is located just 3 km southeast of San Ignacio and 7 km from Creel. It is a popular place for water activities, such as renting paddle boats for a ride along its calm waters. Summer is the best time to fish for the largemouth bass and mojarra that live in its waters. If you want to visit Lake Arareko in winter, keep in mind that temperatures in the lake can reach below 0ºC; It is a spectacular view with forest and water full of snow, but it is very very cold.


How to get there?

There are two to visit the lake. One of them is to arrive early on the side of the paved road to enjoy it during the day. The drive along the road from Creel is approximately 10 minutes, with the possibility of bringing your food to grill on the available grills. Another option is to arrive from the valley side, first visiting the San Sebastián cave, then heading to the valleys of the frogs and the mushrooms, passing through the town of San Ignacio de Arareko and the valley of the monks before passing to Lake Arareko. This option allows you to discover the diversity of flora and fauna in the area, as well as learn about the culture and traditions of the Rarámuri, the indigenous community that lives in that area.


The path to the lake is signposted and can be reached on foot, by bicycle, by ATV or by vehicle. The entrance fee is $40 per adult and $20 per child when accessed by vehicle. The recommended time to visit the lake is 30 minutes or even stay overnight in one of the cabins available for rent.

What to do?

In addition to water activities, the lake offers several options to enjoy nature. You can walk along the paths that surround the lake and admire the beauty of the pine, oak and strawberry tree forest. It is also an ideal place to have a picnic and enjoy a day outdoors with your family or friends and/or make the typical roast carnitas on one of its grills.


Also around the lake you will find Rarámuri artisans who sell their products and if you are interested in buying from them it is the best option to do so with them as you support them directly without intermediaries. The Rarámuri indigenous community and ejido named “San Ignacio de Arareko” are the ones who manage the entrance, the activities that can be carried out, as well as the rental of the cabins. There are areas to park your car, grills and other tourist services.

For those who love nature, the lake offers the opportunity to camp in designated areas and rent cabins to spend the night. These cabins come equipped with basic services such as beds, kitchen and bathroom. It is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy nature for several days.


Next, we leave you a list of everything you can do on your visit to Lake Arareko:

  • Hiking/walks.

  • Boat with rows ($150/hour per boat for 6 adults).

  • Observation of flora and fauna.

  • Horseback riding ($100 for half an hour of riding).

  • Fishing.

  • Picnic and roast beef.

  • Meditate.

  • Mountain bike.

  • ATV rides.

  • Camping.

  • Rent a cabin.

  • Take photos/videos, use drone.

  • Visit the elephant-shaped stone.

  • Purchase of Rarámuri crafts and products directly from the artisan.


Important information:

  • Coordinates: 27°42'20.80"N and 107°35'45.81"W.

  • Route on Google Maps from Creel.

  • Entry fee (access by vehicle): $40 pesos for adults and $20 pesos for children.

  • Best season to visit: All year round, in winter it can be cold (below zero temperatures).

  • Travel time: Minimum 30 minutes, maximum a couple of nights.

  • Accessibility: It is for the whole family, however, there are no ramps for people in wheelchairs or crutches or seniors who find it difficult to walk. Take care of small children from falls or entry into the lake water. There is vehicle access and there is parking.


Conclusions

In addition, it is an ideal place to enjoy nature and spend quality time with your family or friends. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Lake Arareko and enjoy everything it has to offer.


Check our page and social networks where you will find ALL the information on the best guides, accommodations, restaurants for your visit to Creel, don't forget to download your discount coupon for these establishments.


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Lake Arareko, Creel, Chihuahua in the Sierra Tarahumara and the Copper Canyon.
Arareko Lake in Creel, Chihuauha, Sierra Tarahumara, Copper Canyon

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