Recowata, the hot springs of Creel, Chihuahua, the Sierra Tarahumara and the Copper Canyon.
The Recowata hot springs are a hidden treasure in the Sierra Tarahumara of Chihuahua. They are located at the bottom of the “Tararecua” canyon, 21 kilometers from the magical town of Creel. The road to the hot springs is an adventure in itself, passing through roads, dirt roads and a few kilometers of walking, the views are majestic and bathing in the hot springs is revitalizing.
The Tararecua canyon has an extreme steep descent of 3.5 kilometers, which will take you a while to travel down or up.
nder walking. Although this requires good physical condition, since it is not an easy trail to follow, the views are impressive.
Once you reach the bottom of the canyon, you will find seven hot spring pools of different temperatures, sizes and heights for all tastes. These waters have an average temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, which makes them ideal for relaxing and forgetting everyday stress. The environment is completely natural and there are no stores nearby where you can buy food or snacks, so it is advisable to come well prepared from the magical town of Creel. Along with the pools you will also find a space with bathrooms, changing tables, and grills with a roof.
As for accommodation, it is also limited. The town of Creel is the closest tourist spot where you can rent a hotel room to stay overnight or there is the possibility of camping in Recowata, next to the hot springs, but ask the Creel guides or administrators of the place first.
How to get there?
To get there from the magical town of Creel there are a total of 20.6 kilometers traveled in a time of approximately 1.5 hours. The first 8.6 (12 minutes by vehicle) are taking the road that goes towards San Rafael, then you take 8.5 kilometers of the dirt road that is on the left (there is a sign) which lasts approximately another 14 minutes until you reach the parking lot/booth where it is located. the community/ejido administration of the place where you must pay the entrance: $40 pesos per adult and $20 pesos per child. From the booth/parking lot you will have to walk the last 3.5 kilometers of a very steep descent on a stone path that lasts approximately 60 minutes. Check how much food or backpacks you will be carrying because it can get very, very hard going down, but especially going up. Also think very carefully if you can be accompanied by babies, small children or older adults.
The return trip is exactly the same, and the time can be extended between two hours and two and a half hours, depending on the person's ability to climb the section walked and the weight of the backpacks they carry.
In high season you can find transportation services that take you from the parking lot/booth to the hot springs for $150 round trip per person, avoiding the walking section, you reduce 40 minutes of descent time and 60 minutes of ascent time. approximately. Just make your departure time very clear to the drivers so they can reserve your spot.
What to do?
Here is a list of everything you can do on your visit to the Recowata hot springs:
Walking/hiking.
Swim
Relax/meditation.
Observe the beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna.
Mountain bike (expert level).
Picnic/roast meat.
Ride on motorcycles or Razers to the booth/parking lot (do not go down to the pools), ask the Creel guides or tours for availability.
Camping (ask first).
Tips
As we mentioned before, throughout the journey and in the pool area there is practically no place to buy food or other types of accessories to use in the pools or sunscreen, take this into account to bring what you need, without abuse the weight because it can be difficult to carry it, especially the last part to get to the hot springs.
It depends on the season, day and time; Both the route and the place may be completely alone and there is no cell signal, take your precautions, make your plan well, avoid entering/exiting without sunlight, ask your hotel or the Creel guides about the convenience of your visit to the hot springs. Comments have been heard from tourists that their cars have been vandalized in the parking lot/booth by people outside the communities and ejidos of the area.
DO NOT try to go down by car, motorcycle, Razer to the pools, it is prohibited and if you try you could endanger your life and that of your companions and other visitors. Several fatal accidents have already occurred.
Important information
Coordinates: 27°38'52.69"N and 107°38'21.02"W.
Entry cost: $40 pesos for adults and $20 pesos for children.
Cost of transportation from the booth to the pools: $150.00 round trip per person (only in high season, ask first if this service is available).
Best season to visit: Spring-Summer.
Travel time: Minimum 5 hours.
Accessibility: Complicated, difficult access, especially the walking part, not suitable for older adults, small children or people with difficulty walking for long periods of time and roads with high slopes. There is no infrastructure for disabled people. The facilities DO have an area with bathrooms and changing tables. There are pools for all ages.
Conclusions
The Recowata hot springs are a unique destination that combines relaxation, adventure and contact with nature and the Rarámuri culture. Without a doubt, the effort is worth it for the unique experience it offers. It is a perfect place to disconnect and rejuvenate the body and spirit.
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