Sotol is deeply rooted in Mexican history and has become synonymous with the state of Chihuahua. Various distilleries have annual sotol harvest celebrations, inviting friends and family to honour the ancestral methods and celebrate the spirit. Much like mezcal, sotol is finally gaining momentum, finding its place in the spotlight among spirits connoisseurs. But what feels new to many is actually an 800-year-old tradition.

The trip was hosted by the Chihuahua Tourism Board; the DMO did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

What is Sotol?

Sotol derives from Dasylirion plants, commonly grown in the Chihuahua Desert (which takes up 500,000 square kilometres of land). It is a succulent plant with long, spiny leaves, almost sharp to the touch. At first glance, the plant can be mistaken for an Agave, famously used for tequila and mezcal production, but there are a few key differences between the plant families. Dasylirion does not need much water and can live up to 100 years, regrowing after being cut, unlike Agave, which ends its lifecycle after it flowers. As a dioecious species, the Dasylirion plants need to be pollinated by birds in order to bloom, another differentiating factor from Agave. 

Up to 90% of the Dasylirion plants grown in Chihuahua are wild, “but we can’t just go around cutting them,” Victor pointed out. Producers need to have a permit, which dictates how many tonnes of plants they can extract per year. It takes up to 12 years for Dasylirion to reach the maturity needed for sotol production, so strict extraction and reforestation allow plants to replenish naturally and sustainably. “It is a federal crime to get caught with sotol heads that were not approved for harvest,” Ibarra added. This, of course, means that sotol is a terroir spirit. It was registered as Denominación de Origen in 2002 and can only be produced in Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Durango.

How do you consume it?

The best way to drink sotol is to sip it neat, like you would whiskey. Serve it in a small glass like a copita (short-stemmed glass) or in a small clay vessel as you would with mezcal. Joven sotol (blanco) can also be used in cocktails, for a margarita or a paloma. Older sotols could produce an interesting Old Fashioned.

A bit of sotol history 

Indigenous People of the Chihuahua Desert have been making sotol for centuries. Rarámuri, for example, were fermenting the plants, producing a more soupy, beer-like spirit, but the true origin of the beverage is still being studied. According to Ibarra, a Chihuahua native with 40 years of experience in spirits, the distillation process was brought to the region by the Spaniards in the 1600s. The ageing process, however, was an outcome of prohibition.

For a period of time, sotol was seen as a drink of peasants and drunks and as such was illegal until 1994. But even with the prohibition in full effect, people were still making sotol and exporting it to their nearby neighbours in the USA. Rangers roamed the desert, destroying distilleries, breaking stills, and bottles. To hide their hard work from the rangers, sotoleros (sotol distillers) would dig graves and bury the bottles, placing burial crosses on top. When rangers came to look for sotol bottles, sotoleros would claim none were left, and if questioned about the fresh grave, would express their condolences for a recently passed away aunt.

The rangers would pay their respects at the grave, not realising a stash of sotol was resting just below their feet. What soteleros didn’t know at the time was that burying the bottles changed how they matured. “The methanol would create these fantastic flavours in controlled temperatures,” Ibarra explained, “completely changing the flavour of the spirit”. 

Oro de Coyame have been producing sotol for over 150 years under the care and supervision of the Ruelas Family. Today, they still bury a few bottles to honour the tradition. These bottles are often unearthed for the Sotol Festival, where fans and producers gather to eat, sip, and celebrate.

How is Sotol produced?

There are 24 types of Dasylirion plants, Oro de Coyame grow five, each neatly named with a name plaque. Different varietals produce different sotol, and as such are indicated on the bottle (ie. “100% Dasylirion Wheeleri”). Flavourwise, sotol is bright and grassy, with herbaceous and citrus notes, sometimes even floral, depending on the plant variety. This flavour can, of course, change through barrel ageing.

Similar to mezcal, there are three types of sotol: industrial, artisanal, and ancestral. Ancestral method uses clay pots and is mostly used by small producers. Industrial sotol is defined by its title, produced by some of the bigger distilleries, like Hacienda de Chihuahua, which have their own plantations. Oro de Coyame, on the other hand, is the number one artisanal sotol producer in the world, cooking up 27,000 litres annually. The distillery relies on wild plants, and these “plants are harder to harvest because some of the fields are high up in the mountains,” Ibarra shared, “so we have to get creative about our approach”.

The production process is very similar to mezcal, though sotol purists prefer to call the Dasylirion piña the heart. The Dasylirion plant is trimmed down to its heart (leaves are used to make baskets and other crafts) and roasted in a deep pit (aka the oven) in the ground. Plant hearts spend up to five or even seven days in the oven. This process caramelises the sugars, making them richer and more pronounced. Only the maestro sotelero knows when the hearts are ready, one of their many secrets.

The liquid gathered from the roasted hearts, called vino, is then transferred into pine wood vats for natural fermentation for up to seven days. This liquid is then moved into copper stills (some producers use steel) and distilled, or double-distilled at Oro de Coyame. Most sotols are unaged, but the Ruelas Family likes to experiment with flavour. In addition to the staple unaged joven (young) expression, they also produce reposado, aged for four months in red oak barrels and añejo, aged for two years.

If you visit the distillery, however, many more bottles will be lined up before your eyes. Every year, the distillery shares special releases, all limited and only some available for export. In the tasting room, the showstopper is a glass jar with rattlesnake folded inside. “Would you like to try it?” Ibarra scanned the room with a grin. We all bravely stepped forward, reaching for the shot glasses.

In Chihuahua, snake venom is believed to have healing powers and is incorporated in various traditional practices. Non-poisonous rattlesnake venom sotol is therefore believed to have medicinal properties. With the first sip, this sotol was surprisingly smooth and flavorful. None of us really knew what to expect, but the pleasantly approachable feel was a welcome surprise. Bottles of rattlesnake sotol are available for purchase at the distillery, along with some other rare and vintage finds. 

How to visit Oro de Coyame 

The distillery is located in Aldama, Chihuahua, not far from the capital city. The tasting room is open daily, but advance bookings are recommended. Keep in mind, this isn’t a luxurious tasting experience like you’d get in a Champagne house. Oro de Coyame is a small facility with a small tasting room, what you will get is an educational tour and a unique tasting experience.

The post The spirit of Chihuahua: A close look at sotol at Oro de Coyame appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico, bordering two US and three Mexican states. Overshadowed by the turquoise beaches of coastal Mexico and its very cool cousin, Ciudad de México, which nearly nine million people call home, the entire state of Chihuahua houses just under four million residents. But within that population sparsity lies its beauty.

After a brief stopover in Mexico City, we arrive at the state capital in the late afternoon. “This is a newer area of town, Distrito Uno,” Rita Meraz Ochoa, Visit Chihuahua tourism representative, shares with the group. This new area and the bustling restaurant strip along Vía Lombardía is my first memory of Chichuaha. My brightest memory of Chichuaha is propelling through the air 8,200 feet above sea level, but that’s days away, and I’m still not even sure I’ll do it.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The trip was hosted by the Chihuahua Tourism Board; the DMO did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Chihuahua, the capital city 

The history of the state is deeply embedded in its cultural composition. Chihuahua became an official Mexican state in 1824. Within the next hundred years, it also became the centre of the Mexican Revolution, the outcome of which ended the dictatorship and established the constitutional republic of Mexico.

This history is visible throughout the capital city in art and architecture. From early cathedrals to museums, cultural and educational centres, and street art, the city is a feast for the eyes. The courtyard at the Museo Miguel Hidalgo, for example, paints a vivid picture of the Mexican War of Independence, focusing on the efforts of Miguel Hidalgo, an insurgent priest, who is now recognised as the Father of the Nation. A short walk along the vibrant Paseo Victoria leads to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, where a 300-year-old Metropolitan Cathedral serves as a popular photo backdrop.

Above: Chihuahua Metropolitan Cathedral. Below: Paseo Victoria on the day of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo inauguration.

Paseo Victoria has been closed to motor traffic since 2008. The street is dotted with shops and merchants during the day, but at night it transforms into a lively bar scene. On holidays, the street is lined with vendors from across the state making fresh tortillas on the spot and piping hot sugary churros to order.

Among the many architectural treasures in the city is the Quinta Gameros Cultural Centre and Restaurante La Casona. Years ago, La Casona was the private residence of General Luis Terrazas, who constructed the building in 1888 with incredible attention to detail. Each room has a theme and a name, and the main dining area, framed by two layers of arches and a glass roof, just might be the most romantic dining spot in the region.

Restaurante La Casona, Chihuahua City.

A few notes on the traditional feast 

Due to its geographical location, Chihuahua’s culinary customs and traditions involve a lot of beef and cheese. Hard, melty cheese, asadero, produced by the Mennonites and goat cheese made by the Rarámuri are the main two. Burritos were created here during the revolution as a means to keep stews warm. A traditional burrito is minimal, with just meat and maybe one other ingredient rolled up into a tight cigar shape, and much like the simple taco, these simple burritos pack a punch of flavour. 

Tacos, quesadillas, elotes, fajitas, and enchiladas are naturally very common. Staffed gorditas, soups, hot cheese plates, and other meat-heavy dishes are regional specialities found in family restaurants among an array of fine-dining establishments embracing world cuisines.

Arriero at Burritos “El Santuario” on the left, Elotes Dina stand in Chihuahua centre, followed by breakfast gorditas at Gorditas Lupita.

For our dose of traditional Mexican in Ciudad de Chihuahua, we head to Rico´s Tacos. From the outside, Rico´s Tacos doesn’t look like much, but inside it is a lively restaurant that feels spacious and intimate all at the same time. In no time, juicy tacos, scorching cheese skillets, cold beers, and oversized michelada cups begin to fill the table as we take turns grabbing hot sauces and other accoutrements from the kitchen bar. If this is a preview of meals to come, I am here to stay.

In addition to Mexican lagers and tequila, Chihuahua has their own specialities: sotol and wine. The mountainous climate is similar to that of Spain and works well for the production of red wines. The dessert side of the state is best suited for growing cacti used to make Sotol spirit, designated solely to this region. One of the locally prominent independent sotol producers, Oro De Coyame, makes for a great half-day trip from the capital city.

Dinner at Rico´s Tacos in Chihuahua City.

Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, home of the Mennonites

Cuauhtémoc is a gateway to the Sierra region and the City of Three Cultures because it serves as the meeting point for three ethnic groups: the Rarámuri, mestizos, and Mennonites. However, as the apple orchards begin to fill the scenery, we learn that the biggest population in the region are Mennonites. These are modern communities with technology, businesses, and the ability to choose their own path when it comes to marriage and religion. We came here for a short lesson in history and pizza.

Having lost thousands of people in the Mexican revolution, the Chihuahua government was in desperate need of working hands. Canadian Mennonite communities were struggling to hold on to their identity and welcomed Mexico’s invitation to immigrate and work in agriculture. Nearly 3,000 Mennonites, mostly from Manitoba, seeking religious freedom, settled in Chihuahua. This population has since grown, and with it the production of cheese and apples, though Mennonite businesses now extend beyond agriculture. 

Known in most of Mexico as asadero, in Chihuahua it is referred to simply as Mennonite cheese. The local factory opened in 1978 and today processes nearly two tonnes of cheese per day by a humble group of 30 people. The altitude and cooler climate create an ideal environment for apple growth (mostly red delicious), so the state has become a major apple-producing region in Mexico, all harvested by hand.

Having tasted the cheese, admired the orchards, and stocked up on cookies in Ana’s home, we head to the main attraction – Pizzeria Los Arcos Cuauhtémoc. The robust menu is a list of eleven pizzas, pastas, and other cheesy deliciousness served with pickled chillies for the hot kick. This isn’t a take on your typical Italian pizza, no. It is a local speciality highlighting the ooey gooey fresh cheese and the Chihuahua’s dairy industry. 

A passage to the Rarámuri lands 

The route to Creel passes Arareco Lake in San Ignacio de Arareco, a mountain lake surrounded by acres of pine and oak forests. In the parking lot, traditionally dressed Rarámuri vendors are selling colourful crafts and pottery. Rarámuri, also called Tarahumara, are the largest Indigenous community in Chihuahua with deep cultural roots and close ties to nature. Pre-arrival of the Spanish, there were over 200 indigenous groups in the region. Today, there are five. 

The lake is silky smooth, reflecting the forestry like a mirror, cows grazing on the shore. The scenic lake break is followed by a visit to La Misión de San Ignacio de Arareko, a religious and cultural site, home to annual celebrations like Semana Santa (Holy Week), and a gathering space for the Rarámuri. The 50,000 acres surrounding the mission are Rarámuri land containing family homes and a school, sparsely spread across the protected lands.

Creel is best known as the starting point for Copper Canyon, but before we get there, our driver Sergio Torres (Rarámuri Tours) wants to show us “a spot”. Pulling into another parking lot we are greeted by Rarámuri, and while Rita hands out candy to the kids, we follow Sergio to a clearing. As he begins to casually climb the hill, we all come to stand, dumbfounded by the spectacular views of the Valle de los Monjes (Valley of the Monks).

Sand-coloured smooth rocks larger than life, weaving through the valley, give rise to peculiar rock formations. Tall and shaped by centuries of winds, they look like praying figures, flowering greenery creating a much-needed contrast at their base. The cloudy sky begins to clear, letting through the hot golden hour beams, recolouring the trees into surreal shades. A painter’s paradise. 

From here on, Sergio became known to us as the guy who knows a guy. As in “You want to ride a horse to the hotel from the park? I know a guy” guy.

The small town of Creel is Chihuahua’s own Pueblo Mágico, one of five in the state. Chepe Express Train brings a lot of tourism to the town, making it the primary industry for the area, next to lumber. The town centre can be walked slowly in an hour or less. Rows of colourful houses outline the main street leading to the town square, with a charming gazebo at the centre. 

A hearty meal and a restful night’s sleep can be found at The Lodge at Creel, a family-owned hotel, restaurant, and microbrewery. On the group menu is a three-course meal: soup, choice of main (tacos of course!), and dessert (hot apple pie tonight). By this time, my travel companions are good friends, sharing Chihuahua wines with me over engaging conversation. 

Creel city centre and a Rarámuri man posing for visitors’ photos.

A change of scenery in Cerocahui

The drive continues up, introducing the first views of Copper Canyon, a series of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Another stop for a scenic spot takes us to Catalina’s house, a Rarámuri curandero (healer) who welcomes our group with a cheerful handshake and a big smile. Rarámuri have their own language, but Catalina also speaks Spanish and offers us healing sessions in a small room set into a cave looking over the mountains. One by one, my travel companions leave this room in the feels, reflecting on their conversation with the curandero for hours to follow.

Cerocahui is a vineyard town, best known for Jesuit Mission of Francis Xavier, dating back to 1632. The nearby Hotel Misión de Cerocahui, accordingly named, is a vineyard hotel and a destination of its own. Chihuahua’s wine-making history is rooted in these old vineyards, shipping the bottles across the state. The hotel’s culinary program matches the scenic expectations, serving up three-course intricate meals for both lunch and dinner. Satiated after the afternoon feast, the vineyard views and the effervescent pool call me by name for some downtime while half of our group takes a drive to the Cerro del Gallego viewpoint. Set 2,400 meters above sea level, the platform opens to a breathtaking view of one of the deepest ravines, Urique, 1,879 meters in length. 

The majestic Copper Canyon 

The drive up the mountain begins to get steeper and steeper. Curvy, bumpy roads take us through small towns, offering a sneak peek into local life through colourful murals. The drive finally comes to a halt at Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon Adventure Park) – this is the stop we’ve all been anticipating most. 

The canyon spans over 25,000 square miles of Sierra Madre Mountains. Locally known as Barrancas del Cobre, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing an average of 25,000 visitors to Chihuahua annually. Compared to Grand Canyon’s 5 million annual visitors, this is a much less crowded alternative.

The excitement in the car goes up a notch, discussing activities and levels of bravery required for some activities over others. The main draw for the park is the 2,500-meter-long zipline (the ZipRider). On the activity menu are also a seven- and three-zipline circuits, via ferrata, treetop adventure, and a scenic cablecar ride. I’ve been thinking about my choice for a month, and today is the day I decide to be brave.

As soon as the gate slid open, my body launched into the air, streaming down a zipline 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. I intuitively screamed, quickly realising there was no need to panic. My grip loosened and I leaned back into the cushiony floating pocket, taking in the endless mountain ridges around me while gently descending to a distant hilltop.

This picturesque ride took three minutes and ended safely at the foot of a hike leading to the cable car platform. A small Rarámuri shopping village is at the top, inviting tourists to purchase local crafts, one of the main income streams for the indigenous communities. Down in the parking lot, Sergio is waiting for us with a guy with a horse. 

Rarámuri Alta homes and gardens in Barrancas del Cobre, Chihuahua.

Having settled in at Hotel Mirador with direct views of the previously mentioned ziplines, Rita takes us on a “little walk”. Trailing down the narrow pathways along the mountain, I’m tempted to constantly stop and take pictures while questioning my footwear choice for the activity. “Where I’m from, we’d call this a hike Rita,” I jokingly comment. “No, no. It’s just a little walk,” she answers with a chuckle, leading us to the small mountain-side Rarámuri village.

The communities living up in the mountains are referred to as Rarámuri Alta. Their homes are built into the mountain with vegetable gardens growing on the edge. They are a part of Copper Canyon’s history and culture and continue to preserve its essence, sharing their customs, crafts, and gastronomy with the visitors.

Our dinner is another three-course meal paired with wines from Vinos Misión. The local hosts strongly advise an early morning to observe the sunrise over Copper Canyon, so with the sun we woke. Every room has a balcony with a view, and as we slowly settled on ours, the sun began its colour performance, painting the sky from purple to hot orange and mountains from charcoal grey to copper red.

Trying to take in every moment, I took my morning coffee on the terrace, enjoying the view and manifesting a return. 

Chihuahua trip planner

Chihuahua, Mexico, is a beautiful state with a spectacular natural and cultural range. During our October visit, it was mostly warm and sunny with slightly cooler temperatures overnight in the mountains. The state is safe for travel and open to tourism, be it group trips, self-driving adventures, or train travel.

From Canada, the best way to travel to Chihuahua is with Aeromexico with a single stopover in Mexico City (operated in partnership with Westjet). American Airlines, operated by Envoy Air, also flies to Chihuahua with a stopover in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), from both Canada and the USA.

You can find several Chihuahua hotel reviews here on the website and more ideas on the ¡Ah Chihuahua! official tourism website. 

The post Find culture, adventure, and a vast culinary range in Chihuahua, Mexico appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Chihuahua, the DMO did not review or approve this story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

The property is owned by the Balderrama family who aim to offer a rounded hospitality experience with an emphasis on local tourism and exquisite dining experiences. Hotel Mirador sits on two levels of the canyon’s edge welcoming the morning sun through its large windows. 

The lower part of the hotel is home to the shop and restaurant and serves as an access point to nearby adventures. A large number of guest rooms are located higher up, like the eagle’s nest and can be reached with a steep walk up or a short ride, offered by the hotel team.

Both levels of the hotel have broad open balconies where one can enjoy breakfast looking over Copper Canyon or enjoy a glass of Mexican wine under the stars. 

Dining & Wine tasting 

As the sister property to Hotel Misión de Cerocahui Mirador serves Vinos Misión during meal service and even offers a variety of tasting experiences. This guided tasting is accompanied by Mennonite cheese, house bread and olives for a more rounded experience.

The main dining room is on the ground floor, though calling it “ground” feels like a bit of a stretch. Sitting down at this table the window view will take your breath away exposing the endless vastness of the Canyon. 

Every meal at the restaurant is a “tribute to the culinary richness of the Sierra Tarahumara”. Lunch and dinner are offered as a 3-course meal with an optional wine pairing. The chef works with local producers to create a menu reflective of the region, showcasing its range of flavours and reflecting on the essence of the land. 

The morning buffet breakfast includes an impressive range of options from traditional Mexican cuisines and classic North American breakfast dishes like hand-flipped omelettes that pair perfectly well with the chilaquiles. Weather permitting, a slow morning with a coffee and a book on the balcony is a wonderful way to start the day.  

Inside the Suite 

Hotel Mirador has over 70 rooms and suites all overlooking the Copper Canyon from a private terrace. Naturally, one of the recommendations is an early morning to observe the sunset from the comfort of your room.

The rooms are comfortable and warm, leaning into the traditional Mexican Hacienda decor. Each one has a decorative stone fireplace, a desk, and a large bathroom. The suites also have sitting areas with deep-set couches.

Peak sunset from the room balcony on the left. The right image is a seating area in the common space on the top level of the hotel, completely awash with the early morning sun.

Tours & Activities

Guests of the property can arrange a variety of tours with the hotel including a day or two at the Copper Canyon Adventure Park. The park is located a short 8-minute drive away making it quite easy to see people ziplining across directly from your room.

The mountains are home to a local indigenous community of Tarahumara which you can visit on a guided walk from the hotel. This leisurely stroll follows an edge path and ends with a bit of a steep walk up. Along the way, you will pass through a few scenic viewpoints and a small Tarahumara community. You can also learn about the traditions of the Rarámuri from the hotel’s Tarahumara guide.

Longer day tours include a visit to Creel, which would be a great activity if you skipped the stay at The Lodge at Creel, and a tour of the Mennonite fields in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua.

* * *

Hotel Mirador
Room prices starting at $220 CAD 
Domicilio Conocido Areponapuchi Km. 623, 33435 Areponapuchi, Chih., Mexico
Book directly on hotelmirador.mx or with your favourite booking website: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor 

The post Wake up in Copper Canyon at the Hotel Mirador, Chihuahua appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Chihuahua, the DMO did not review or approve this story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Hotel Misión de Cerocahui is also home to Vinos Misión, a small sample vineyard belonging to one of Chihuahua’s biggest wine producers. The hotel lobby shares space with the wine bar and dining room, split by a grand fireplace. The wine bottles are everywhere – on the shelves, on the barrels, and on the accent wall setting the mood at the communal table.

An exterior gate or one of the doors in the main building will lead you into the interior courtyard. Weaving around guest rooms the yard opens up on a shaded jelly bean-shaped pool, lined with sunbeds and umbrellas. A short walk past the pool and its surrounding gardens bends into a small vineyard with an arched bell doorway housing another set of guest rooms. Standing in the centre of it all, surrounded by sunkissed vines and heritage architecture the atmosphere is reminiscent of the Italian countryside, similarly charming and welcoming but uniquely Mexican in its heart.

A pleasant afternoon can be spent by the pool enjoying regional wine and cocktails with a good book or in good company.

The signature bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon honours the Tarahumara people on the label.

Vinos Misión & Hotel Misión de Cerocahui

To fully appreciate this wine region it is important to briefly discuss its turbulent history. In the 17th century, the King of Spain expelled the Jesuits from Mexico and ceased wine production to protect the Spanish wine industry. The vineyards were burnt to the ground but a few secretly planted cuttings behind José María Sánchez’s house survived. Her family cared for the grapes for decades but 25 years ago the last Sánchez died without descendants. Sanchez’s gardener, Sergio Gutiérrez, who worked at the Balderrama Family’s Mission Hotel took it upon himself to preserve the vines by planting cuttings on unused land nearby. Balderrama family was highly invested in caring for their own vineyard and granted Sergio a gastronomic studies scholarship which he completed in 2013. Sergio has been in charge of the Cerocahui vineyards ever since.

Today, this vineyard is the centrepiece of Hotel Misión, growing freely on its fruitful soil with minimal intervention. The wine is served at Balderrama hotels (Misión and Hotel Mirador) and can be purchased at the hotel shops along with other locally made goods like clothing and jewellery.

The warm climate makes the region ideal for growing Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay. The red wines are characterised by their intensity and complexity. The winery produces a single white wine, Plethora, known for its fresh and versatile palette with a crisp feel created by the 6-month steel tank fermentation. 

Dining & Wine tasting 

The small dining room at Hotel Misión de Cerocahui overlooks the Jesuit mission and offers a fresh rotating gourmet menu. Each day the chef’s offerings include a carefully chosen 3-course menu for both lunch and dinner. Our group had the pleasure of tasting fresh soups, shrimp main, a decadent ratatouille for dinner, and blueberry mouse cake, just to name a few of the available options. Each morning at Hotel Misión begins with a hearty breakfast ideal for a long day of exploration.

The meals can be accompanied by a wine parking or you can opt-in for a guided wine tasting. The lobby bar is open daily and also serves cocktails and beers but there is also an entirely separate room available for tastings and private events. 

Inside the Suite 

The guest suites are all on the ground floor with individual entry. Your options include double and king rooms, all with a fireplace, spacious bathroom and plenty of storage space. The suites are decorated with a traditional Mexican Hacienda style highlighting warm colours, wood and clay finishes and locally sourced art.

Hotel Misión follows a motel-style setup with a seating area by each room to accommodate afternoon relaxation. The garden rooms enclose the small vineyard, creating a very relaxed and meditative atmosphere in the morning light. 

Tours & Activities 

The hotel team can also arrange a handful of activities for you and your group. Visitors are invited to explore the vineyards, go horseback riding, visit the Cerocahui Waterfall, or venture out to the Barranca de Urique viewpoint.

A popular destination from here is Urique Canyon Hill. Urique Canyon Viewpoint, standing at 7,500 feet above sea level, is arguably the most impressive view of the Copper Canyon. Make sure to inquire with the hotels about their current offers some of which include complimentary tickets for Chepe Express. 

* * *

Hotel Mision de Cerocahui
Room prices starting at $340 CAD for a standard 2-bed suite
Domicilio Conocido S/N, Centro, 33421 Cerocahui, Chih., Mexico
Book directly on thelodgeatcreel.com or with your favourite booking website: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor 

The post Let Chihuahua surprise you at the vineyard Hotel Misión de Cerocahui appeared first on Paths to Travel.

With its on-site restaurant and micro-brewery, The Lodge at Creel is a gathering spot in town and an ideal overnight stay. The owners of the Lodge studied hospitality in Canada and brought that Canadian wilderness feel into the property, moose antlers included.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Chihuahua, the DMO did not review or approve this story.

Hotel exterior at night and early morning. All images by Kateryna Topol.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Pulling into the Lodge you are greeted by the main log building. Fully committed to cabin decor the lobby has a fireplace, comfortable sitting and a few animal heads high up on the wall. The guest rooms are spread across multiple cabins throughout the property, surrounded by pines and shaded resting areas.

Throughout the grounds, guests will find sitting areas, picnic tables, outdoor games, and swinging benches near individual suites. Creel dogs and cats will keep you company or show you around town if you choose to take a stroll to shop and sightsee.

The team offer a range of tourism services including tours, Chepe Express train tickets, and local transportation. 

Inside the Suite 

The accommodation options include double rooms, a honeymoon suite with a jacuzzi, an accessible unit, and king rooms. All rooms are heavy on handcrafted wooden decor with hot red and orange accents. Some king suites have fireplaces and all have separate bathroom and washroom areas. With a separate desk corner and a large wardrobe, there is plenty of space to put away your things for the duration of your stay. 

Dining & Entertainment 

All restaurants are located in the main Lodge. To the right is the restaurant El Meson De García serving fresh daily breakfast and lunch. To the right is La Taberna Del Abuelo serving up regional cuisines and beverages like Sotol, regional and international wines. On the menu are all regional staples like heartwarming soups and juicy beef tacos which pair perfectly with in-house brewed beer. The cosy country atmosphere of the space is accentuated with laidback decor, a pool table, and various vintage decor pieces. 

Through a door at the back of the taberna is La Martina Pizza shop and Micro-brewery. Set with cheerfully colourful furnishings and communal tables in front of the beer stills La Martina’s wood-burning pizzas are a local favourite. 

Wellness & Fitness 

The service loop at the Lodge is completed with gym and spa services. The gym is equipped with all the necessary basics including a cable machine. The Spa menu includes aromatherapy massages, relaxation, hot stones, reflexology and magnets. While this short stay did not include a spa treatment the early morning gym experience was a wonderful way to start the day peacefully building up energy surrounded by the quiet of Mexican nature.  

* * *

The Lodge at Creel
Room prices starting at $235 CAD for standard 2-bed suite or King Room
33200 AV. LOPEZ MATEOS, Adolfo López Mateos 61, Centro, 33200 Creel, Chih., Mexico
Book directly on thelodgeatcreel.com or with your favourite booking website: Booking.com | TripAdvisor 

The post Find a slice of Canadian countryside at The Lodge at Creel, Chihuahua appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Side note: If you are traveling this summer, Toronto Pearson International Airport currently hosts a stunning collection of images from the region as seen by the Take Your Seat photojournalist duo, Randy and Spencer VanDerStarren. See the exhibition in Terminal 1 now until August 31, 2024.

All images by Randy and Spencer VanDerStarren from Take Your Seat.

Sinforosa (Copper) Canyon & The scenic El Chepe train

The Sinforosa, better known as Copper Canyon, is one of the largest canyon systems in the world known for its dramatic vertical cliffs and tall waterfalls. The canyon can be explored in a multitude of ways including hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Among the activities in the canyon is a large, eco-friendly, adventure park with a 3km cable car ride, 7 astonishing zip lines, and a scenic glass-floor restaurant. 

The most popular way to see this majestic natural wonder is the El Chepe train (Chepe Express) which goes from the coastal town of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, to Creel, Chihuahua, at the top of the canyon. The train has two classes (executive and tourist), a restaurant, and two bars one of which is a covered terrace. Each stop offers a range of regional activities from beaches to cities, scenic hikes, and cultural experiences. Learn more on chepe.mx.

Food & Drink of Chihuahua

Chihuahua climate is ideal for livestock so naturally, quite a few of the regional dishes are made with beef. Due to the harsh climate and short harvest season, the basis of Chihuahuan cuisine is dehydrated vegetables, fruits, and grains. Some of the most popular local dishes are fried mojarra (fish), burritos, beef broths, chicken pies, grilled meats, chile, empanadas, and tacos. Cheese is also a common find in Chihuahua, the most typical kinds are soft, golden yellow cheese and fresh Asadero cheese. 

Typical beverages are Tejuno (corn beer), Sotol (typical alcoholic spirit), tepache (fermented pineapple), fresh chia water (Izquiate), coriander Atole, and milk with pinole (corn, cinnamon, and sugar-based beverage). The mountainous ranges also allow for grape growing so Chihuahua also has a healthy wine production spearheaded by Gilberto Pinoncély’s Bodegas Pinesque winery in Chihuahua City.

Indigenous cultures of the region

Chihuahua is home to Rarámuri, Pimas, Tepehuanes, Guarijíos, and Mennonites. The Rarámuri ethnic group, living up in the canyon, is the largest community and values the community over individuals, some of their activities are open to visitors. Take Your Seat, for example, were witness to the “The Ceremony of Rain: A traditional ritual performed by the Indigenous Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people seeking to invoke rain and ensure the fertility of their lands, showcasing their deep connection to nature and ancient cultural practices in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara”. 

Archaeological zones

Paquimé archaeological region is an ancient city considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental range it contains “ 2,000 rooms in clusters of living rooms, workshops, and stores, with patios”. This region also houses a hot spring, Laguna Rodolfo Fierro, the infamous Pot Cave built by Casas Grandes Culture, Casas Grandes River, and many operational architectural artefacts. 

Dunes of Samalayuca

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert in the northern part of the state Samalayuca is a large white Dune Fields popular with adventure visitors. Aside from taking in the breathtaking views during hikes, the visitors can go sandboarding, off-roading, and mountain biking. Fun fact, a few notable movies were filmed here including Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and David Lynch’s Dune.

Where is Chihuahua: The state of Chihuahua is situated in Northern Mexico bordering New Mexico and Texas on the USA side and Coahuila, Durango, Sinaloa, and Sonora on the Mexico side. 

When to travel to Chihuahua: the colder Canadian months are ideal for visiting Chihuahua, this season avoids the hot summer heat but still has a lot of greenery and comfortable warm temperatures you can enjoy. 

How to get to Chihuahua: Aeromexico flies to Chihuahua from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal daily. All flights connect through Mexico City. These are new aircrafts with Premier, AM Plus+, and Main Cabin tiers. All tears receive a complimentary on-board meal!

The post Five reasons to visit Chihuahua, Mexico appeared first on Paths to Travel.