Ciudad Chihuahua

Photo by Guillermo Aldana Click on the image for larger version

Founded in the 18th century, Chihuahua City, the capital city of the state with the same name, is a bustling industrial center with a small town feel and a perfect example of the Mexican melting pot, where the traditional and modern converge. On the streets of Chihuahua, men in the traditional white cowboy hats and boots gather together at the plaza, young girls pass by in soccer uniforms, boys practice their latest skateboard moves and indigenous women dressed in colorful blouses sell their handicrafts.

An interesting feature of Chihuahua City is the grandiose statue of none other than Anthony Quinn, with arms outstretched. While most people believe he is Greek, the enormous statue of this Chihuahua native keeps watch over this growing city, as does a nearby steer, symbolic of Chihuahua’s most important industry.

Chihuahua City is a historical goldmine. Its history is depicted on the breathtaking murals located in the main plaza of the capitol, built in 1892, and where the famous priest-turned-revolutionary Miguel Hidalgo was executed by a firing squad in 1811.

Chihuahua City features several interesting museums, including the Museum of the Revolution, former home of the notorious Francisco “Pancho Villa,” referred to as Mexico’s Robin Hood and a renowned leader during the Mexican Revolution of 1910. The early 20th-century French-style mansion of mining magnate Manuel Gameros, called La Quinta Gameros, is another popular home-turned-museum, and houses the works of famous local artists as well as an impressive collection of art-nouveau furniture. Other interesting sites include the 18th-century cathedral, the Museum of Sacred Art, as well as the Center of Contemporary Art.

Photo by Nadine Markova Click on the image for larger version

For shoppers, Plaza del Sol is a popular shopping mall, located in the newer section of town. For traditional handicrafts, try the government-run Casa de las Artesanias, an excellent place to purchase items made by local artisans and the Tarahumara Indians. Street vendors also gather at the plaza in front of the cathedral every day to sell their hand-made baskets, dolls and textiles.

An interesting way to get to know Chihuahua City is to ride the Trolley (“Trolley Turistico El Tarahumara”), which stops at all major tourist attractions in the city.

Chihuahua’s proximity to the U.S., direct flights from Houston, and state of the art meeting facilities in top hotels also make Chihuahua an increasingly attractive destination for international meetings. The more than 100 international factories in the area have also created a growing expatriate community.

Chihuahua City boasts an active nightlife and several excellent restaurants and steak houses offering regional specialties and international cuisine, with beef topping the list. Chihuahua also features two golf courses, tennis courts and several new plazas for a taking a stroll, all of which feature those famous French-style green benches for taking a rest.

Photo by Guillermo Aldana Click on the image for larger version

For an interesting railroad trip through the scenic Copper Canyon, catch “El Chepe” Train at the train station in Chihuahua City, the starting point of this breathtaking journey. The train stops in quaint towns along the way, like Creel, Divisadero and El Fuerte, until reaching its final destination of Los Mochis in Sinaloa, 10 hours later. The cost to make the complete trip in the first class train is approximately US$100.

Nearby attractions include the city of Cuauhtemoc, located 50 miles west of Chihuahua City, and home to thousands of Mennonite farmers who came to the area from Canada after the Mexican Revolution. The Mennonites are famous for their cheese, and the cheese factory, as well as their museum, is open to the public (Sundays excluded). Other interesting towns include Creel, located about 100 miles southwest of Chihuahua City. Creel is famous for its Tarahumara community, and is often called the “gateway to the Copper Canyon,” as it is the first major stop on El Chepe from Chihuahua City.