Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, the Sierra Tarahumara Biosphere Reserve encompasses a large portion of the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. Characterized by deep canyons, extensive pine-oak forests, and diverse ecosystems, this reserve protects an invaluable natural landscape that ranges from subtropical areas to temperate forests with elevations exceeding 2,400 meters (7,874 feet). The region is globally recognized for the Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon), a system of six interconnected canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the U.S. The biosphere reserve plays a crucial role in preserving the habitats of species such as the Mexican gray wolf, black bear, and the thick-billed parrot. It is also the traditional homeland of the Tarahumara (Rarámuri) people, renowned for their incredible running endurance and vibrant culture. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the reserve for trekking through rugged trails connecting remote indigenous villages, exploring caves, and observing unique flora and fauna. Key landmarks include the Barranca Urique, the Cusarare Waterfall, and the iconic La Sinforosa waterfall. Despite its remoteness, the reserve offers diverse ecotourism opportunities with a growing number of guided tours emphasizing sustainable tourism and cultural interaction. Visitors find appeal in the breathtaking vistas, cultural richness, and the challenge of navigating the wild terrain largely untouched by modern development.
