Valle de las Ranas y los Hongos

The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico


San Ignacio's main road leads into the Valle de las Ranas y los Hongos, 2km from the western edge of town and named for its respectively fat-and-squashed and thin-but-big-headed rhyolite rocks. A soft type of rock, the formations are the result of centuries of water and wind erosion. Rarámuri women and children sell artesania (folk art) along the rocks. Admission is included in the San Ignacio entrance fee (M$45).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico attractions

1. Misión San Ignacio

0.31 MILES

This simple stone church was built in the 18th century as a Jesuit mission, used to periodically give mass to, well, the masses. No priest lived here full…

2. Lago Arareko

1.88 MILES

Meaning 'Horseshoe' in Rarámuri, the peaceful waters of this U-shaped lake reflect the surrounding pines and rock formations. Paddleboats can be rented…

3. Museo de Arte Popular de Chihuahua

1.99 MILES

Offers excellent exhibits with text in English on local history and Rarámuri culture and crafts. Here you’ll see gorgeous woven baskets, traditional…

4. Valle de los Monjes

2.3 MILES

Around 7km east of San Ignacio's town center, through verdant farmland, is the Valle de los Monjes. A spectacular outcrop of vertical red rock formations…

5. Misión Cusárare

9.93 MILES

This mission was built by Jesuits in 1741 as a religious meeting place as well as a school to teach the locals Spanish and different trades. In 1826…

6. Museo Loyola

9.96 MILES

Sitting alongside the Cusárare Mission church, this museum holds an exceptional collection of colonial religious paintings.