Hotel Mirador *****

Starting Price / Night
 
Carved out of the ancient stone of northern Mexico’s magnificent Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon), Hotel Mirador is as close to an eyrie as you can get. Its terracotta stone building curves down the mountainside against a backdrop of pine trees. Spectacular views of the green-hued cliffs and the Sierra Madre are in every direction. And it even has its own train station on the famous El Chepe railway line. 

Whether you arrive via train, plane or automobile, Hotel Mirador will feel like a colourful retreat in truly frontier landscape. Inspired by its rugged Wild West setting, the hotel’s interior design is rustic, with terracotta tiles, exposed wooden beams and generous open fires. Keep the blood flowing with cocktail hour in the Nido de Aguilas (Eagle’s Nest) bar. Then tuck into hearty Chihuahuan cuisine in the award-winning restaurant. 

Forget swaying palm trees and sun loungers – this part of Mexico is made for adrenaline. Descend from Hotel Mirador with a local guide and explore the canyon below. Go horseback riding or zip lining at the Copper Canyon Adventure Park. Or visit in March for a chance to see an ultramarathon – the Tarahumara people are renowned for their long-distance running. Nearby Creel is also worth a day trip for its otherworldly Valle de los Monjes (Valley of the Monks) and Recohuata hot springs.