Valley of the Monks.

© Esdelval/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Valle de los Monjes

Top choice in The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico


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 that inspire its Rarámuri name Bisabírachi, meaning ‘Valley of the Erect Penises,’ it is well worth exploring and is less visited than the Valle de las Ranas y los Hongos.

Admission (M$15) is occasionally charged.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico attractions

1. Lago Arareko

1.7 MILES

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

2. Misión San Ignacio

1.99 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…

3. Valle de las Ranas y los Hongos

2.3 MILES

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…

4. Museo de Arte Popular de Chihuahua

3.63 MILES

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

5. Misión Cusárare

9.22 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

9.24 MILES

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