Copper Canyon Adventure Park: Mexico's Canyon Playground

Parque de Aventuras Barrancas del Cobre sits on the rim of the Copper Canyon at Divisadero, 48 km from Creel in Chihuahua, and packs a 2.7 km cable car, a 2,554-meter zip line and a via ferrata into one ticket office. The park opens daily from 9:00 to 16:30 (last cable car and zip line departures are earlier), and most visitors need three to five hours to ride the cable car and complete one or two activities. Ticket prices change with maintenance schedules and promotions — check parquebarrancas.com before you go.

Getting There and Knowing the Layout

By train, bus or car

The Chepe Express stops at Divisadero station, 1.5 km from the park entrance, which makes the train the default approach for most travelers. Commercial buses from Chihuahua, Cuauhtémoc and Creel also stop at Divisadero. If you drive, the park has its own parking area and an accessible lot near the ticket office; groups can request transport from the parking area in advance. A taxi from Areponapuchi costs around 150 pesos each way for a 10-minute ride, and some visitors walk the 4 km from the Cabañas Margarito area in about an hour.

The two sides of the canyon

The ticket office, restaurant and cable car base sit on the Divisadero side, next to the Piedra Volada overlook. The cable car crosses to the Mesa de Bacajipare on the far rim, where the ZipRider launch platform, a viewpoint and 700–800 meters of uphill trail wait. The cable car runs every 30 minutes (every 15 in peak season), carries 60 passengers per trip and takes about 10 minutes each way. Miss the last return car and you are walking.

The Rides: What Each One Actually Feels Like

ZipRider, the headline act

At 2,554 meters, this is the longest single zip line in the Americas and one of the longest in the world. You ride in a chair harness rather than a prone position, reaching speeds above 100 km/h for a flight of roughly 2 minutes 20 seconds. Riders must be 1.50–1.90 m tall and weigh between 45 and 99 kg (some sources state 75 or 120 kg as the upper limit, so confirm at the desk). The full experience, including the uphill walk back to the cable car, takes about an hour. The 2026 price is 1,250 pesos per person, which includes safety gear, a water bottle and the cable car return.

The Seven Zip Lines circuit

Seven lines and two suspension bridges add up to nearly 5 km of flying, with the longest single line at 1,113 meters. This is the better choice for families and first-timers because the lines step up gradually in length and speed. It takes 1.5–2 hours and runs in the morning only, roughly 09:15–13:30. Cost is 1,250 pesos per person.

Via Ferrata and the glass-floor restaurant

A 48-meter rappel, a Tarzan jump, hanging bridges and two caves make this the park's most demanding offering. It lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and costs 750 pesos. If you prefer your adrenaline with a fork, the Restaurante Barranco has a glass floor over the canyon rim — the views come free with a plate of machaca.

Planning Your Visit: Prices, Timing and Rules

Tickets and opening hours

The park operates daily from 9:00 to 16:30, but the ZipRider window runs only 09:30–15:30 and can close early in high wind. The cable car alone costs 350 pesos for adults, 180 pesos for children aged 5–11, and free for under-4s; a family package for two adults and three children is 1,110 pesos. Activities are priced separately, so decide whether you want one ride or a combination before you reach the counter. Fees are subject to change — check the official site for current rates.

Best months and wind delays

October through March brings clear skies and daytime highs around 20°C, with cold nights that can drop below freezing between December and February. The rainy season runs July to September, when afternoon winds can suspend the zip lines; mornings are more reliable in those months. January and December are the park's busiest months, so book ahead if your trip falls in that window.

Safety rules worth knowing before you buy

Zip line riders must fit the harness: minimum weight around 40 kg for the seven-line circuit, 45 kg for the ZipRider, and a height range of 1.50–1.90 m. People with heart or lung conditions are excluded from the aerial activities. Wear closed shoes with grip — the walk between platforms is uneven — and consider travel insurance that covers adventure sports. The park prioritizes visitors with disabilities where safety rules allow and has an accessible parking area; contact staff before arrival to arrange entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a visit to Parque de Aventuras Barrancas del Cobre take?

Plan three to five hours for the cable car plus one zip line activity. The cable car takes roughly 20 minutes round trip, the ZipRider about an hour including the walk back, and the seven-line circuit 1.5–2 hours.

Can you visit the park without riding the zip lines?

Yes. The cable car (350 pesos) and the glass-floor restaurant are open to anyone, and the overlooks at Divisadero and Piedra Volada are free to walk. Visitors with vertigo often ride the cable car across and skip the aerial lines entirely.

Is the ZipRider suitable for children?

Not for young children. Riders must be at least 1.50 m tall and weigh 45 kg, which rules out most kids under 12. The seven-line circuit has a lower weight threshold (around 40 kg) and is the family-friendly option.

What happens if it rains or the wind picks up?

The park pauses or closes individual zip lines during high winds and storms, most often from June to October. Activities canceled by the park are normally rescheduled or refunded; confirm operating status a day ahead during the rainy season.