Aguas Termales de Recowata

Recowata (also written Rekowata) is a small thermal bathing site at the bottom of the Tararecua canyon, one of the gorges of the Barrancas del Cobre system, in the municipality of Bocoyna. In a straight line it is only about 15 kilometers from Creel, but the drive takes a little over an hour because the road winds down toward the canyon, and the last stretch from the parking area has to be covered on foot or in a local four-wheel-drive shuttle. That final descent is roughly 3 kilometers of cobbled, very steep path.

The water comes from the Recowata spring and runs down a stream into a set of stone pools built on several levels. It stays at about 35 °C year-round and has no sulfur, so there is no smell and no limit on how long you can soak. The upper pools look out over the canyon walls and the pine and oak forest around them. Facilities are basic: restrooms and a couple of small grills, for which you bring your own charcoal. There is nowhere to buy food or snacks, so bring supplies from Creel. Camping is possible if you carry your own tent and sleeping bag.

The site belongs to the Rarámuri ejido of San Ignacio and is part of its Complejo Turístico Arareko, the same community project that runs Lago de Arareko. The modest entry fee, paid at the gate, goes to the community; published prices in recent years have been in the range of 40 to 50 pesos per adult, with shuttle rides down or back up for an extra charge. The climb out is the real test: if you are not used to steep mountain trails at this altitude, book the shuttle for the return or come with a tour from Creel, many of which include transport and entry.