Hot springs 12 km south of Creel
Hot spring pools deep in the Tararecua canyon, run by the San Ignacio ejido; about 3 km down on foot, so save energy for the climb.
Recowata is a set of natural hot spring pools at the bottom of a deep, forested canyon south of Creel. The thermal water comes out of the hillside at around 35 °C and mixes with the cool stream below, filling about seven stone pools of different sizes and depths built into the slope.
The springs belong to the Rarámuri ejido of San Ignacio de Arareko and are run as part of its community tourism project, together with Lago de Arareko and the valleys around Creel. The setting is a big part of the draw: steep canyon walls, pines and oaks above, and the sound of running water.
Getting there is part of the adventure. From the parking area at the rim, a steep, winding stone path drops roughly three and a half kilometers into the canyon. The descent is manageable, but the climb back up is tiring at this altitude, so many visitors take one of the local vehicles that shuttle people down or up for a fee.
What to see and do
Soak in the terraced hot spring pools beside the cold mountain stream.
Move between pools to find the temperature you like best.
Hike the steep stone path down into the canyon.
Take a local shuttle back up if your legs are done.
Pack a picnic and spend a few unhurried hours by the water.
Getting there
Recowata is about 15 kilometers south of Creel; drive or take a taxi or tour to the rim parking area, then walk down the steep path of about 3.5 kilometers or pay for a local vehicle. The ejido charges an entry fee, and the springs are open daily during daytime hours. Bring water, a towel and sturdy shoes, and leave enough daylight for the return climb.
12 km south of Creel
Directions from Creel on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather cool
Aguas Termales de Recowata shares the climate of Creel, 12 km away. The best months to visit are Apr, May, Sep, Oct.
Make Creel your base
Aguas Termales de Recowata is an easy trip from Creel, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Creel
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San Ignacio de Arareko
· Town · 3 km away
The Rarámuri ejido next to Creel: an old stone mission church and the rock-filled Valle de las Ranas and Valle de los Hongos. -
Lago de Arareko
· Lake · 7 km away
A horseshoe-shaped lake in pine forest run by the Rarámuri ejido of San Ignacio, with rowboats, cabins and lakeside trails. -
Valle de los Monjes
· Nature reserve · 8 km away
Bisabírachi to the Rarámuri: a valley of tall, upright rock columns that legend says were monks turned to stone. Best with a local guide. -
Cascada de Cusárare
· Waterfall · 16 km away
A 30-meter waterfall reached by a pine-forest trail from the Rarámuri village of Cusárare and its 18th-century Jesuit mission. -
Divisadero
· Viewpoint · 31 km away
The Chepe's famous canyon stop: rim views over three canyons, plus the cable car and zip lines of the Barrancas del Cobre park.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.