Town 3 km southeast of Creel
The Rarámuri ejido next to Creel: an old stone mission church and the rock-filled Valle de las Ranas and Valle de los Hongos.
San Ignacio de Arareko is the Rarámuri ejido whose lands lie just south and east of Creel, and it is where most of the area's classic sights are found. The community manages its land as a tourism project, charging a modest entry fee and running cabins, horse and bike rentals, and guided visits; the money stays with the families who live here.
At its heart is the mission of San Ignacio, a small stone church built by the Jesuits in the 18th century, with thick limestone walls and an image of Saint Ignatius of Loyola beside the altar. It is still in use by the community today.
Around the mission lie two strange, sculptural landscapes: the Valle de los Hongos (Valley of the Mushrooms), where balanced boulders sit on narrow pedestals of softer rock, and the Valle de las Ranas (Valley of the Frogs), whose rounded stones look like giant crouching frogs. Both were shaped by erosion and frost, and both are an easy walk or bike ride from town.
What to see and do
Visit the 18th-century stone mission church of San Ignacio.
Walk among the balanced boulders of the Valle de los Hongos.
Find the frog-shaped rocks of the Valle de las Ranas.
Rent a horse or bike from the ejido to explore the trails.
Buy baskets and textiles from Rarámuri women along the way.
Getting there
The mission is about 3 kilometers from the center of Creel, reached by the road south toward Lago de Arareko; you can walk, cycle or take a short taxi ride. The ejido charges a small entry fee that also covers its other sights, such as the lake. Many tours from Creel combine the mission, the two valleys and Lago de Arareko in a half-day loop.
3 km southeast of Creel
Directions from Creel on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in San Ignacio de Arareko
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Weather cool
San Ignacio de Arareko shares the climate of Creel, 3 km away. The best months to visit are Apr, May, Sep, Oct.
Make Creel your base
San Ignacio de Arareko 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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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. -
Aguas Termales de Recowata
· Hot springs · 12 km away
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. -
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.