ARCHAEOLOGY

Near the Copper Canyon, you can visit archaeological site Paquime, known for its unique architecture. It?s worth mentioning that these pre-Hispanic people developed their civilization in an inhospitable environment by making use of the area?s natural resources.

Paquime ? Located northwest of the Copper Canyon, 350 km (217 mi) from the city of Chihuahua and a half-kilometer from Casas Grandes. This was the region?s main pre-Hispanic settlement and one of the oldest commercial and religious centers in the north. The adobe buildings have T-shaped doors and a maze-like distribution. You?ll also see an irrigation system that brought water into the city. The site has a museum, Museo de las Culturas del Norte, where you can learn about Paquime culture. Open daily from 8:00 to 5:00.

Cuarenta Casas ? Located north of Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre, 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Ciudad Madera. This is a group of 15 adobe structures that were built in the 13^th century. This is the region?s second most important archaeological zone after Paquime. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Cueva Grande ? Located in the northern part of the Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre, 70 km (43 mi) from Ciudad Madera. Here you?ll see an old two-story house with a log roof. There are other similar constructions, yet most of them are in ruins. During the summer, you?ll see a waterfall that cascades from the top of a cliff down near the mouth of the cave.

Conjunto Mogollon ? Located in the northern part of the Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre, 46 km (29 mi) west of Ciudad Madera, near the bottom of Huapoca Canyon. At this site you?ll see the Cueva del Nido and Serpiente caves, which have 14 adobe dwellings alongside a rocky cliff.