CREEL TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to Stay

Best Western Lodge: López Mateos 61, Creel; tel. 635/456-0071, www.thelodgeatcreel.com. Moderately priced, with a restaurant, sauna, and massage.

Margaritas Bed & Breakfast: Av. López Mateos 11, catercorner from the main plaza, Creel; tel. 635/456-0245. Inexpensive private rooms and dorm rooms, breakfast included.

Pueblo Viejo Lodge Cabins: Calle Jimenez 5807, Creel; tel. 635/418-2516. Friendly owners and unusual themed rooms. Moderate.

Sierra Lodge: Cusárare (25 minutes from Creel), tel. 800/648-8488 (toll-free US). No electricity; fireplace in each guest room. Three satisfying meals included in the moderate price.

Where to Eat

Tungar: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, at the railroad tracks. The best birría (goat stew) in town! Super low-key.

Verónicas: Av. López Mateos 33. Reliable if unexciting Mexican food; largish portions.

Tours

Paseos Turísticos Tarahumara: Located on the main square, this co-op hooks you up with local guides. Prices for full- or half-day tours to local lakes, Tarahumara caves, hot springs, and waterfalls go down as the number of participants goes up. Longer tours into the canyons can also be arranged. If you prefer to call ahead, you can contact Oscar Loya (tel. 635/456-0686) or Prof. Luis Alonso Miranda (tel. 635/456-0175) by phone.

Shopping

Buy Tarahumara pine baskets, dolls, violins, and other homespun crafts at Casa de las Artesanias, by the train tracks at Av. Ferrocarril 178, 635/456-0080.