Northcentral Mexico
The northcentral part of the country is mostly desert: a vast, high, windswept plateau flanked by the Occidental and Oriental chains of the Sierra Madre. Most of the population is gathered in several large cities; parts of the plateau are used for agriculture, but much of the north bears little trace of human habitation.
The remarkable Copper Canyon Railway passes through Chihuahua on its way from Ojinaga on the Rio Grande to the Gulf of California. It is an engineering miracle in itself and also provides a good way of seeing the canyons, mesas and bare peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The view at the Barranca del Cobre, where the Urique River has cut a 1840m-deep (6136ft) chasm through the mountains, rivals the Grand Canyon. The journey lasts about 13 hours.
CHIHUAHUA: Chihuahua, capital of the state of the same name (Mexico’s largest), is an important industrial and commercial centre. There are many edifices dating from the colonial era, including the 18th-century Cathedral, the Government Palace, the City Hall and Quinta Luz, which is the Villa Museum (containing Pancho Villa memorabilia). There is a monument to the División del Norte de Doroteo Arango (Pancho Villa in the unfamiliar guise of his real name). Entertainments include bullfights, dog- and horseraces, nightclubs and restaurants.
CIUDAD JUÁREZ: In the state of Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez has a commercial and cultural centre with modern buildings based on traditional styles of architecture. The handicrafts section includes sarapes (blankets) and glassware. There are bullfights, and horse- and greyhound-racing, along with a good nightlife. Restaurants serve international and Mexican food.
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