The geographically diverse region of north-western Mexico has enormous tracts of high and low desert, more than 1,600 kilometres of coast, the world’s largest volcanic field, and some of the country’s richest farmlands.

Harsh yet imposing, Mexico’s vast northwest comprises the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, and Sinaloa. Explorers head for the extensive canyon system of Sierra Tarhumara, where it is now relatively easy to organize hiking, horseback riding, or vehicular tours to spectacular waterfalls and lost Jesuit missions.

Great distances between sights and a limited tourist infrastructure notwithstanding, the northwest offers an awesome variety of scenery and experiences. In general, the best time to visit is fall, when soaring summer temperatures have abated, and rain has clothed mountainsides in green and deserts in the fragile blooms of tenacious succulents.