Entre Amigos Hostel — Hotel in Chihuahua

A friend and I stayed at Entre Amigos earlier this month, for four nights. We stayed in the dorm room, which we found to be basic - but, importantly, clean and comfortable. The beds are camp beds so they're firm but that works for me and there were plenty of blankets for the colder evenings (though we didn't actually feel that cold).||||I'd emailed the owner in advance of our trip and he always replied promptly. He explained that they don't do reservations for the dorm as they often don't work out, but assured us there would be space when we arrived - which there was. We were shown around by the manager, Tomas, who was friendly and helpful. He'd been out having dinner when we arrived but came running back to greet us. ||||There's a clean kitchen for guests' use, which comes with a ping pong table! We were also able to eat fresh grapefruit several times a day as there are so many growing in the garden. I don't even usually like grapefruit, but these were something else. The garden itself is sublime and we spent a few hours just sitting in it and admiring its beauty.||||For reference, we paid 300 Mexican pesos a night for the dorm room - the price online is quoted in dollars, but we're British! ||||Also, we were dropped off and picked up from Entre Amigos by the bus driver, so people will know where you're heading. The bus back up the canyon was at 7am, so it did mean a bit of a wait for the next El Chepe train we were booked on to from Bahuichivo, but we found those few hours flew by.||||We did loads of hiking around Urique, largely following the route of the ultra marathon that takes place there. It's totally beautiful but if you head out, know that there are no shops it either Guadalupe Coronado nor Guapalayna, so bring water. We found everyone to be friendly and helpful. And we can't recommend Restaurante Plaza enough - the bus drops off here, so you should find it. It's by far the best place to eat, though the gorditas served at the stand at the edge of town are a close second.||||Also, if you do choose to travel to Urique from El Chepe train - it's really easy. A bus waits for passengers from the train, then heads to Cerocahui. Here they asked us to change buses, for a smaller one that goes down into the canyon. The road isn't paved all the way, but we never felt in any danger and the driver goes slowly. In fact, he saw us taking photos so even stopped to let us see the canyon from a lookout point - it was ...

I thought I would write this to help anyone considering going to Urique, as I have just come from there. I loved it!|1) there were recent troubles in March but I just stayed 4 days, had a wonderful time and had the warmest welcome from the community, so don't let people put you off. Go with an open mind and a sensible head.|2) they are fixing the road down to Urique and it's going to take years! During that time the road is closed from 7am to 7pm. I hitchhiked in and out of the town, which was really easy, but bear in mind the timings. There are buses from Bauchivo at other times but the buses have to wait until 7pm to get through, too. Oh my god it's bumpy, but beautiful.|3) A wonderful guy called Tomás looks after Entre Amigos. When I got there he had popped out, but the neighbours gave him a call for me. As there were no other tourists in town and I'd be alone at Entre Amigos Tomas v kindly let me stay at his house instead. Tomás can be called on 6351052371. He is also an excellent guide and does the 2 day trip to Batopilas (and can help.with loads of other day hikes). I dont think he speaks English but could be wrong. Booking not necessary, apart from holiday time and in March when the marathon is on.|4) You can get slow wifi outside the secondary school on the hill if you need it|5)The rainy season has just started. It rains heavily every day from 4pm. When I was there (yesterday) it rained but in the day relentless sun with temps reaching 45 degrees. Still did loads of great hiking.|6) Restaurante Plaza is absolutely amazing. You must have the aguachile. Doña Tita is adorable. She and everyone in town will welcome you so warmly.|7) I recommend the hike to El Naranjo on the Camino Real. I also walked to Guadalupe and beyond. |8) I visited the schools when I was there, I just asked around, everyone knows everyone of course. I went with a teacher to the Tarahumara school at Gapalina. The kids were lovely and I learnt a lot.|9) If you have read Born to Run (Nacidos para Correr) this is where the marathon is held. Read it if you're planning a visit.||This place needs tourism, otherwise the children will turn to selling drugs which is a big industry in the canyon. ||I had a wonderful few days there and chatted to just about everyone in the town, they are amazing and they miss the tourists. Go...

I thought I would write this to help anyone considering going to Urique, as I have just come from there. I loved it!|1) there were recent troubles in March but I just stayed 4 days, had a wonderful time and had the warmest welcome from the community, so don't let people put you off. Go with an open mind and a sensible head.|2) they are fixing the road down to Urique and it's going to take years! During that time the road is closed from 7am to 7pm. I hitchhiked in and out of the town, which was really easy, but bear in mind the timings. There are buses from Bauchivo at other times but the buses have to wait until 7pm to get through, too. Oh my god it's bumpy, but beautiful.|3) A wonderful guy called Tomás looks after Entre Amigos. When I got there he had popped out, but the neighbours gave him a call for me. As there were no other tourists in town and I'd be alone at Entre Amigos Tomas v kindly let me stay at his house instead. Tomás can be called on 6351052371. He is also an excellent guide and does the 2 day trip to Batopilas (and can help.with loads of other day hikes). I dont think he speaks English but could be wrong. Booking not necessary, apart from holiday time and in March when the marathon is on.|4) You can get slow wifi outside the secondary school on the hill if you need it|5)The rainy season has just started. It rains heavily every day from 4pm. When I was there (yesterday) it rained but in the day relentless sun with temps reaching 45 degrees. Still did loads of great hiking.|6) Restaurante Plaza is absolutely amazing. You must have the aguachile. Doña Tita is adorable. She and everyone in town will welcome you so warmly.|7) I recommend the hike to El Naranjo on the Camino Real. I also walked to Guadalupe and beyond. |8) I visited the schools when I was there, I just asked around, everyone knows everyone of course. I went with a teacher to the Tarahumara school at Gapalina. The kids were lovely and I learnt a lot.|9) If you have read Born to Run (Nacidos para Correr) this is where the marathon is held. Read it if you're planning a visit.||This place needs tourism, otherwise the children will turn to selling drugs which is a big industry in the canyon. ||I had a wonderful few days there and chatted to just about everyone in the town, they are amazing and they miss the tourists. Go...