Runners and travelers to the Barrancas will discover not only a beautiful natural environment, but a rich, traditional cuisine and some local specialties not to be missed! Below, you will find some general information and advice on local food and drinks so you know what to expect on your adventure. But don't just stick to this; there is plenty more to explore and discover!

Food

The town of Urique has a number of small, family-owned restaurants which offer mostly traditional Mexican classics such as rice plates accompanied with re-fried beans, various meats and delicious hand-patted tortillas. There are also several shops where groceries can be purchased. Since Urique is far off the beaten path, availability of items in store is subject to deliveries, which are usually done twice a week.

At any given time, however, you will be able to find local staples such as rice, pasta, canned goods, eggs, local cheese and various fruits and vegetables.

Vegetarians and vegans

Restaurants such as Mama Tita's are aware of vegetarianism and can accommodate guests who don't eat meat. It is to be noted that if you follow a very strict diet, vegan or other, you might consider cooking your own food. Furthermore, one shouldn't expect to find exotic or specialized food items in local shops. However, be assured that your hosts will do all they can to accommodate you as much as possible.

Water and Drinks

Unless they know they are fragile to local water, seasoned travelers should not be worried about drinking tap water in and around the canyons.

Purified, bottled water is easily available in stores.

Drinks such as fruit juices and soft drinks are easily found around Urique. Some shops and restaurants will sell local beer, too. Caballo's favorite, Indio, is sold at Mama Tita's restaurant. A convenience store further down the main street offers canned Tecate, which some Mas Locos refer to as "fizzy yellow drink".

Around the time of the race, one of the town's shops offers bottled "Electrolit" brand drinks in different flavors. If this is something you would like to purchase, we suggest you do so as soon as you get in town before the supplies run out.

Local "specialties"

Adventurous travelers and foodies can inquire about the local Raramuri drink/beer called Tesguino, and some hardcore cactus moonshine called Lechuguilla. One specialty not to be missed is the Raramuri pinole, made from finely stone-ground maize that local runners use as fuel.

Lodging

Runners and travelers coming down to Urique can either rent a hotel room, stay with a local family or camp out. Availability of rooms in Urique is limited, so we strongly recommend you make arrangements as early as possible.You can find all the appropriate information on our "Travel - Staying There" page.

Those who want to camp are invited to contact our friend Keith Ramsay at Entre Amigos, a beautiful property just out of Urique that offers plenty of camping space, an organic garden and some of the most interesting unofficial pre- and post-race happenings!