Concordia & Copala
Twin colonial gems in the Sierra Madre—handmade furniture shopping in Concordia and peaceful cobblestone wandering in Copala
Overview
Concordia and Copala offer a popular combined day trip into the Sierra Madre foothills east of Mazatlán—two colonial towns with distinct characters that complement each other perfectly. The mountain setting provides cooler temperatures and a welcome change from the coastal humidity. **Concordia (45 minutes from Mazatlán):** This town is famous for handmade wooden furniture—specifically, traditional Mexican chairs and tables crafted from local hardwoods. The main street features multiple workshops where you can watch artisans work and purchase directly. Furniture can be shipped to the US/Canada. Beyond furniture, Concordia's colonial church and quiet plaza merit exploration. **Copala (60 minutes from Mazatlán, 15 minutes beyond Concordia):** The true gem of this trip. Copala's cobblestone streets, historic church, and well-preserved colonial architecture create ideal conditions for peaceful wandering and photography. The town feels suspended in time, with far fewer tourists than comparable colonial destinations. Several restaurants serve traditional food in atmospheric settings. The cooler mountain air makes walking pleasant even in warmer months. **The combination:** Most visitors hit Concordia first for furniture shopping, then continue to Copala for lunch and exploration before returning to Mazatlán. The route passes through increasingly scenic Sierra Madre terrain. Some tours add stops at local springs or viewpoints. **Why go:** For those wanting colonial Mexico without the crowds of San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato, Copala delivers authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the tourism pressure. Concordia's furniture workshops offer unique shopping unavailable at the beach.
Highlights
Practical Information
Full day
Free
No entrance fees. Budget for lunch (100-200 pesos per person), furniture purchases optional. Tours from Mazatlán run $50-100 USD.
Year-round—mountain elevation keeps temperatures comfortable. Weekdays less crowded. Morning departure allows time for both towns plus leisurely lunch in Copala.
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