Cueva de la Ranchería is an archaeological site located south of Ciudad Madera, in the Sirupa Canyon region, northwest of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Ciudad Madera has basic tourism infrastructure, however it may be difficult to get transportation to visit the site, since it covers a large area at the base of the Sirupa Canyon. It is a relatively long drive on a dirt road. It is suggested planning a trip for a minimum of nine to ten hours, with little time to explore. It is also possible to visit the San Andrés Sirupa mission, destroyed by Tarahumaras in 1690. The landscape is particularly beautiful and makes it the trip worthwhile from the Sirupa village. Nearby are thermal hot water springs. It is advisable to visit the site with an experienced guide. First Investigations In 1898, Norwegian Explorer Carl Lumholtz was the first provide news about caves in the Madera region, in the north of Sierra Tarahumara. He discovered several sites, among them Cueva del Garabato (scribble), now known as Cuarenta Casas. Subsequently, several anthropologists and archaeologists briefly explored the region, focusing especially on the outskirts of Cuarenta Casas. Almost all of them published the results of their studies; H.A. Carey in 1931. E.B. Sayles in 1936 A.V. Kidder in 1939, R.H. Lister in 1946 & 1958 Eduardo Contreras in 1959 Arturo Guevara in 1986, David Pearson, Fernando Sánchez M. and D, Phillips in 1990. However, very little is known about the caves, exploration and systematic study is just starting up. The Madera Zone Madera was a sawmill that worked lumber extracted in the forests nearby; its greatest attractions are the ancient caves around the region, which served as room and shelter for inhabitants of the Paquimé culture, who built their homes within them. There are several Paquimé culture archaeological zones in the area of Madera municipality. The most important caves are: Huápoca Located 36 miles west of Madera, on a dirt road. The Huápoca caves consist of the "Serpiente" and the Nido de Aguila caves. These are considered the most impressive on a cliff. It has complete structures. It has magnificent views of the Huápoca Canyon. Cueva de la Serpiente It has 14 adobe houses, over 1,000 years old. Nido del águila It only has one house, built on the edge of a sheer cliff under a rocky overhang, provides a meaning to its name. Cueva Grande Located