Copper Canyon Expedition

The Copper Canyon (Spanish: Barranca del Cobre), nestled in the Sierra Madre Range,  is a group of canyons consisting of 6 distinct canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. The overall canyon system is larger and portions are deeper than the Grand Canyon in the neighboring United States although different in nature; narrower, deeper, and more verdant; the Grand Canyon is larger than any of the individual canyons.

Mexico established the Parque Nacional Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon National Park) to showcase this remote area and now is under the world heritage status.

The canyon is the homeland of the indigenous Raramuri (Tarahumara) people; the Sierra Madre is rich in history and legend, haunted by the restless shades of fallen warriors, martyred Jesuits and Pancho Villa's army.

Rivers born in the high pine forests have carved a 10,000 mile maze of spectacular steep-walled gorges into the volcanic rock of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain Range. Standing on a canyon rim surrounded by pine-oak woodland, you look down on giant cactus and tropical trees over 5,000 feet below.

Watered by summer thunder storms, the canyon country is a virtual pallet of greens highlighted by the reds and yellows of the deciduous oaks in spring and fields of wildflowers in autumn.

The system is transversed by the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad, known by the nickname “Chepe.” It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists. The train winds its way from the Pacific Ocean up into the heart of this scenic splendor. Built over a 90 year period, this world-famous railroad is an engineering masterpiece. It has been called "the most dramatic train ride in the western hemisphere."

'Copper Canyon' is generally used by travelers to define the total canyon system, which covers 25,000 square miles. Six of the major canyons in the system are:

Urique Canyon, Sinforosa Canyon, Copper Canyon, Tararecua Canyon,  Batopilas Canyon and Oteros Canyon.

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Los Mochis Airport, transfer to the colonial town El Fuerte dating from 16th Century, Hotel Posada de Hidalgo.

• Day 2 - Transfer to the train station to begin a unique journey on Chihuahua Pacifico railroad inaugurated in 1961 one of the world finest engineering wonders with 39 bridges end 86 tunnels on the Sierra Madre.  Arrive at Bahuichivo station and by bus travel to village of Cerocahui on the foothills, Visit the spectacular Urique Canyon over night at Hotel Paraiso del Oso.

• Day 3 - Breakfast and nice hike or bird watching on the forest and visit to the Jesuite mision back to the train and short ride to Mision Tarahumara Hotel. Mid-afternoon sun set on one of the most spectacular view of the Copper Canyon.  Hotel Mision Tarahumara.

• Day 4 - Walking tour of the Copper Canyon visiting an indian cave of the Raramuris, different over looks of three canyons: Copper, Urique and Tararecua.  Transfer to Creel for visit the valley of the mushrooms and the Arareco Lake on the way to the lodge. Visit the Waterfall of Cusarare.  Over night in  Copper Canyon Sierra lodge.

• Day 5 - Morning travel to Chihuahua on the way we will visit the menonite camp and a Conservation program of buffalos. Hotel San Felipe el Real or Quality Inn.

• Day 6 - Transfer to airport

NOTE: We can also modify our itinerary according to your needs.

For further information contact us at: expeditions@ecotoursvallarta.com