March 10 - 18, 2010

Copper Canyon is considered by many to be the premier adventure destination in North America. Our trip brings us in close contact with the three major features of the region:

We travel from Los Mochis to Creel (and return) on the Chihuahua Pacifico train which passes through 86 tunnels and over 37 bridges as it climbs from sea level to 2400 meters. It has been described as “the most dramatic train journey in the western hemisphere”.

The Sierra Tarahumara region includes more than 20 canyons covering an area four times larger and more than 600 meters deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. We experience this grandeur as we walk the rim at Divisadero and then descend more than 1800 meters into Batopilas Canyon to the colonial town of Batopilas and hike to its historic mission.

The Tarahumara are a gentle, reticent people who live in ranchos that can be seen perched on hill tops throughout the canyons. The women are noted for their wildly colourful clothing and for their skill at making baskets and other attractive handicrafts. The men are noted for their stamina as long distance runners with the ability to chase game, often for days, until the animal collapses from exhaustion.

March 10 - Participants should arrive at Los Mochis by this evening. Los Mochis has a small airport and there are scheduled flights from Mexico City. Alternately, there is a bus service from Phoenix and Tucson to Los Mochis via Hermosillo. A long trip but much cheaper than the plane. We will meet in downtown Los Mochis at an appointed hotel. The hotel is included. Dinner extra.

March 11 – We catch the Chihuahua Pacifico Train to Creel at 6 AM. The train takes most of the day to get to Creel. On arrival we transfer to a very pleasant and colourful Mexican hotel. Breakfasts and dinners are included for the next 6 days.

March 12 – We hike 10 kms through picturesque plateau pinelands for our first encounter with the Tarahumara. We will see some of their adobe houses and cave dwellings. The elevation at Creel is 2400 meters (7874 ft) so we walk at a gentle pace.

March 13 – Bus to Divisadero and hike 8 km along the rim of Copper Canyon with breath taking views down to the Urique river. Try negotiating with brightly dressed native women for some of their many hand made crafts.

March 14 - The highlight of the Trip! As we descend 1,800 meters (5,486 ft) to the canyon floor by private bus to the picturesque colonial village of Batopilas. The name is derived from a Tarahumara word meaning “near the river”. Both the river and the town take their name from the 17th century mining town once renowned as a prodigious source of Mexican silver. We stay in a veritable palace on the river resplendent with bougainvillaea and mango trees.

March 15 - Hike 14 km round trip along the river to fabled Iglesias San Miguel de Satevo, part of a mission built in 1760 -1764. The church is noted for its domes and acoustic properties. The interior shows signs of age but it stands with a compelling dignity offering the visitor shade from the hot sun.

March 16 – Another adventure as we switch back up to the canyon rim. The trip takes most of the day and is followed by a final dinner in Creel and a celebration of our accomplishment - not many people can claim to have gone down 1,800 meters and up 1,800 meters without leaving the earths surface.

March 17 – Free morning to buy that last gift of Mexican silver or Tarahumara crafts. At 11:00 AM we board the train and return to Los Mochis. Be sure to get a seat with a window as the scenery is as dramatic on the way down as it was on the way up. Meals on the train are extra. Arrive Los Mochis at approximately 10:00 pm. Hotel included. The trip ends here.

March 18 - Fly home or stay over an extra day, allowing time to explore Los Mochis, a typical, mid-sized, non-tourist Mexican town or bus back to Tucson or Phoenix and fly home March 19.

Land cost, $1,448 from Los Mochis includes train & bus trips, guided tours and hiking program, gratuities, hotel accommodation (dbl with bath), breakfasts & dinners (except on the train and in Los Mochis).

While every effort will be made to follow the above itinerary, changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.