Geologists differ over whether Mexico’s Barrancas del Cobre, the Copper Canyon, exceeds Arizona’s Grand Canyon in depth and magnificence, but those that treasure the nearly extinct canyon culture of the Southwest, speak with one voice in lauding the Tarahumara Indian’s traditional way of life.

We’ll explore and hike in these magnificent geologic events, and encounter their Tarahumara inhabitants, in a short but dramatic trip to the state of Chihuahua’s Barrancas del Cobre National Park. (With, if you’re in the mood, a nifty pre-trip extension to the nearby Baja Peninsula, just across the Sea of Cortés. Call us for details.)

We begin in Los Mochis/El Fuerte, where we board the famous Chihuahua al Pacífico train (from El Fuerte to Cerocahui, the train goes through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges), weaving into the Sierra Madre Mountains to the small town of Cerocahui, one of the park’s gateways. We’ll drive down into Urique Canyon, from piney forests at 6800 feet, down, down, to grapefruit, orange, and mango trees, and hike a few hours to our nifty little camp at just over 2000 feet. We’ll explore the equally impressive Batopilas Canyon, overnighting in the old towns of Creel and Batopilas, and we’ll get to know a little about the nomadic Tarahumaras.

Day 1: USA to Los Mochis, overnight in El Fuerte • Day 2: train to Cerocahui, overnight in lodge • Day 3: begin hike into Copper Canyon, camp • Days 4 & 5: hike in Urique Canyon • Day 6: hike to Batopilas, overnight in hotel • Day 7: morning hike; drive to Creel, overnight in hotel • Day 8: drive to Chihuahua • Day 9: return to USA.

Baja Extension is available for this trip

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