Isolated by obscurity and the incredible ruggedness of its terrain, this region in the Sierra Tarahumara Mountains boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the North American continent, but none of the mass commercialism that one might expect from such a distinction. Combine this with a fascinating cultural aspect and one of the most dramatic train journeys in the world, the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad, and you have a blueprint for the Trip of a Lifetime. Our tour highlights the region’s amazing wilderness, unique wildlife and flora and compelling human history, with easy day walks and accommodation in comfortable small hotels and inns.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Los Mochis, Mexico - El Fuerte. Today we arrive in Los Mochis and transfer to the 16th Century colonial town of El Fuerte, the Gateway to the Copper Canyon (2 hours by road). Overnight in El Fuerte. Hotel El Fuerte or similar. Dinner if required.
Day 2: El Fuerte Area. This morning we have a boat excursion on the Fuerte River for birding (bring your binoculars) and a leisurely walk to look at the "Cerro de la Mascara" (Mask Hill) petroglyphs, a little-known site featuring stone carvings anywhere from 800-2,000 years old--their exact age is unknown. Little else is known about these carvings. This is followed by a traditional lunch (included today) at a scenic spot on the river. Overnight in El Fuerte. Hotel El Fuerte. All meals.
Day 3: El Fuerte - Chihuahua al Pacifico - Cerocahui Area. Early this morning we'll board our first class Chihuahua al Pacifico train for one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring rail journeys in the Western Hemisphere, maybe the world. Overnight near Cerocahui. Paraiso del Oso Lodge. All meals.
Day 4: Cerocahui & Cerro Gallegos. After breakfast we enjoy a cultural and canyon rim excursion, with a stop in Cerocahui to visit a Raramuri boarding school and the old mission church. Overnight near Cerocahui. Paraiso del Oso Lodge. All meals.
Day 5: Cerocahui - Areponapuchi - Easy Hike. Early this morning the energetic and adventurous can hike to the top of a nearby unusual rock formation shaped like a bear (hence the name of our accommodation). Overnight in Areponapuchi. Mansion Tarahumara or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Areponapuchi - Creel. You will enjoy a vehicle tour this morning to the "Three Canyons" area, seeing the intersection of the Urique, Tararecua and Cobre (Copper, that for which the system is named) from three wonderful overlooks--Piedra Volada, Las Escaleras and Divisadero. Overnight in Creel. All meals.
Day 7: Creel - Batopilas. After breakfast we load the van for Batopilas via the only paved road crossing the Barrancas. At Samachique we leave the asphalt for the long dramatic descent to the canyon bottom on a twisting, rough, dirt road passing through mountains, valleys, and the Raramuri community of Kirare. Overnight in Batopilas. Casa Real de Minas or similar. Breakfast and dinner (pack lunch available for purchase).
Day 8: Batopilas Area. Batopilas (500m / 1,640 ft) may be the most remote town in North America--the road connecting it to the rim arrived only 25 years ago! It once was one of the richest towns in Mexico with tons of silver hauled out on burro trains. Overnight in Batopilas. Casa Real de Minas or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Batopilas - Creel. This morning we return to Creel, enjoying again the spectacular views from what is certainly one of the most dramatic roads in North America. In Creel, you will have time to explore on your own the eclectic mix of indigenous, mestizo and foreign influences in this train/logging/tourism town. Overnight in Creel. Breakfast and dinner (pack lunch available for purchase).
Day 10: Creel - Cuauhtemoc Mennonite Community - Chihuahua. Today we depart Creel by road and make a stop en route to visit Cuauhtemoc, a Mennonite community settled shortly after the Mexican Revolution. The Mennonites are a religious sect founded in Germany by Menno Simons in the 16th century. Overnight in Chihuahua. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Departure. Departure from Chihuahua. Note: Chihuahua is a pleasant and interesting place to spend some extra time. If you would like to extend in Chihuahua, please advise us ASAP so that we can book air (if applicable) and extra accommodation accordingly. Breakfast. Buen Viaje!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants); 3 lunches
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, hotel porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuity (approx USD 60-100 per traveller), most lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, and international air taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on not included meal costs and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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