As our regular, cultural / natural, non-strenuous Copper Canyon trip has been such a success, and because so many potential travelers have asked us for a tour with more walking, we have developed an exciting trip in cooperation with our local contacts and expert guides. This is an excellent program featuring fully-guided, moderately-strenuous day walks, spectacular journeys on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway, and overnights in charming hotels / lodges and no camping.
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: The world-famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Train
Today we board our (first-class) train to Posada Barrancas, featuring the most spectacular portion of the train ride, including the Septentrion Gorge and the loops at Temoris. We enjoy lunch on the train, with some of the best rail scenery in the world outside your window. Overnight at Mansion Tarahumara (or similar). All meals.
Day 3: Hiking on the Rim
Today our Moderate hike follows the rim southeast past Raramuri dwellings and fields before arriving at El Puerto, a little-known but fabulous overlook that makes a great place for lunch. From here we explore further along the rim before returning to the hotel. (4-5 hours). Overnight at Mansion Tarahumara (or similar). All meals.
Day 4: Posada Barrancas - Train to Creel
This morning we have a vehicle excursion featuring great overlooks and Raramuri handicrafts shopping at Piedra Volada, Las Escaleras and Divisadero. This afternoon we board our (first-class) train to Creel and transfer to the Sierra Lodge, rustic luxury in the center of great hiking around Cusarare. Note: the lodge does NOT have electricity, but we do not think you will miss it with the great ambiance of kerosene lamps, fireplaces, wood stoves--and plenty of hot water! Overnight at Sierra Lodge (preferred accommodation). All meals.
Day 5: Hiking Cusarare
Cusarare is blessed with a great variety trails that allow access to not only natural beauty, but a chance to better see the lifestyles of the Raramuri who live in this area. As such, you will have a better chance to have "real" (non-touristic) interactions with Raramuri than is possible for those who don't leave the beaten path. Our MODERATE hike today takes us to Cusarare Waterfall. There are a variety of routes to see the beautiful waterfalls at Cusarare - the shortest track takes only 45 minutes from the hotel, but this can be extended by returning via a nearby mesa. We will take a picnic lunch with us to enjoy at the base of the falls - a lovely place to linger. (3-5 hours) Overnight at Sierra Lodge (preferred accommodation). All meals.
Day 6: Train to Bahuichivo & Cerocahui Area
We relax and enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the Sierra Lodge before leaving in mid-morning for Creel where we will catch the westbound (first-class) train to Bahuichivo. There we will be met and taken to the Hotel Paraiso del Oso (preferred accommodation), a homey lodge situated in a picturesque mountain valley. Time permitting, we take a short hike to the "Cave of the Crosses," an interesting and anthropologically significant former Raramuri cave dwelling. Overnight near Cerocahui. All meals.
Day 7: Hiking the Cerocahui Region
After breakfast, we enjoy a half-day cultural and canyon rim vehicle excursion, with stops in Cerocahui to visit a Raramuri boarding school and the old mission church, and then overlooks at Palestina Canyon and Cerro Gallegos, generally considered to be the most dramatic canyon rim overlook in the Copper Canyon. Our hike today is more strenuous but very rewarding. A very satisfying day! (5-7 hours). Overnight near Cerocahui. All meals.
Day 8: Train to El Fuerte
This morning is free to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, with time after to perhaps hike up nearby rock formations. This PM we return by road to Bahuichivo where board our (first-class) train to El Fuerte. Overnight at Hotel El Fuerte (preferred accommodation). Breakast and dinner.
Day 9: Departure from Los Mochis
Today we transfer to Los Mochis airport. Departure from Los Mochis. Breakfast. Buen Viaje!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants); all but one lunch
- 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), one lunch, 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, packing, and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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