Walking Mexico's Copper Canyon

Day 1

ARRIVE EL PASO, TEXAS

We begin our Copper Canyon Adventure today on the north side of the border in El Paso. Since travelers will be arriving throughout the day, the only group activity today will be a Welcome Reception this evening at our hotel.

Day 2

EL PASO – CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO (B, D)
Historic Chihuahua Walk – 4 km, rated 1+

Our Adventure begins in earnest today with a motorcoach ride across the border and through the state of Chihuahua to the capital city by the same name. Upon arrival, we’ll explore this typical Mexican town with its picturesque square, Catholic cathedral, and history that goes back to the early 1700’s. Our walk includes a visit to the Museum of the Mexican Revolution featuring exhibits on the city’s most famous son – the revolutionary general and folk hero (or villain), Pancho Villa. This evening, we’ll enjoy a memorable “Welcome to Mexico” dinner and get a good night’s rest in preparation for tomorrow’s early morning train ride.

Day 3

CHIHUAHUA - CEROCAHUI (B, D)

We’re up with the birds today for our first train ride on the famed El Chepe. Due to the rugged terrain through which the tracks had to be laid, delays kept the Chihuahua al Pacífico Railroad (El Chepe) from being completed until 1961. The route runs for 588 miles over 39 bridges and through 99 tunnels. The most impressive section of the route is through the massive network of canyons known as the Copper Canyon. Though we are not traversing the entire 418 miles today, we will be on the train most of the day, arriving this evening at Bahuichivo. Here, we’ll transfer to the quaint Copper Canyon native village of Cerocahui and check into charming Hotel Mision for a two-night stay.

Day 4

ACTIVITIES FROM CEROCAHUI (B, L, D)
Copper Canyon Cerro Gallego Walk – 11 km, rated 3

Today’s walk takes us into one of the gorges of the Copper Canyon. The Copper Canyon is actually a network of six major canyon systems that are larger in area and deeper than the Grand Canyon. Though no single canyon can match the size of the Grand Canyon, this Mexican wonder will leave a lasting impression rivaling the almost reverent emotions evoked by its American cousin to the north. Following a picnic lunch in the canyon, we’ll return to Hotel Mision for siesta, then an afternoon visit into the village to sample the culture and handicrafts of the delightful Tarahumara Indians. This tribe has retained much of their culture which is based upon agriculture. Probably the single most intriguing aspect of Tarahumara heritage is their long-distance running ability, developed over generations for intervillage communication and transportation. Current use of their running ability involves ceremonial and competitive aspects, as well as a “persistence hunting”, in which a hunter runs an animal into exhaustion, covering distances up to 100 miles!

Day 5

CEROCAHUI – EL FUERTE (B, L)
Cerocahui Falls Walk – 8 km, rated 2

This morning’s activity is our second walk in Mexico – a nature walk through gentle hills and limestone outcropping to Cerocahui Falls. Following the walk, we’ll spend time in the village of Cerocahui visiting the 17th century Jesuit Mission, and the neighboring boarding school operated by the nuns. Lunch back at Hotel Mision will be followed by our second rail journey – this time snaking down into the lowlands along the Sea of Cortez. Once aboard, El Chepe treats us to an engineering feet of renown – a descent from an altitude of over 7000 feet down to just over 600 feet at the town of El Fuerte, our destination for this evening and our home for the next two nights. WARNING: Mexican trains are notorious for their overly liberal interpretation of the concept of “schedule”. Remaining flexible will help you to manage this aspect of the Adventure!

Day 6

ACTIVITIES FROM EL FUERTE (B, L)
Rio El Fuerte Petroglyphs Walk – 5 km, rated 1+

We sample a different slice of Mexican heritage today on a river cruise and walk that features opportunities for bird watching, and a set of remarkable petroglyphs. After the river cruise, we’ll explore more of El Fuerte on a walking tour. The founding of this sleepy town dates back to 1564; for more than three hundred years, it served as a trading post along the El Camino Real – the royal road linking Guadalajara and the mines of Alamos to the north. This afternoon, we’ll be treated to another indigenous culture – that of the Mayo Indians. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with our hosts as they demonstrate pottery making, tortilla preparation, and dancing. Back in El Fuerte this evening, you’ll be on your own for dinner – another chance to experience this corner of Mexico!

Day 7

EL FUERTE – DIVISADERO (B, D)

We are back on the train this morning, anticipating what some feel is the most scenic approach to the Copper Canyon – from west to east. One of the railway’s most impressive sections is near the station at Temoris, where a single mountainside is layered with three different levels of track. Another of the most noteworthy views is from Divisadero, our destination for the day. Divisadero is a small mountain village situated near the highest point of the railroad at a 7400 foot elevation, and our hotel tonight sits right on the canyon rim, offering stunning views into this wonder of Creation.

Day 8

DIVISADERO – CHIHUAHUA (B, L)
Copper Canyon Rim Walk – 8 km, rated 2+

Perhaps our most impressive walk unfolds this morning as we depart from our hotel on foot for a trek along the canyon rim. The majestic spectacle of the Urique, Copper, and Tararecua Canyons lies below us the entire way, a seemingly endless series of overlapping, rust-colored stone walls complemented by the refreshing green of pine-clad ridges. Following the walk, we’ll enjoy lunch back at our hotel before boarding the coach for an alternative route back to Chihuahua. With stops en route, we’ll arrive at our hotel in time for a late dinner.

Day 9

CHIHUAHUA – EL PASO, TEXAS (B, D)
El Paso, Texas Walk – 10 km

Our motorcoach heads north for the final leg of our Mexican Adventure this morning. We return to USA soil with a deeper appreciation of our southern neighbor, and a greater awareness of our own cultural differences. The last walk of the Adventure explores the sites of El Paso. Several routes are available, and our planning team will select the one that best matches our objectives of introducing travelers to history, culture, and scenery. Following the walk, we’ll gather for a Farewell Dinner, a wonderful opportunity to reminisce together and share memories made over the last 9 days!

Day 10

RETURN HOME FROM EL PASO (B)

Following breakfast at the hotel, the complimentary shuttle will transport you to El Paso’s airport. We return home having enjoyed a respite from the tail end of a northern winter, having experienced what many consider the most impressive train journey in North America, and having sampled the spectacle of Copper Canyon, one of Nature’s largest and most intriguing masterpieces!