Copper Canyon's Tarahumara Indians, who own more than 60,000 acres in the Western Sierra Madre wilderness of Chihuahua, Mexico, are working with Canyon Travel to develop a model for eco-tourism, with community-owned facilities and private enterprise. The partnership provides the only outlet in Copper Canyon for private eco-lodges and naturalist-trained native guides who offer remote, intimate adventures. Previously inaccessible areas held by the community of Tarahumara are now the location of upgraded lodges, "Uno y Dos," owned by these Tarahumara people and operated by Canyon Travel.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive Los Mochis / El Fuerte
Transfer (90 minute drive) from the Los Mochis airport to the 16th Century town of EL Fuerte and our exclusive, colonial-style Rio Vista Lodge for 2 nights. Patio dining amid hummingbirds, tropical plants and exotic cacti affords unparalleled panoramic vistas of picturesque EL Fuerte and the river. Walking tour with our native guide includes EL Fuerte's quintessential Plaza de Armas with its distinctive palm trees and cast iron kiosk, and examples of provincial colonial construction pervasive in the downtown architecture. Includes: (D).
Day 2 - El Fuerte
Enjoy a peaceful morning float on the Fuerte River, with stops at a small island teeming with birds endemic to this unique tropical habitat, and along the shore to view petroglyphs. This afternoon, view the picturesque vistas of the sierra foothills surrounding pristine Lake Hidalgo en route to a secluded Mayo Indian Village to observe the open-pit firing of their uniquely shaped pottery. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3 – El Fuerte - Divisadero Area
Early morning transfer to depot for departure aboard the new Chihuahua al Pacifico "Chepe" train. The dramatic 8,000 foot ascent up the Pacific Palisades on the 135 mile odyssey (7:30am - 12:25pm) into the Sierra Madre today provides optimum viewing on the most spectacular segment of railway, with 94 miles of fantastic bridges, tunnels and serpentines! On arrival, transfer on our private 6 mile road over breathtaking scenery to the Tarahumara owned eco-lodge, the Uno Lodge for 2 nights.
Perched on the rim of a promontory that extends into the canyon, you will enjoy the only panoramic river views of any lodge located on a canyon rim. An afternoon orientation walk through the dense forest around the lodge will introduce you to this never-before-seen pristine wilderness area that is devoid of any developments or visitors except our guests. You may choose your level of physical activity from easy to moderate walks or full day hikes. Sightseeing with our exclusive resident guide. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4 - Divisadero Area
From the lodges secluded stretch of canyon rim property gaze into the enormous gorge formed at the confluence of the Copper and various other side canyons and the winding river almost 6,000 feet below. Enjoy guided walks to archaeological sites, large caves and visit with Tarahumara families, owners of the lodge and surrounding lands. Hikers will enjoy moderate to more strenuous treks into the canyon depths. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5 - Divisadero – Cusarare
Morning transfer by van on the 90 minute drive through the town of Creel to the surrounding village and ranchos of Cusarare, viewing the surreal tranquility of Arareco Lake en route. Visit the 300 year old Cusarare Mission, distinguished by its predominantly Indian-motif interior, and the Valleys of the Mushrooms - so named for their many distinctive geological formations. Continue to a pristine pine forest and embark on a not-too-strenuous trek to the 90 foot-drop Cusarare Waterfall and to a nearby painted cave. Sightseeing with our exclusive resident guide. Accommodations in Cusarare at The Sierra Lodge one night. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6 - Cusarare – Batopilas
After breakfast, begin the day long journey to Batopilas. The dramatic 75-mile drive descends 7,000 feet along the old silver route. The ride, along a rugged unpaved road, begins in dense forests, descends into the canyons past beautiful waterfalls and spectacular blue pools strewn with enormous boulders, and eventually terminates in tropical flora at the bottom of the canyon. On arrival transfer to the magnificently restored Hacienda Rio Batopilas for 2 nights. Activities may include a drive along the Rio Batopilas to the mysterious 17th Century Lost Cathedral of Satevo, and exploration of the ruins of Hacienda San Miguel which served as the family residence and business office of American expatriate and silver baron, Alexander Shepherd. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7 – Batopilas
Hiking opportunities abound and range from easy nearby walks to moderately difficult half and full day treks, e.g., embark on a full day of trekking to Cuerro Colorado, or on a shorter hike to Camunchin, a lovely shady oasis reached by a 2 hour trek up the surrounding cliffs. Excellent birding is available along the Rio Batopilas. Or, simply relax in the plaza and observe farmers from remote ranchos, traditionally attired Tarahumara Indians from the surrounding canyons and, on occasion, local children playing basketball. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8 - Batopilas – Cusarare
Mid morning departure for your return journey to the Sierra Lodge for 1 night. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9 - Cusarare – Cerocahui
Morning transfer to Creel where you will have time to visit the local museum or browse the selection of difficult-to-find books, photographs and music tapes at the Mission Store, proceeds benefit Father Luis Verplancken's Tarahumara Children's Hospital. Transfer to the depot for the westbound train (11:30am - 2:30pm). On arrival transfer to the outskirts of Cerocahui and the enviable canyon rim setting of our exclusive Cerocahui Wilderness Lodge for 2 nights. Our native guide will accompany you on a trek to remote Tarahumara Rancherias for a kindred visit with several Indian families, learning about their agriculture, food preparation basket weaving, etc. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10 - Cerocahui - Urique Canyon Descent
Morning departure on an expedition through dense ponderosa pines and past high mountain vistas en route to the Cerro Gallego rim. From this lofty precipice, look down over 1 mile into the Urique Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, and home to the provincial Tarahumara settlement of Urique. Founded in 1690 along the banks of the meandering river, Urique was totally isolated until connected by a switchback mountain road in 1975. The descent begins in a conifer forest and continues through oak and tropical deciduous forest, ending in a riparian habitat at the canyon bottom. Opportunities abound to spot Military Macaws, Black-throated Magpie Jays, and the elusive Eared Quetzal. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11 - Cerocahui - El Fuerte
This morning, explore ancient Indian caves with metates and remnants of stone trincheras used centuries ago in terrace-style farming. Stop at the pueblo of Cerocahui and visit the Tarahumara boarding school, and extensively-reconstructed 17th Century gold-domed Jesuit Mission Church on your early afternoon transfer to the depot for your train ride (2:35pm - 6:15pm) back to the colonial town of El Fuerte. Dinner waits at the Rio Vista lodge where you return to spend the final night of your itinerary. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12 – Depart El Fuerte
Breakfast on the patio and at the appropriate time transfer to the Los Mochis airport for your return flight.
Testimonials:
“First, let us say that you selected some pretty fantastic places for us to stay. From the views, the different types of lodges, everything was very special. We would like to particularly tell you how much we enjoyed Mario and Julio. They both went out of their way to make everything wonderful for all of us. The family atmosphere at Mario's was so comfortable and we felt right at home. The fact that Julio knew our names within a few minutes and treated us like friends was really neat.
We loved all of the hikes we did and learned so much about the Tarahumara people. That aspect of the trip was just terrific. The food was also yummy. We would especially like to vote to keep the tortilla soup at the Rio Vista and the Chile rellenos at Mario's. Coming back from a "hard day of play" we loved being welcomed by the margaritas and also really enjoyed the campfires after dinner. Thank you for everything. We have been telling all of our friends and family about you and what a wonderful trip you arrange”. Pam and Bruce Rhyne
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- All the meals;
- Guided tours;
- Accomodation;
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Caving
Walking Tours
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
