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Hidden in the heart of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental lies Copper Canyon, a spectacular complex of nearly impenetrable chasms that is four times the size of the Grand Canyon! This rugged wilderness of pine-studded mountains and wind-sculpted rocks is still a well-kept secret, known to but a few hardy adventurers and the indigenous Tarahumara, celebrated for their amazing long-distance running feats. On this adventure (one of the few active trips offered in Copper Canyon) you’ll explore this great wilderness on foot to meet the Tarahumara in their remote villages, hike to waterfalls, and splash in cooling river pools (great bird-watching, too!). At night you’ll relax in comfortable accommodations, where you’ll dine beside a roaring fire, enjoy margaritas and spirited conversation, and view incredible nighttime skies unhindered by the lights of civilization.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• See Copper Canyon—four times larger than the Grand Canyon!—on foot, from the rim to the depths of the canyon bottom (not just from the train as most folks do!)
• Meet the unassuming Tarahumara people in their rugged homeland
• Great bird-watching opportunities (some 290 species!)
  
• Relax in comfortable lodging after a great day on the trail (margaritas included!)

Day 1 - Arrive in Chihuahua City, Mexico, the capital of the state of Chihuahua.

Day 2 - Drive to Cusárare, nestled in pine forests of the Sierra highlands at 7,200'. Afternoon hike to Tarahumara cave dwellings and pictographs, and to enjoy scenic vistas of the land of the Tarahumara.

Day 3 - Hike along the Cusárare River to Cusárare Falls, more than 100 feet in height. Optional afternoon loop hike on centuries-old paths leading through forests, farms, and ranches to the village of Cusárare, with its church dating back to the 1700s (and doors that are only four feet tall!).

Days 4-6 - Spectacular drive to the historic Mexican mining pueblo of Batopilas on the canyon floor (a 6,000-foot descent), where you'll stay at a hacienda. You'll spend the next few days exploring the rugged environs. Options include visiting the historic mission at Satevó, exploring remote Tarahumara villages where you can meet the locals and learn about their life in the canyon, and scenic hikes to the tops of nearby mesas.

Day 7 - Drive back to Cusárare, stopping along the way for lunch and a hike to a canyon rim overlook.

Days 8 - Side trip to Divisadero for dramatic views of Copper Canyon proper, or hike in the otherworldly Valley of the Monks, a hidden little pocket of eroded rock pillars. Drive to Chihuahua City.

Day 9 - Depart Chihuahua City.

Note--Mountain Travel Sobek is funding a small project in Copper Canyon to help the Tarahumara Indians improve their trail system into Huimayvo, the most spectacular hike on our trip. The town of Batopilas wanted to build a road, but that would completely ruin the village, so in a sense we have saved a village by protecting it and improving the trail to it.

Photo Credits
©Wayne D.R. Ranney