Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/604224
60 | Copper Canyon Four times larger, and, in some sections, deeper than parts of the U.S. Grand Canyon system, this fiery copper-hued marvel provides a stunning contrast against the Mexican Sierra Madre Mountains and the six distinct rivers that run through toward the Sea of Cortez. Reachable only by the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway—affectionately known as "Chepe"—and its 86 tunnels and 39 bridges, the copper canyon is a refuge for exotic wolves and cougars as well as adventurous vacationers. This journey takes travelers on a route that floats 1,000 feet above the Chiapas River and peaks that tower 8,000 feet into the sky, beginning— or ending—at the capital of Chihuahua or Los Mochis. Hiking, dirt biking, and horseback riding are all exceptional ways to discover the Copper Canyon, which actually holds more gold and silver in its mines than copper. More famous than its metals are the indigenous Tarahumara people, known for their pine leaf baskets and pottery, and endurance races that can span for several days and nights without rest. Many packages to the Copper Canyon are available, and all can be customized to fit your desires. Itineraries can include a variety of meals and sightseeing options, but the one thing that comes with every package is a sense of wonder and a train ride you won't soon forget. Classical Copper Canyon - From Los Mochis (6 nights/7 days) Day 1: Fly to Los Mochis and overnight at Posada del Hidalgo Hotel (El Fuerte). Day 2: Then take the train to Cerocahu. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and a free afternoon to walk the area to visit the Tarahumaras cavesbefore your overnight at Mision Hotel. (B, L, D) Day 3: Take a bus tour to Gallegos overlook point and enjoy a box lunch before returning for your second night at Mision Hotel. (B, L, D) Day 4: Take the train to Posada Barrancas station and settle in at the Mirador Hotel. (B, D) Day 5: Take a day tour to the famous town of Creel to visit the main plaza. Afterwards, see the Arareko Lake and the mysterious rock formations of the Valley of Mushrooms, followed by a visit to the old Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio and an interaction with Tarahumara natives. (B, L, D) Day 6: Take the train to Los Mochis and stay at Santa Anita Hotel. (B, L, D) Day 7: Hotel to airport transfer. Classical Copper Canyon - From Chihuahua (6 nights/7 days) Day 1: Transfer from the airport to overnight at Sicomoro Hotel. Day 2: Hotel to train station; transfer to Bahuichivo train station. Have an included American breakfast and lunch on board the Chepe train to Cerocahui town. Check in at Mision Hotel to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. (B, L, D) Day 3: Enjoy a bus tour to Gallegos overlook point; box lunch included. Take the train to El Fuerte. Stay at Posada del Hidalgo Hotel tonight. (B, L, D) Day 4: Take the river cruise tour, then a free afternoon for a historical walking tour. Settle in for your second night at Posada del Hidalgo Hotel. (B, L, D) Day 5: Take the train to Posada Barrancas station, and overnight at the Mirador Hotel. (B, D) Day 6: Tour Balancing Rock and Three Canyons overlook point. Enjoy dinner aboard the train to Chihuahua, and transfer to Sicomoro Hotel where you will overnight. (B, L, D) Day 7: Hotel to airport transfer. (B) Meals Included: (B) Breakfast, (S) Snack, (D) Dinner COPPER CANYON 16 16 15 15 Los Mochis Chihuahua El Fuerte Copper Canyon Nature Park S O N O R A C H I H U A H U A D U R A N G O S I N A L O A Bahuichivo Cerocahui Urique Divisadero Creel 0 40 miles 0 40 km