We say that healing is a journey.

Canyon-Paradise Tours are designed to capture the beauty and mystique of one of the last frontiers that remains easily accessible to tourists: Fabulous Copper Canyon and the Sierra Tarahumara of northern Mexico.

Shadows of the Spanish conquistadores fall across this land, which the Europeans subdued in the 1500s but whose spirit was never conquered.  Our tours provide an experience of that spirit through visits to indigenous villages and homes in the countryside and in the deepest canyons in North America. We get up close and personal with the ancestors of the first inhabitants of this land through music, dance and ceremonial and healing rites. Also, among the organized sightseeing and cultural activities, time is set aside for hiking and/or relaxation as well as shopping for the unique, handmade arts and crafts of the region.

 Time in the lowlands is centered in and around the charming colonial town of El Fuerte; its magnificent river, Rio Fuerte, flows from the mountains and irrigates some of Mexico’s richest farmlands on its way to the sea. And to connect El Fuerte with the Sierra Tarahumara and Copper Canyon we take the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad (Chepe), considered one of the world’s premier scenic railways. 

In summary, Canyon-Paradise Tours are tailored for those who want more than a sightseeing trip. Our focus is on the indigenous and Mestizo (mixed race) cultures of Mexico, set against a backdrop of unrivaled scenic beauty.

 And one further note: A portion of tour profits goes to preserving and protecting the culture and ecology of the Rio Fuerte watershed.  We also contribute to Richard Fisher's Annual Easter Food Distribution to the Tarahumara around Batopilas.

How a tour works: Except for occasional exceptions, there is no guide that takes a group from place to place, which is why our tours are reasonably priced. The host at each hotel, or their representative, will be your guide and provide transportation, attending to your needs and comfort. They are well attuned to our purpose and provide translation and special services when necessary.

The shamans and healers are from the Mayo (Yoreme) culture in the lowlands and the Tarahumara (Raramuri) culture in the Sierra. Their healing traditions remain intact and are often used in conjunction with treatment by modern medicine.

Tours and Costs:   See our Tour Page or Reservations Portal for details!

Deposits/Cancellations:  See our Tour Page for details!

Reservations: We offer suggested departure dates, sometimes to take advantage of special events in Mexico. A minimum of three tour participants is required for any given tour, although our tour coordinator will attempt to juggle dates and get as many people as possible into a tour (maximum of eight). Simply click on the Tour Booking Link, call our 866-989-8687, or Email Reservations to begin the process.

When to Travel: Each season brings its special rewards, and since tours move from the lowlands to the mountains, it is necessary to prepare for differing temperatures and conditions. The most popular seasons are fall and spring, which strike a balance between the summer heat and humidity of the lowlands and the winter cold of the mountains.

But summer is special because it is the rainy season, when thunderstorms gather some afternoons to bring rain to an electric green countryside, abounding in birds and butterflies. The relatively cool mountains provide an easy escape And winters—the dry season—are delightfully temperate in the lowlands, with mostly comfortably cool days and cold nights in the mountains. High season, the most crowded, is March and April; low season is May and June, gradually picking up as the summer wears on.

Travel to Mexico (Los Mochis): Our travel coordinator is pleased to guide you in making flight reservations to Los Mochis. For those who have more time and wish to save money, and/or wish to visit other destinations inexpensively, we can suggest very reasonably-priced travel on modern, comfortable Mexican buses. We can also help if you wish to enter Mexico from El Paso, or via a flight to the City of Chihuahua, which requires an overnight stay in Chihuahua and an early train departure the next morning.

Another interesting alternative for travelers with time to extend their vacation is first to visit Los Cabos (the fabulous beach resort area at the tip of Baja California), which has many inexpensive direct flights from all over the United States. From there it is a short flight by a regional carrier to Los Mochis..

Preparing to travel: Pack clothes you can layer, appropriate for the out-of-doors; prepare for hot to chilly during April-October, and from warm to cold (only occasionally below freezing) November-March. Remember to pack bug repellent, a small flashlight, camera batteries/accessories, good walking shoes, sunscreen and personal necessities. For one of the cleansing rituals, please bring an 20-inch square (more or less) piece of white cloth.

For the most part you can use dollars to buy what you need, to tip, etc. (Bring lots of small denominations for tipping and buying from local artisans; don’t count on anyone to have change!). If you enjoy or want the convenience of dealing in Mexican pesos (about 10 pesos to the dollar), banks in El Fuerte have ATMs or will cash travelers checks.

NOTE: Once you are in the mountains, the only banks are in Creel, which is accessible during a day excursion toward the end of the 10-day tour.

A tourist permit is necessary for travel in Mexico (and a car permit if you are driving). The FMT, as it is called, is issued automatically at the airport if your flight originates in Mexico, or on your flight between your country and your Mexican destination; the cost is included in your fare. By other means of transportation, you must stop at the border, fill out the appropriate paperwork, and pay a fee of about $20. In all cases you need to carry your passport or a valid birth certificate. The regulations for re-entering the U.S. are in flux, and before long a passport will be the only acceptable identification.

Getting the most out of a cultural tour: Our tours are designed to be more personal, and group sessions and individual treatments require cooperative interaction among tour participants, shamans or sobadores (healers who “rub”) and translators. Often being liaison and coordinator falls to one person who enjoys the role.

The time scheduled with a shaman or a healer in our itinerary is designed as a general experience to understand and feel the benefits of healings or clearings or body work, sometimes as the group looks on. The individual can schedule personal time, which is allowed for in the schedule, for further consultation or healing.

There are opportunities for short walks and long hikes, even horseback riding. A person who has difficulty getting around can opt out of these activities and enjoy more leisurely time.

Working with Indigenous Healers: A shaman, often licensed by the Mexican government to practice traditional healing, or a sobador (from sobar, ‘to rub’), who relaxes the body through massage then goes deeper to effect healing, reflect the traditions of their people, often utilizing a combination of prayer, herbs, consultation and unique practices.

Please be respectful of their culture and follow their lead; they may tell you things about your body, your emotional state, or your relationships, as well as what they are doing (or what you can do) to correct the situation. It is important that you opt out of any experience that would make you feel uncomfortable. In such case, simply enjoy the educational value of your experience through observation.

            Herbs and “medicines”, such as peyote and marijuana, have their place in the indigenous pharmacopeia. Out of respect to their culture, and to ourselves, we have a zero tolerance policy for the abuse of these medicines. We also ask that if you consume alcohol, please do it in moderation.

Shopping: El Fuerte is not oriented to tourist shopping, although you can buy Mayo Indian masks and other ceremonial gear, as well as Mata Ortiz pottery and some other crafts, t-shirts, etc. In the mountains, you will see many Tarahumara women selling their hand-woven baskets, embroidery, fetishes, necklaces and the like. In Creel there are many shops that carry crafts, drums, and the distinctive rawhide-wrapped pottery; the Tarahumara Museum shop, as well as the nearby Mission shop, offer a good selection of quality arts and crafts, books, etc.                       

Tipping: As in travel anywhere, tipping is by personal discretion; it rewards a job well done. We recommend a dollar (10 pesos) per meal for the waiters and about the same for help with luggage. Some like to express appreciation for maid service by leaving a dollar per night. While the cost of special tours are included, it is customary to tip your tour guide.

            Remember: You are guests in a foreign land. Leave your expectations at home and prepare yourself for an adventure. Open yourself to the friendship and hospitality of one of the easiest going citizenries on earth.

 If your personal health is an issue: Maximum elevation during the tour is about 8,000 feet; there are medical clinics along the route, but no extensive medical services. Know your limitations and needs and plan accordingly. (See Responsibility below.)

Responsibility: Canyon-Paradise Tours acts as agents for our suppliers and cannot be held responsible for their omissions and commissions. They have been chosen carefully and they, and we, will do everything possible to smooth out any bumps to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Our tours are designed for educational purposes, as defined under the mission of Sequoia Center for Holistic Studies, a California nonprofit educational corporation. Canyon-Paradise Tours cannot take responsibility for the efficacy of the healing experiences offered or for their effects on the individual; participation is by the choice of each person.

 We cannot take responsibility for: Accidents, sickness, acts of nature, or the delays or cancellations of common carriers (air, train), which are beyond our control, and losses, damages and the claims resulting there from.

We reserve the right to make changes in the itinerary and the providers when necessary to adjust to unforeseen circumstances.

Whereas we provide as much help and information as possible, we are not responsible for verifying that travelers: Plan properly (items to pack, health and safety precautions, etc.); prepare themselves with appropriate documentation (passports, tourist permits); are aware of customs regulations when entering Mexico or returning to their home country.

Reference Websites: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/ (type Mexico Entry Requirements into the search window) for latest Mexico entry requirements and other information. Commercial sites, such as Mexonline and Mexperience, also offer a lot of information, including restrictions on what can be brought into Mexico.

www.state.gov/travelandbusiness  for passport requirements, a hotline for American travelers, E-Passports and other information of interest to U.S. citizens traveling abroad.

www.cdc.gov/travel for information about illness and injury abroad, frequently asked questions, and the latest information about travel to specific destinations.