Classic Canyons Tour - El Fuerte Start - 10 Days

Introduction:  This is our flagship tour, giving three very different experiences of the cultures of northern Mexico. The tour begins in the lush lowlands of Rio Fuerte, in the homelands of the Mayo (Yoreme) peoples, in the historic colonial town of El Fuerte, against a background of the conquest of the Americas by the Spanish invaders.
    

Then, it proceeds off the beaten track, giving a very different look into the vast Copper Canyon complex, still permeated (literally and spiritually) by the Tarahumara (Rarámuri) Indians, who scratch out a living in this rugged, dynamic land. And then it finishes up in the scenic heartland of the Sierra Tarahumara before returning to El Fuerte.
 

Day 1: Travel day to Los Mochis. Transfer by taxi to the colonial town of EI Fuerte, Sinaloa, with its charming town square and imposing Palacio (city hall). No fast foods or stop lights here! Relax over dinner.
 

Day 2: After breakfast, travel to Paraiso Nature Preserve for a short riverside walk, then begin a bird-watching and river float trip on the magnificent and pristine Río Fuerte, including a stop for a nature hike to see ancient petroglyphs (rock etchings). After lunch and siesta time, visit a nearby Indian village to see traditional homes centered around covered outdoor kitchens; spend some time with a local shaman, then enjoy traditional drumming/dances. Return to EI Fuerte for dinner and evening relaxation, perhaps a stroll around this charming colonial town.

Day 3: Breakfast, then visit the “fort” museum and take a leisurely self-guided walking tour of this charming old colonial town. After lunch, spend time with a local sobador for some relaxing massage and deeper work (sobar) if desired. Then enjoy free time or participate in optional sessions with the shaman (in the village) or the sobador (at the hotel). Dinner and free time.
 

Day 4: After breakfast leave for the EI Fuerte train station about 8:00 to begin the Copper Canyon experience with a gorgeous train ride into the Sierra Tarahumara, passing lakes and waterfalls, to the Bahuichivo Station, in the State of Chihuahua. Travel by dirt roads to Cabañas San Isidro, past the mission village of Cerocahui, about 45 minutes from the train station. Have a late lunch at Cabañas, then take a short, easy walk to a nearby canyon and Tarahumara dwellings. Tarahumara dancing around a campfire precedes dinner.  Dinner is followed by an explanation of our gourmet, special diet while here, plus tomorrow's activities, personalities, and sweat lodge (temescal) ceremony.
 

Day 5: Traditional indigenous people from the local community will lead an early morning cleansing ritual followed by breakfast; then body work (massage and sobar) using oils infused with natural, local healing herbs. Lunch and rest/free time (optional guided hikes or horseback riding available) or optional individual body work. Late afternoon sweat lodge (temescal) ceremony or alternative activity for those not wishing to sweat. Dinner and relaxation.

Day 6: Begin the day with stretching/yoga (overlooking a side canyon, if you choose) or more body work. After breakfast prepare to leave by van for Cerro Gallego overlook of Urique Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, and descend to visit the village of Urique (hike part of the way, if desired). Lunch on the lush grounds of an American-owned hostel; swim in the river or enjoy a walk through the town. Return up to a fabulous perched overlook for afternoon relaxation; choose to take a moderate hike to a local rancho in a magnificent setting, Barranca Escondida (Hidden Canyon). Enjoy an early cookout dinner and music and ceremonies performed by Tarahumara who walk in from a local rancho. You return to Cabañas in the early evening.
 

Day 7: After breakfast, leave to explore the village of Cerocahui and its beautiful mission church, and visit “La Cueva”, a charming organic farm. On to the station and continue by train to Posada Barrancas and the village of Areponapuchi for lunch and some rest time; then take a guided walk to a major canyon viewpoint and to Tarahumara cliff dwellings, followed by dinner and evening relaxation.

Day 8: After breakfast, visit a local shaman for a Tarahumara body cleansing/diagnosing ritual, then spend the remainder of the day on a side trip to the major mountain town of Creel. Enjoy a tour of the beautiful countryside (including a picnic lunch), with its unusual rock formations, old Jesuit mission, and traditional cave dwelling. Choose to visit Creel’s excellent Tarahumara museum and/or shop for Tarahumara drums, pottery, baskets, and fetishes. Return for dinner and evening relaxation.

Day 9: After breakfast, take a guided canyon rim tour. Enjoy an example of the ball game that builds the endurance for which Tarahumara runners are famous; then, at one of the spectacular viewpoints, experience Tarahumara music and dance. After lunch, board the train for the return trip to EI Fuerte. Going west it seems like a completely new train ride as we descend out of the mountains. Your early evening arrival assures time for a relaxing farewell dinner to recount your many adventures.

Day 10: After breakfast, transfer by taxi to the Los Mochis airport and the return flight home.