Classic Canyons Tour - Chihuahua Start - 7 Days

 Introduction: This is the shortest tour we could devise beginning in Chihuahua, traveling first by the spectacular Chepe railroad from Chihuahua to the lush lowlands of Rio Fuerte and the charming colonial town of El Fuerte. (Please note that you are on your own for breakfast and lunch this first travel day; an alternative to lunch on board the train is the food stalls at Divisadero, where travelers can get off the train to enjoy a canyon viewpoint and the marketplace.)

 The tour returns into the mountains to a lodge off the beaten track to give 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 the tour returns to Chihuahua.

 Day 1: Arrive in Chihuahua, a bustling commercial hub in northern Mexico. We recommend that you stay at the Quality Inn in the old part of town, where it’s fun to stroll and see the cathedral and other sights around the central square. If time allows, you might want to see the Pancho Villa Museum of the Revolution, or the ornate Quinta Gameros cultural center, and enjoy the abundant night life.

Day 2: Get up early for a 6:00 a.m. train departure, enjoying first the high desert hills and farmlands of Chihuahua State, then proceeding into the magnificent beauty of the Sierra Tarahumara, transitioning from upper to lower canyons via loops and switchbacks. An early evening arrival in El Fuerte allows time to stroll through this historic colonial town with its charming square and imposing Palacio (city hall). Relax over dinner.

Day 3: 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 Rio 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.

 Day 4: Leave for the El Fuerte train station after breakfast to continue the Copper Canyon experience with a return trip into the Sierra Tarahumara. Going east it seems like a completely new train ride, ascending to the Bahuichivo Station in the State of Chihuahua. 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, then relax around the campfire. 

Day 5: Begin the day with stretching/yoga (overlooking a side canyon, if you choose) or body work (massage and sobar) using oils infused with natural, local healing herbs. 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 6: After breakfast, leave to explore the village of Cerocahui and its beautiful mission church, and visit “La Cueva”, a charming organic farm. With picnic lunch in hand, board the train for your return to the Chihuahua station, where our representative will meet you for your transfer to the hotel you have chosen.

Day 7: Depart for home, ready to share adventures with friends and family.