Classic Canyons Tour - El Fuerte Start - 7 Days

     Introduction: For those who have only seven days to spend but want a complete glimpse into the culture of northern Mexico, we have crafted this little gem where six days are laid out and you get to choose one of two options for the seventh.

We begin with the culture of the Mayo (Yoreme) around the colonial town of El Fuerte where you also enjoy the pristine scenery of Río Fuerte; option one allows you to spend an extra day here. You then move into the mountains off the beaten track to experience Copper Canyon, where the Tarahumara (Rarámuri) seek to maintain their culture and scratch out their livelihoods in the midst of the scenic splendor of the Sierra Tarahumara; option two allows you to spend an extra day here.

(Hint: You may want to choose your option based on the time of year, November-March in the balmy weather of El Fuerte, April-October in the cooler weather of the mountains.)

Option One

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 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, 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. Pre-dinner Tarahumara dancing and after-dinner relaxation around the campfire.

Day 5: Traditional indigenous people from the local community will lead early morning stretching/yoga (overlooking a side canyon, if you choose) or body work 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 the return trip to EI Fuerte. Going west it seems like a completely new train ride descending out of the mountains. Your early evening arrival assures time for a relaxing farewell dinner to recount your many adventures.

Day 7: After breakfast, transfer by taxi to the Los Mochis airport and the return flight home.

 Option Two

 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 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, perhaps a stroll around this charming colonial town.

Day 3: 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. Pre-dinner Tarahumara dancing and after-dinner relaxation around the campfire.

Day 4: 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 5: 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 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 the return trip to EI Fuerte. Going west it seems like a completely new train ride descending out of the mountains. Your early evening arrival assures time for a relaxing farewell dinner to recount your many adventures.

Day 7: After breakfast, transfer by taxi to the Los Mochis airport and the return flight home.