Copper Canyon Experience - The Beauty of Remote Destinations

Los Mochis

You will be met and greeted upon arrival and leaving baggage Claim at Los Mochis regional airport (LMM) for a private transfer to the Colonial gateway of the Copper Canyon El Fuerte, where you will drop off your luggage and check in before exploring the charming cobbled stone streets of El Fuerte at leisure.

El Fuerte

Today after your mornting at leisure in town and hotel check out, you will meet your transfer from Posada del Hidalgo hotel  to Train Station El fuerte.

All aboard the world famous Chihuahua al Pacific train trip into the Sierra Madre Mountains. This comfortable first class train leads us through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges with exceptional opportunities for taking pictures or just enjoying the view.  Lunch is on your own at the restaurant car.  We arrive in the evening to Divisadero Station, where your private driver and vehicle awaits for your transfer to Hotel Mirador.

Posada Barrancas

After breakfast today, meet your expert guide know more about the canyon and enjoy amazing views such as the Otero Canyon – 1520 meters depth.  We spend the entire day exploring this dramatic area, one of the last undiscovered treasures of North America. We hear about the geological forces that created the seven individual canyons, collectively known as the Copper Canyon. We also spend time with the local Tarahumara Indians, a semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors have lived in the canyon’s caves for thousands of years, and gain insight into their timeless traditions and culture.

Later today experience the crossing of the canyon in a spectacular cable car ride (one of the highest in the world) to a breathtaking viewpoint from where you can marvel at three of the main canyons, including the Copper Canyon itself – affording magnificent views of Tarahumara Indian

Ranchos in this expansive canyon system.

Note: you may experience an amazing Zip line or Via Ferrata excursions, with spectacular overviews of the canyon, as an Optional activity (not included).

Batopilas

Today we leave Hotel Mirador, for a private transfer to Batopilas, we descend the rugged switchbacks into the depths of the Batopilas Canyon passing through the Copper and La Bufa Canyons. We come to know firsthand why the road to Batopilas was only completed at the end of the 20th Century! Arriving at Batopilas, we check into our charming hotel, a perfect place to explore this historic mining outpost. Our rooms look out onto the Batopilas River, and we can walk into town to have a look at the ruins of the Sheppard Hacienda, admire the vestiges of colonial architecture, or perhaps a beer with the locals at the Swinging Bridge Bar.

Full Day in Batopilas

Today, we have a full day to enjoy this incredible town. Soaking in the history of an era lost in time, we can laze by the river, choose from a number of day hikes, or take a trip to visit the “Lost Cathedral of Satevo.” Its grandeur and magnitude attest to the importance of this town and the riches that it produced at the turn of the 20th century. Return to the tranquility of our comfortable hacienda for a lovely dinner.

Optional activities:

• Visit “Los Cathedral of Satevo” – Its grandeur and magnitude attest to the importance of this town and the riches that it produced at the turn of the 20th century.
• Just 8 kms beyond the town of Batopilas is Satevo where you will find the Lost Cathedral. The Jesuits built this mission in the 18th century. Shortly after this, they were expelled from the Spaniard colonies and the Franciscans took over and converted it into a monastery. It is interesting to note that the architecture and the materials used in construction of this cathedral were unusual for the area. Most churches, cathedrals and missions in this time period in the new territories of the colony used adobe or rocks and not bricks like in this cathedral. The dimensions of this cathedral are amazing to see as well. It is charming to say the least, and along with the ruins of Hacienda San Miguel, it too will be a scheduled part of your tour to Batopilas.

Hiking time 1.5 hours aprox. One Way /  After touring the site it is normally suggested to return in vehicle to Batopilas, but it is optional the hike back as well (1.5hrs). Estimated duration 4hrs. ideally from  9 am to 1 pm.

• Hike along the old Aqueduct to get a great overall view of the area around Batopilas and to enjoy sightings of the tropical birds that nest near the water such as the Mot Mot, Squirrel Cuckoo and the Military Macaws. The trail is upriver and you can hike up to 14 miles along it, depending on your hiking ability, but most people opt for a few miles only and then return. / our suggested time to hike this journey is from 2 hour and up to 4 hours depending on client’s hiking experiences and physical conditions.
• Visit to Hacienda San Miguel, stroll upriver through town, about 30 minutes, crossing the bridge to the other side. Once inside, one can see the area in about 1 hour.

The vestiges of a past of opulence, times of mining bonanzas, are revealed in the heart of the Sierra Madre in the ruins of the Hacienda San Miguel. Its walls tell stories and whisper secrets; naked and exposed they stand the test of time and bear witness to the effort and work, end the fearless character of those pioneer miners of the Canyons. –

Distance 2.5 kms – 30 minutes one way walk from town, 1 hour explore.  (2 hours experience, light walk).

• Silver mine called Penasquito. You can walk upright and there are many interesting sights such as the enormous beams that hold up sections of the off shoot tunnels. This mine can be seen along a lovely 3 hour hike that gives you great views of the village from above and the surrounding countryside.
• Bird watching experience, The Camuchin Mine Ranch is 3.5 miles away and is a nice walk where one can see some lovely birds and soak up the atmosphere. Recommended to go in the early morning when it is cool and the birds are out in full force. It is a moderate climb. – 3 hours experience aprox.
• The Batopilas Museum features articles from the silver mining days and a beautiful photo exhibit of the annual reenactment of the Siver Trail Ride. The entrance is unique in itself as it has been created to look like you are entering an old mine.

Batopilas to Creel

After an early breakfast, we find ourselves setting out on the incredible climb, by van, out of the Batopilas Canyon up a spectacular array of switchbacks back to Creel, where we will have the afternoon free to relax or explore town. You may choose to visit the local crafts cooperative or an optional visit to the nearby hot springs.

Creel

Your personal bilingual guide will meet you at your hotel at 9am to start your morning exploration. First you will visit the Valley of Monks where natural rock formations look like monks before heading to the Valley of Mushrooms with natural rock formations that look like mushrooms. Your guide will explain how erosion of the volcanic rock created these interestingly shaped creations.

Having explored the rocks you will head to Lake Arareco, a U-shaped lake, surrounded by pine trees, before continuing on to the Church of San Ignacio, a simple looking, Jesuit mission built in the 1700s.

Upon completion of your visit you will be driven back to your hotel.

From Creel to El Fuerte

At sunrise, you will be privately transferred to train station, to board the train again back to El Fuerte.

Departure

Private Transfer from El Fuerte to Los Mochis Airport for your departure flight.