Copper Canyon Tours
On your next trip to Copper Canyon, we invite you to visit and discover Chihuahua, the Mexico you don't know. We present the most requested programs to this spectacular Copper Canyon destination. We will be happy to organize or customize a tailor-made trip that will allow you to experience the Rarámuri, Mennonite, and Yoreme cultures up close. Visit the Magical Towns of Casas Grandes, Creel, Guachochi, Parral, and Batopilas. Appreciate the beautiful waterfalls of Basaseachi, Kokoyome, and Cusárare; as well as the impressive Urique, Candameña, Tararecua, Batopilas, and Sinforosa Canyons.
Why travel with Amapa Tours?
We are experts in organizing trips focused on life experiences to Copper Canyon in Chihuahua. We have lived and worked in this region for many years, know all the local service providers personally and work directly with them. We support sustainable tourism and the Rarámuris families who live here.
Copper Canyon - Sierra Madre: The largest canyon system in the world
The Sierra Tarahumara, which is often known as the Copper Canyon, is four times larger than the Colorado Canyon in the United States. This enigmatic territory is made up of a large number of canyons and ravines, of which we have selected the most impressive in our tour programs, including the route of the Camino Real de la Plata and the Basaseachi waterfall, which is the highest in the region.
The formation of Copper Canyon
The collision of the tectonic plates of the Pacific and North America about 30 million years ago gave rise to the birth of the Sierra Madre. Which is made up of two mountain ranges that extend over 1,300 kilometers and reach a height of up to 3,600 meters. Volcanic activity and tectonic movements created an impressive landscape with deep ravines, rivers and incredible canyons.
Fauna and Flora
The Sierra Tarahumara does not compare at all with the Grand Canyon. Instead of rocks in desert colors, in the Copper Canyon you will find a green oasis. In this immense scenario you will be able to appreciate a great variety of vegetation with four climatic zones. On your descent to the Pacific coast you will see from pine and oak forests to low jungle with thorns, cactus and agaves; followed by tropical mango, banana, papaya and citrus trees. A large number of animals such as birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians also inhabit this region, as well as others that are in danger of extinction such as beaver, cougar or bear and eagles flying majestically over the canyons.
Exciting history of the Rarámuri culture
The harsh desert climate with its diverse and extreme temperature changes made it difficult to colonize northern Mexico and forced its first inhabitants to become nomads. Only 1,000 years ago, the northern culture inhabited the Paquimé area. The excavations testify to multi-storey buildings, pyramids and a very prosperous irrigation system. The findings such as necklaces made of shells, jade and pearls are evidence of active commercial relationships that existed at that time. Around 1340 BC Paquimé was set on fire. The Spanish conquistadors who invaded Mexico in 1521 initially spared the north until rumors of large deposits of gold and silver spread. But it was only with the Jesuits that the country was continuously inhabited since the 16th century. When these were expelled in 1767 by order of the Spanish king, the original inhabitants, the Rarámuris, were again alone. Running away from the Spanish, who forced them to work in the silver mines, the Rarámuris retreated further into the inaccessible valleys and mountains, where many still live protected from civilization.
The Tarahumaras / Rarámuris Indians
The Tarahumara are situated in Chihuahua northern Mexico. They call themselves Rarámuris, which means "Light Feet". Most of the approximately 50,000 Rarámuris live near Creel. The isolated way of life allowed them to maintain their traditions: many still live in caves and grow corn and beans.
The best time to travel is Easter
The Rarámuris fought against the Spanish conquistadors and forced labor in the silver mines, as well as against the missionary work of the Jesuits and Franciscans. Arguably, they are the only indigenous peoples in Mexico that have never been subjugated. However, throughout the centuries they adopted Christian beliefs and traditions without completely forgetting their religion of origin. Today they practice a kind of mixed religion of Christianity and traditional beliefs. The tourist highlight is Easter ceremonies at Holy Week: then there are special daily celebrations with processions, dances, and shows in the festively decorated villages.
Rarámuri crafts
You can buy beautiful and practical souvenirs in the colorful Rarámuris markets. As the residents produce everything they need for their daily life, they are very skillful in their elaboration They use simple, natural materials like wood, clay, and plants to produce practical objects, musical instruments, and high-quality clothing. It is very exciting to see how each article is hand-made. By purchasing a souvenir you support the indigenous population.
Hospitality as a way of life
Hospitality, friendliness and courtesy are part of the Rarámuris lifestyle. Trade negotiations are always preceded by a greeting in detail. Here you will be welcomed with open arms as a guest. Feel welcome in the Sierra Tarahumara.
Authentic impressions of the Rarámuri lifestyle
Although the modern world has not stopped here and the children of the Tarahumaras attend state schools, the urban landscape of the villages still shows its original character: you can see men dressed in leather aprons; sometimes they wear a loose cotton shirt and the koyera, the classic bow around their heads. The women have wide pleated cotton skirts, on which they hang their blouses. They carry their children on their backs wrapped in a shawl. The sandals are made from old tires. With this background scenario, immerse yourself in another world.
Guest at the ultramarathon races
The special living conditions in the Sierra mountains helped the indians to become excellent endurance runners. There are Tarahumaras that run up to 170 km through the mountains without stopping. They also have no problem covering distances of more than 300 km, barefoot or at most with sandals. Meanwhile, long distance running events have been established in the Sierra Tarahumara, taking place every year and involving runners from all over the world. Two examples are the "White Horse Ultramarathon" (Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon) in the Urique Canyon and the "Canyons Ultramarathon", which take place in Guachochi. Amapa Tours can assist you to organize your participation, as a viewer or runner.