Copper Canyon – Sierra Tarahumara
Copper Canyon Sierra Tarahumara
The Copper Canyon Tarahumara itinerary begins in the colonial city of Chihuahua. This journey ends in the picturesque Magical Town of El Fuerte, founded in 1564. From Chihuahua to Los Mochis you cross four different vegetation zones. Apple plantations, Tarahumaras ranches, imposing mountains and deep ravines. Also aboard the new Chepe Express train you will enjoy the luxury and comfort that it offers in its three categories: First - Executive and Tourist.
Points of interest
- The journey begins in the modern and colonial city of Chihuahua
- On a walk through the city you will learn the history of the Mexican revolution
- You will visit a Mennonits family and learn the traditions of this successful settlement
- You will enjoy an impressive view over the fascinating landscapes of the canyon
- Natural beauty and authentic villages await you along the train route
- Admire the biodiversity of the flora and beautiful waterfalls
- Travel on one of the 10 most spectacular rail routes in the world on the "Chepe Express train"
- Interesting views of colonial Mexico complete the journey
Included services
- Chepe Express train tickets in Tourist category
- 4 nights in hotels of various categories
- 6 meals per person as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers and other transportation services according to the program
- Transfers to and from the airport or train station
- Excursions and visits described in the program
- A detailed program of the trip
- Insurance with limited services
Not included
- National or international flights
- Transfers, meals and drinks not mentioned
- Steps marked as optional
- Individual traveler insurance and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers / waiters, maids and porters
Day 1
Tuesday: Arrival in Chihuahua
- Arrival in Chihuahua on your own
- Welcome and transfer to your hotel
- City tour in Chihuahua
- Overnight in Chihuahua
Arrival at the Chihuahua airport, welcome and transfer to the hotel in the city center. In the afternoon: Guided walk through the city of Chihuahua. You will experience the colorful atmosphere of this city, which was shaped by the great silver mines and cattle farms.
During the Mexican Revolution, Chihuahua was the seat of the popular hero and general Pancho Villa. You will visit the cathedral, the government palace with the impressive murals by Aaron Piña that describe the history of Chihuahua.
Overnight in Chihuahua
Day 2
Wednesday: Transfer from Chihuahua to Creel
- ✓ Breakfast
- Private transfer from Chihuahua to Creel
- Visit a Mennonite family in Cuauhtémoc
- Guided Tour around Creel
- Overnight in Creel
After breakfast, the guide will pick you up at the hotel reception to start the tour to Creel. After two hours you will make a stop in the Mennonite community in Cuauhtémoc to visit a Mennonite family. Then you continue to the lumber town of Creel, the gateway to the Copper Canyon.
In the afternoon: Guided tour around Creel. Visit to the Arareco lake, Mission San Ignacio and the Valley of the Monks. In a short walk, you can discover the interesting and enigmatic rock formations up to 50 meters high.
Overnight in Creel
Day 3
Thursday: Transfer from Creel to Copper Canyon
- ✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner
- Private road transfer from Creel to the Copper Canyon
- Visit to the "Barrancas del Cobre" National Park
- Optional walk along the shore of the Copper Canyon
- Overnight at Posada Barrancas or Divisadero
Today you can enjoy the famous views of the Sierra Tarahumara. After breakfast, the guide will wait for you at the hotel reception to begin the transfer from Creel to the heart of the Copper Canyon. You will visit the viewpoint of Divisadero and “Piedra Volada”. In the local market you can find a lot of handicrafts and souvenirs made by the Rarámuris. Later visit to the National Park, where you can do various adventure activities:
- Ride on the longest cable car in Mexico (2,750 meters)
- Zip-rider ride over the dizzying canyons
- “Via Ferrata” / Rappel
- 7-station Zip lines
After these activities full of pure adrenaline you will be transferred back to the hotel for lunch.
Free afternoon for optional walks along the rim of the Copper Canyon. Visit a Tarahumara cave, where the Rarámuris women offer travelers various handicrafts: weaving baskets, dolls or ceramics. With your purchase you support the Raramuri families.
After dinner, enjoy the serene night and the starry sky from the hotel’s balcony or terrace.
Overnight in the Copper Canyon
Day 4
Friday: Train ride with the Chepe Train from Divisadero to El Fuerte
- ✓ Breakfast
- Transfer from the hotel to the train station
- Ride on the Chepe Express train from Divisadero to El Fuerte
- Welcome at El Fuerte and transfer to the hotel
- Overnight in El Fuerte
From 8:00 am breakfast in the Hotel restaurant.
Transfer on behalf of the hotel to the train station in Divisadero.
The train departs from Divisadero, at an altitude of 2,400 m to the coastal plain. The steep descent to El Fuerte begins after the Temoris train station. The route is surrounded by agricultural settlements and high mountains, whose cliffs shine imposingly in the sunlight.
At El Fuerte train station you will be met by our driver who will take you to the hotel in El Fuerte.
El Fuerte was founded in 1564 by the Spanish conquerors and was an important commercial center due to the gold and silver mines that existed at that time. Even today you can feel the ancient wealth of the colonial city.
The legend says that Diego de la Vega, better known as “El Zorro”, was born in El Fuerte. Don’t miss the live show “El Zorro” that is offered to tourists in the afternoon at the Posada del Hidalgo hotel.
Overnight in El Fuerte
Day 5
Saturday: Flight to Los Mochis
- ✓ Breakfast
- Mexican breakfast at El Fuerte hotel
- Optional visit to the indigenous community of Capomos or guiding walk in El Fuerte
- Transfer from El Fuerte to Los Mochis airport
The colonial city of El Fuerte is located on the banks of “El Fuerte” river, it has an old town characterized by the Spanish colonial style and is culturally rooted with indigenous traditions. In the morning optional excursion to the community of “Capomos” where you will learn about the traditions of the indigenous Mayo-Yoreme. You will see how Mexican corn “tortillas” are prepared, how local ceramics are made as well as the presentation of the dances of the “Venado” and “Pascola”, very popular dances in the celebrations of the Yoreme-Mayos ethnic group.
You can also take a walk on your own visiting the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the museum and some historical buildings.
Finally transfer from El Fuerte to Los Mochis airport. You will drive through one of the most fertile growing regions in northern Mexico. Potatoes, corn, wheat, beans and other vegetables are grown. You can also see mango orchards, avocados, oranges and many other fruits.
On the way to Los Mochis we also suggest making a stop to try “empanadas or coricos”. These are typical cookies of the region freshly baked based on corn flour
The Copper Canyon program ends with this transfer.
Book additionally
Request the supplement to travel in the CHEPE Express in First Class, which includes gourmet food on board the Urike Domo restaurant! We gladly extend the Copper Canyon Sierra Tarahumara itinerary for you to visit the magical town of Batopilas or the archaeological site of Paquimé in Casas Grandes.
Copper Canyon Sierra Tarahumara
- From 2 people
- 5 days and 4 nights
- Start of trip: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Except Saturdays between May 2nd to June 30th
- Does not operate from August 1 to October 4
- Ask for special seasonal rates
- Train times and departures subject to change
Do you have any other questions?
We will be happy to advise you!
Extensions to other destinations
Do you still have time and want to discover more of Mexico? No problem! Here are some programs that you can combine with your trip!