Copper Canyon – Three Cultures
YOREME - TARAHUMARA – MENNONITS LOS MOCHIS - EL FUERTE - URIQUE – COPPER CANYON - CREEL - BASASEACHI - MENONNITES – CHIHUAHUA
Get to know Three Cultures on a Unique Trip to the Copper Canyon aboard the iconic Chepe Express Train
Discover the Copper Canyon Three Cultures route on a journey that begins in the third largest natural port in the world "Topolobampo" and the picturesque colonial city of "El Fuerte", founded in 1564. Here begins your unique adventure aboard the legendary train CHEPE EXPRESS that will take you through impressive Canyons until you reach the home of the Rarámuris indigenous people in the Sierra Tarahumara This train tour is considered one of the most spectacular in the world, taking you from sea level to altitudes above 2400 m. You will travel through deep canyons and cliffs, enjoying a wide variety of landscapes and impressive waterfalls. During your trip, you will have the opportunity to learn about the traditions of the Yoreme-Mayo and Tarahumara indigenous people, in addition to visiting a Mennonite settlement. Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural diversity of Mexico on this unforgettable train trip!
Points of interest:
- The trip begins at sea level and will take you through the Sierra Tarahumara up to more than 2400 m
- Travel on one of the 10 most spectacular train routes in the world the Chepe Express
- Enjoy impressive views over the fascinating landscapes of the Copper Canyon
- You will experience up close the culture of the Yoreme-Mayo and Tarahumara Indigenous
- Also learn about the traditions of the Mennonites
- You will know the second highest waterfall in Mexico: "Basaseachi"
- Interesting insights into colonial Mexico complete the journey
It includes:
- 2 trips aboard the Chepe Express train in Tourist category
- 7 nights in hotels of various categories
- 13 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
- Detailed travel program
- Insurance with limited services
Not include:
- Domestic and international flights
- Transfers, meals and drinks not mentioned
- Walks mentioned as optional
- Individual travel insurance and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers / waiters, maids and porters
Day 1
Tuesday: Arrival to Los Mochis
- Arrival on your own at Los Mochis
- Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Topolobampo
- In the afternoon, boat ride through the port of Topolobampo
- Overnight in Topolobampo
Welcome at Los Mochis airport and transfer to the hotel.
a boat ride through the third largest natural seaport in the world: the “Topolobampo” bay. In addition to numerous seabirds (cormorants, magnificent frigates, blue-legged birds, terns, pelicans, flamingos, and seagulls), you will most likely also see dolphins.
In the afternoon enjoy a beautiful sunset tasting a margarita on the Malecon de Topolobampo
Overnight in Topolobampo
Day 2
Wednesday: Transfer by road from Los Mochis to the "Magic Town" of El Fuerte
- ✓ Breakfast
- Road transfer from Los Mochis to the colonial city of El Fuerte
- Tour to the Yoreme indigenous village "Capomos"
- Guided city tour in El Fuerte
- Overnight in El Fuerte
After breakfast, transfer to the Magic Town of El Fuerte. On the way to El Fuerte, you will make a short stop at the Botanical Garden of Los Mochis. The city of Los Mochis is 15 kilometeers from the Pacific coast and is one of the most fertile growing regions in northern Mexico.
El Fuerte is the oldest colonial city in Sinaloa and is located approximately 80 km northeast of Los Mochis. The small town is located picturesquely on the banks of the “Rio Fuerte”, has an old town shaped by the Spanish colonial style and is firmly rooted in culture with indigenous Yoreme traditions. The city was founded in 1564 by the Spaniard Francisco de Ibarra and received the title of “Magical Town” in 2010 for its beauty and culture.
In the afternoon, optional tour to the indian village of “Capomos” to experience up close the culture of the Yoreme-Mayo indians. You will learn how to make Mexican corn tortillas and make pottery. The dances “Baile del Venado” and “Pascola”, very popular in the Yoreme-Mayo celebrations, will be presented.
In el Fuerte minning town you can also hike on your own by visiting the kiosk, the Government Palace, the museum and some historical buildings.
The legend says that Diego de la Vega, better known as “El Zorro”, was born in El Fuerte. Don’t miss the life show “El Zorro” that is offered to tourists at the Posada del Hidalgo Hotel .
Overnight in El Fuerte
Day 3
Thursday: Train ride with the Chepe Express from El Fuerte to Bahuichivo
- ✓ Breakfast ✓ Dinner
- Transfer from the hotel in El Fuerte to the train station
- Chepe Express train ride from El Fuerte to Bahuichivo
- Welcome in Bahuichivo and transfer to the hotel in Cerocahui
- Overnight in Cerocahui
Mexican breakfast in the hotel and free time.
An optional river raft tour ist available. This ride includes a short hike to the petroglyphs situated close to the river.
At the indicated time transfer to the train station. Your adventure on the Chepe Express begins today.
As soon as you leave El Fuerte, the train crosses the “Agua Caliente” bridge, the longest on the route, which crosses El Fuerte River at 499 m., Immediately crosses the longest tunnel “El Descanso”. Along the Septentrion River the train ascends between the mountains, entering the Sierra Madre. Throughout the journey, CHEPE crosses 86 tunnels and 39 bridges. Canyons, high cliffs, diverse vegetation and a series of waterfalls enrich the entire train route. The section from El Fuerte to Divisadero is the most spectacular section of the entire railway route. Your destination today is the Bahuichivo station.
Arrival at the Bahuichivo train station, welcome and transfer to the hotel in Cerocahui.
Free afternoon to walk through this picturesque town surrounded by mountains or visit the Mission.
Overnight in Cerocahui
Day 4
Friday: Auto Transfer from Cerocahui to Copper Canyon
- ✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner
- Tour to "Cerro el Gallego" to enjoy the amazing view over the Urique Canyon
- Transfer by road from Cerocahui to Copper canyon
- Optional hike to a Tarahumara cave
- Overnight in Copper Canyon
Today you will visit the impressive Urique Canyon.
We will take you to “Cerro del Gallego” lookout point, in the highest point of the canyon you will enjoy impressive views of the Urique town. In the distance you can see the river “Urique”, which flows into “El Fuerte”.
A visit to a small cave where the Tarahumaras ladies sell handicrafts and baskets traditionally woven with pine needles. On the way back we stop at several viewpoints to appreciate the landscape. You will be back at the hotel in time for lunch.
Around 15:00 hours we continue with the transfer from Cerocahui to the Copper Canyon. You drive a road surrounded by Raramuri Rancherias and fascinating landscapes.
The rest of the day is free to observe nature, the wonderful views or to take a walk. Relax from your balcony or from the hotel terrace.
At 19:00 hours, your dinner will be served in the restaurant.
Overnight in the Copper Canyon
Day 5
Saturday: Visit to the "Barrancas del Cobre" National Park and surroundings
- ✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner
- Breakfast in the restaurant from 7:30 hours
- Tour to "Piedra Volada" and the "Copper Canyon National Park”
- Visit to the local market in Divisadero
- Overnight in Copper Canyon
We recommend you to join the sunrise, a wonderful experience.
At 9:00 hours, your guide will pick you up at the hotel reception to begin your guided excursion to “Piedra Volada” and several other glass platform viewpoints. Here are three of the largest canyons: the Urique, Copper and Tararecua canyons.
You will visit the “Copper Canyon National Park, which is located in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara. Enjoy the majestic beauty of the landscape from the restaurant´s glass-floored terrace. Mountain bike routes are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced,
In the National Park you can pay directly for the following activities:
- Ride on the longest cable car in Mexico (2,750 m)
- Zip Rider ride over the canyons
- “Via Ferrata” / Rapel
- 7-station Zip lines
After these activities full of pure adrenaline you will be transferred back to the hotel for lunch, which is included in the program.
Free afternoon for hiking or horseback riding along the rim of the Copper Canyon. It is recommended to visit a Tarahumara cave where you can buy handmade crafts.
Dinner at the hotel included
Overnight in Copper Canyon
Day 6
Sunday: Train trip from Divisadero to Creel
- ✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch
- Train ride from Divisadero to the magical town of Creel
- Transfer from the hotel to the train station in Divisadero.
- Optional walk to the museum and the small main square of Creel
- Overnight in Creel
Today leisure on your own to relax and to enjoy the tranquility of this magic place.
After lunch transfer to the train station in Divisadero. Here you will have the opportunity to say goodbye to the imposing Canyon as your journey continues towards the magical town of Creel.
In Creel optional tour to visit San Ignacio Mission and Lake Arareco. Enjoy the visit to the valley of the monks. In a short walk, you can discover the interesting rock formations up to 50 meters high.
Creel was founded in 1907, during the first stage in the construction of the Chihuahua al Pacífico railway. It has become a small city with around 5,100 inhabitants, it is the largest and most important Tarahumara settlement along the railway line.
Overnight in Creel
Day 7
Monday: Transfer from Creel to Chihuahua with visit to the Basaseachi National Park
- ✓ Breakfast
- Breakfast at the hotel in Creel
- Visit to the Candameña Canyon
- Hike to the viewpoints overlooking the Basaseachi waterfall
- Visit to the Mennonits community
- Overnight in Chihuahua
After breakfast you will start the adventure towards the Candameña canyon. Here you will take some walks to various viewpoints that offer a splendid view of the 2nd highest waterfall in Mexico “Basaseachi”.
From different viewpoints along the hiking trails you have an unforgettable view of the waterfall. If time permits, you can hike until you reach the highest point. This place is specially also for bird whatching tours.
Your journey continues with a brief stop at a Mennonits settlement in Cuauhtémoc. Arrival in Chihuahua in the afternoon.
Overnight in Chihuahua
Day 8
Tuesday: Chihuahua city tour and departure flight
- ✓ Breakfast
- Breakfast at the hotel
- City tour along the city of Chihuahua
- Transfer from the hotel to airport
In the morning, guided tour through the city of Chihuahua: you will visit the zocalo, the cathedral surrounded by several colonial buildings and other historical places such as the Pancho Villa Museum, the hero of the Mexican Revolution. Finally visit the Quinta Gameros Museum.
The Copper Canyon three cultures program finish with the transfer from the hotel to the Chihuahua airport
Additional options
Request the supplement for the CHEPE EXPRESS FIRST CLASS that includes gourmet food on board the Urike Domo restaurant! We gladly extend the Copper Canyon three cultures itinerary so that you can visit the Magical Town of Batopilas or the archaeological zone of Paquimé in Casas Grandes!
Copper Canyon "Three Cultures"
- From 2 People
- 8 days and 7 nights
- This trip starts on Tuesday, Saturday. (Except Saturday in May and June) and Thursday with only one train section)
- Does not operate from August 1st to October 4th
- Train times and departures subject to change
- Ask for special seasonal rates
Do you have any other questions?
We will be happy to advise you!
Individual options
Extend your trip and book one of our programs to the following destinations!