When most people think of Mexico they think of sandy beaches and margaritas but there is much more to this southern destination than just the coastal resorts. The Copper Canyon, located in the Sierra Madre (Sierra Tarahumara) of the Northwestern part of Mexico, is a rugged series of canyon’s vaster than the Grand Canyon and more diverse than anyplace else in the country. It is a perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast and those seeking a different type of Mexican vacation.
The Copper Canyon is a series of canyons that cover over 20,000 square miles and runs through the northern region of Mexico. They were formed by a violent volcanic eruption followed by a lengthy erosion process and offer visitors breathtaking scenery that can best be viewed by taking a train through the canyon. The canyon can also be experienced by hiking, biking or on horseback with the assistance of a local Tarahumara Indian guide.
The Chihuahau-Pacifico railway is 405 miles (648 kilometers) long and traverses the canyon’s 39 bridges and 86 tunnels from Los Mochis to Chuihuahua City. The trains run in either direction, from Los Mochis to Chuihuahua or visa versa. The train departs early in the morning and takes anywhere from 12 to 15 hours to cross the canyon making fifteen short stops along the way. It is a unique way to view the spectacular scenery in the canyon.
There are several packaged tours available including bus and boat tours besides the train. You can even arrange custom tours with local guides that take you to the heart of the Copper Canyon and are tailored to your specific interests. Horseback riding expeditions as well as hiking trips are popular activities for visitors. There are waterfalls to explore and the canyon is home to a variety of animals and birds.
As the canyon is a very popular tourist destination, it is best to visit by taking a tour or making arrangements for accommodation ahead of time. There are several interesting places to visit in the canyon including Los Mochis, El Fuerte, Cerocahui, El Divisadero, Creel and Chihuahua. The train stops at all these places so you can spend the night or even a few days exploring these interesting historic towns.
So if you are looking for an alternative Mexican holiday, visit the Copper Canyon where you can enjoy sub tropic forests and alpine highlands on the same trip. The outdoor enthusiast will love the hiking, biking, horseback riding or water sports offered at the Canyon while other travelers will enjoy the quaint historic villages and indigenous culture that permeates the canyon. There really is so much more to Mexico that beach resorts and the Copper Canyon is an example of the diversity of our neighbor to the south.
