Copper Canyon, Mexico

11-day to the Bottom

This Copper Canyon adventure begins in Los Mochis, visits the Paraiso del Oso Lodge, near the village of Cerocahui, spends a night at Divisadero, on the rim of the canyon, then travels to Creel before heading down to the bottom of the canyon and the little town of Batopilas. It then continues on to the historic city of Chihuahua. The trip can also be done in the reverse direction (although we recommend traveling from west to east). The following itinerary is an example of our 11-day adventure beginning in Los Mochis.

1st Day: You’ll transfer from Los Mochis to the colonial town of El Fuerte, where you’ll spend the night in a charming hotel.

2nd Day: In the morning you’ll board the Copper Canyon train and travel up into the Sierra Madre Mountains, passing through 86 tunnels and crossing 37 bridges. This is one of the most spectacular train rides in the Western Hemisphere. At the Bahuichivo station you’ll be met by our representative and driven to a ranch-style lodge located in a beautiful valley a couple of miles from the little village of Cerocahui.

3rd Day: Today you can arrange for a trip to the town of Urique, at the bottom of the canyon, or spend the day further exploring the area around Cerocahui.

4th Day: You’ll transfer from the lodge to the train station for the train ride to Divisadero, where you’ll stay at a picturesque lodge located right on the edge of the canyon. You can take a short hike along the canyon rim or just relax at the hotel—either way you’ll enjoy magnificent views.

5th Day: After lunch you will board the train for the short ride to Creel, a lumber town high in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Tonight you’ll spend the night at a comfortable lodge.

6th Day: This morning you’ll travel by van from Creel to the remote town of Batopilas. You will pass through mountains and valleys, and after reaching the Tarahumara community of Kirare you’ll head down the long, winding dirt road which leads to the bottom of the canyon. You’ll spend the next two nights in a charming little Mexican hotel in this village that seems suspended in time somewhere in the nineteenth century.

7th Day: There is much to explore around Batopilas. You can take a hike to Satevo to see the “Lost Cathedral.” Back in Batopilas, you can check out the “Old Hacienda,” located just across the river. These ruins were the mining headquarters, mill, reduction plant and home of Alexander Shepherd. There is also the Porfirio Diaz Tunnel, where a train ran into the mountain to haul out the silver ore.

8th Day: You’ll travel back up the canyon and return to Creel. You’ll stop en route for a hike to Cusarare Falls, visit caves and, if time permits, Cusarare Mission.

9th Day: In the afternoon you’ll board the train for Chihuahua, where you’ll stay at an upscale hotel with many amenities.

10th Day: Today you’ll tour the city of Chihuahua—the State Capital, with its murals depicting the history of the Revolution, and the site of the execution of Father Hidalgo; the Spanish aqueduct; the State Museum, built by a wealthy man as a mansion for his intended bride (she jilted him and married another); and the home of Pancho Villa— controversial bandit, Robin Hood and hero of the Mexican Revolution.

11th Day: Today you’ll leave the Copper Canyon, taking along wonderful memories of this remote area and the people who make it their home.

The trip includes accommodations: one night in El Fuerte, two nights in Creel, two nights in Cerocahui, one night in Divisadero, two nights in Batopilas, and two nights in Chihuahua; 15 meals; train tickets; transportation to Batopilas; transfers from train to hotels; tour of Chihuahua; transportation from Los Mochis to El Fuerte (when trip begins in Los Mochis).

Price per person: