Trekking Copper Canyon

Day 1 Arrive Los Mochis. Transfer to El Fuerte

Arrive to Los Mochis airport where you will be greeted and transferred to the gateway of Copper Canyon, El Fuerte.  The evening is free to explore this cobble-stoned, colonial city and enjoy dinner.

Day 2 El Fuerte River (B)

Meet your guide in the morning after breakfast to start your half-day private excursion. After a short walk to view pre-Columbian petroglyphs along the banks of the El Fuerte River, take a boat trip on the river with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.  Return to El Fuerte for a historic tour of the city with a short visit to the town's eclectic museum with its collection of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern artifacts, including from outlaw Pancho Villa.

Your afternoon is open for you to enjoy lunch and independently explore El Fuerte.  In the evening, your trekking guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to discuss the next day's departure.

Day 3 Copper Canyon Railroad (B,D)

All aboard the world famous, first-class El Chepe train of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway for the six hour journey into the Sierra Madre Mountains.  Considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys and an engineering marvel, the train crosses 36 bridges and passes 87 tunnels along its 655 km route from Mexico’s interior to the Pacific coast. 

Arrive to Areponapuchic after lunch (on your own in the restaurant car) where you take a short transfer to the rustic and comfortable community cabins.  Take a short hike this evening before dinner to get your muscles ready for tomorrow.  Ziplining and via ferrata (rock climbing/ropes course combination)  are options with an additional cost for any thrill-seekers.

Day 4 Trek Day: Areponapuchic to Guitayvo (B,L,D)

After breakfast transfer to the trailhead in San Rafael (7,425 ft elevation).  The mules are loaded, and you set out on the moderate hike through beautiful rolling hills of the high sierra.  Visit the indigenous village of San Alonso and its school and church before continuing through the high Sierra Tarahumara before arriving to Guitayvo (7,590 ft.) in the mid-afternoon.  Spend the night in the  community's charming eco-cabins for a perfect introduction to the Copper Canyon and its hospitable communities.  Full day hike of 4.5-6 hours. Altitude gain / loss: 1,716 /1320  ft.

Day 5 Trek Day: Guitayvo to Huemachi (B,L,D)

Start today off with a descent to the river bed before a gradual climb following the side of the canyon. Take in the stunning views and picturesque vistas of pine forest in this alpine region.  Camp tonight at the Huemachi ranch (6,620 ft.).  Full day hike of 6-8 hours.  Altitude gain / loss: 690 /1650  ft.

Day 6 Trek Day: Urique Canyon (B,L,D)

Hike to Urique Canyon this morning with majestic views of canyon walls and the Urique River below. You follow along the ridgeline today before arriving to Chiruhuerabo Ranch (7,720 ft.).  Arrive in the late afternoon with camp set up, and enjoy the rest of the evening to rest up and take in the spectacular scenery. Full day hike of 6-8 hours.  Altitude gain / loss: 1320 /142  ft.

Day 7 Trek Day: Urique Canyon and Cerocahui (B,L,D)

Today descend into Urique Canyon to the Naranjo Village located at 3,894 ft. Observe the changes in flora and fauna as your elevation drops into a more lush and tropical environment. Visit in this friendly community while the gear is loaded in the vehicle. Drive to the former mining town of Urique, located at the bottom of the canyon. Explore this Wild West outpost before climbing back into your vehicle for the drive up the canyon switchbacks en-route to Cerocahui. Clean clothes, hot fire, and comfortable lodge await you at the end of the day. Full day hike of 6-8 hours.  Altitude gain / loss: 132/ 3,826  ft.

Day 8 Creel (B,L,D)

Enjoy beautiful vistas and the Cerocahui Mission on your way to Creel. An old railroad and logging town, Creel’s picturesque location among the pine forest makes it an interesting destination.  Spend some time wandering through the main plaza and arts and crafts cooperative that contribute directly to the Tarahumara community.  Settle in for the evening at the cozy hotel and enjoy dinner.

Day 9 Chihuahua (B,L,D)

Continue north from Creel towards Chihuahua and stop for lunch on the way.  Arrive to Chihuahua and settle into your hotel.  The rest of the day is free to explore the parks, plazas, impressive cathedral, and museums of this important historic, regional capital.  Tonight is a farewell dinner and fiesta with your guide!

Day 10 Return Home (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to return home or to your next destination in Mexico.