Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon)

While I had never heard of Copper Canyon prior to cruising in Mexico it is a definite must see! I had the opportunity to travel to Copper Canyon with my friends Doug and Marcy (Charm). Copper Canyon is approximately 250 miles south of the United States border and approximately 300 miles north of Mazatlan. It is a group of 6 different canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains. It is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. It took over 60 million years of geological formation. There are 6 rivers throughout the canyons which all eventually drain into the Sea of Cortez.

As we did not know much about where we were going we booked a tour through RailsNW (www.railsnw.com). which was very helpful. We left Mazatlan Monday(Nov. 30) via bus to Los Mochis. The scenery was predominately agricultural as we drove north. Upon arriving at Los Mochis we were picked up by a driver who drove us to El Fuerte, about 1 1/2 hours east.

El Fuerte (the fort) was founded in 1564. It is known as the legendary birthplace of Zorro. It was a quaint town. We stayed at the El Fuerte Hotel (www.hotelfuerte.com.mx) which was previously a hacienda. It is 350 years old. While it was reported to have ghosts walking the walkways I did not see any. (Thank goodness!) The decor was primarily Mexican art theme with open courtyards. It is beautiful.



The next day a driver took us to the train station at El Fuerte. The train is known as "El Chepe". The rail line travels from Los Mochis to Chihuahua City, a distance of 400 miles. It took over 100 years to build the railway. The seats were very comfortable, and the dining car had very good food. Walking while the train was underway was almost worse than walking under sail.



Upon departing from El Fuerte we began to climb. We traveled along a river, and began to see more mountains and cliffs. There were beautiful pink trees along the way. Our first departure from the train was at Bahuichivo about 4 hours from El Fuerte. We had a driver, Hugo, who picked us up and drove us over dirt, bumpy roads about 10 miles to the town of Cerocahui. We stayed at the Paraiso del Oso Hotel (www.mexicohorse.com). It had a large living area and dining area decorated in cowboy motif. Our rooms were heated by a wood stove. We definitely had to keep it going all the time as it has become very cold. It almost felt like we were camping. The hotel was surrounded by large rock formations. We only had 1 other group of 3 staying at this hotel. We had delicious family style meals.


Cerocahui has a population of 3000 and was founded in 1680. Of interest, the town has only had electricity for 7 years. We toured the town, the church, and the local girls school. We then had our first great view of one of the canyons, Cerro del Gallego. We were at an elevation of about 7500 feet. We could see the town of Urique at the bottom of the canyon. I also went on a hike through pine forests, and rivers to see the Cerocahui waterfall.

The following day we returned to the train station to board to Creel. The train stays only about 1-2 minutes at the train stops so you have to be ready to board quickly and get off quickly. It was about a 3 hour train ride. Creel is at an elevation of 7,735 feet. It is cold, below 32 degrees. We were not prepared for the cold. I had sandles, no socks. Marcy had no long pants and none of us had jackets. We stayed in cabins at Creel, Creel Mountain Lodge (www.vmcoppercanyon.com). While nice, they were cold. Marcy, Doug and I had to share the wall furnace between our rooms. In the morning all the water pipes were frozen, so no showers or flushing toilets.

Creel has many natural rock formations. We saw rock formations called Los Hongos (the Mushroom), Las Ramas (the Frog) that was originated by wind and water erosions.





Copper Canyon has been home to the Tarahumara Indians for hundreds of years. Tarahumara comes from the word Raramuri, meaning foot runners. The Tarahumara women are brightly clothed as well as the children. The Tarahumara were known to have their homes in the caves of the cliffs. While a small percentage still live in caves others have begun to make small dwellings on land. We had an opportunity to visit a few of the cliff homes. The Tarahumara women are known for their basket making skills.





From Creel we took the train to Posada Barrancas where we stayed at Hotel Mansion Tarahumara (www.mansiontarahumara.com.mx) on the cliffs of the rim of the canyons. The hotel was decorated in a blend of Indian and Mexican motif. We were able to take a walking tour along the rims of the canyon. The following day we took a tour viewing the 3 canyons, Urique, Copper, and Tararecua. Pictures can not tell the expanse or the depth one sees visually.


The following day we boarded the train for an 8 hour run back to Los Mochis where we stayed the night. The following day we took a bus back to Mazatlan. It was a wonderful experience viewing the canyons, seeing and observing the Tarahumara Indians, enjoying our different lodgings, and sharing it with good friends.

While I was enjoying my travels, Wally visited his daughters in the States where he also had a good time. He has returned with Angel.

We leave tomorrow for La Cruz. We are excited for our next experiences.