Copper Canyon Tour

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Approximately 600 miles south of the Mexican border with the United States, lies a group of canyons collectively referred to as the Copper Canyon. Formed between 30 and 40 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity and river erosion, these six canyons are home to stunning wildlife, indigenous communities, the incredible El CHEPE railway line and one of the world’s longest ziplines!

This region has become a bucket list destination for many visitors to Mexico and is truly worthy of its place as one of Mexico’s greatest natural wonders.

Our tour to the Copper Canyon lets you explore the birthplace of Zorro and designated Pueblo Mágico, El Fuerte; visit the small canyon town of Cerocahui, located just below the incredible viewing point of Cerro del Gallego; stay right on the canyon edge and test your wits at the adventure park in Divisadero; and spend time in and around the working town of Creel.  We also give you the chance to ride the famous CHEPE railway line twice, using it as our main mode of transport to get in and out of the canyon, and even take a trip down to the bottom of the Urique canyon to visit the small community that resides here and see the canyons’ awesomeness from below!

7 Days, 6 Nights

7th – 13th March 2024

A 7 day tour to the Copper Canyon including stays in the Pueblo Mágico of El Fuerte, the canyon towns of Cerocahui and Divisadero, as well as two rides on the Chepe Express and a day spent at the bottom of the Urique canyon!

Trip Overview

Day 1: Melaque to El Fuerte

We’ll take a flight from Manzanillo, via Mexico City, into Los Mochis airport before then transferring over to the Pueblo Mágico of El Fuerte, where we’ll spend our first evening.
Accommodation: El Fuerte

Day 2: El Fuerte & Chepe Express Trip 1

After breakfast, we’ll take you on a walking tour of El Fuerte town, including a visit to the town’s impressive reconstructed fort and its charming central square.
We’ll then transfer over to the El Fuerte train station to take our first journey of this trip on the luxurious Chepe Express towards Bahuichivo! Panoramic windows and luxurious seating makes this journey through the canyons truly awesome. Upon arrival at Bahuichivo we will transfer over to the small canyon town of Cerocahui for 2 nights. After lunch, you’ll get a guided tour of this small canyon town and the opportunity to take a wine tasting session and tour of the hotel’s very own vineyard. A great way to end a long day of travelling!
Accommodation: Cerocahui

Day 3: Cerocahui & Urique Canyon

We’ll spend most of the day out exploring the Urique canyon, first stopping off to take in some breathtaking views at the Cerro del Gallego viewing point, one of the best places to see the Urique Canyon.
We’ll then head down to the bottom of the canyon to the small town located here to learn about how this small community survive in this isolated location.
When we arrive back into Cerocahui for our second evening, you’ll get the chance to simply unwind and relax after a very busy day.
Accommodation: Cerocahui

Day 4: Cerocahui, Divisadero & the Copper Canyon Adventure Park

In the morning we’ll pay a visit to the local Tarahumara girl’s boarding school run by local nuns, just next door to the hotel itself.
We’ll then head over to Divisadero to spend the next two nights, staying right on the canyon rim where every room has a spectacular view!
In the afternoon, we’ll venture over to the Copper Canyon Adventure Park where’ll you’ll get the chance to take a pleasant cable car ride through the canyon or for those who dare, test your wits on one of the heart-racing ziplines that zig-zag throught.
Accommodation: Divisadero

Day 5: Creel

We’ll be out for most of the day on day 5, heading further north towards the Pueblo Mágico of Creel. We’ll visit some of the historical and natural sites just outside of the town, including Lake Arareko, the Misión de San Ignacio, and the Valley of the Frogs and Mushrooms. You’ll also get time to visit the town itself and the Tarahumara handicraft stores situated there.
In the afternoon there is the option to take a walk down to some of the nearby caves where the local indigenous population live and meet those that survive and live in this challenging region.
Accommodation: Divisadero

Day 6: Divisadero to El Fuerte: Chepe Express Trip 2

After an early breakfast, we’ll set off back towards El Fuerte, catching the Chepe Express once more from Divisadero to the magic town. Lunch is included on the train and we’ll let you experience the best class tickets Chepe has to offer!
We’ll arrive back into El Fuerte mid-afternoon and give you the opportunity to explore the town a bit more, including a chance to venture up to the town’s fort and museum. There will also be the opportunity to take a gentle river tour to see some of the fantastic wildlife in the region and visit a set of ancient petroglyphs, time permitting. This tour also gives you the opportunity to see how locals utilize this natural feature for activities such as crayfish catching.
Accommodation: El Fuerte

Day 7: El Fuerte to Melaque

After breakfast we’ll transfer back to Los Mochis airport to catch our return flight back down to the coast.

Price

2024 Prices:

$39,000 pesos per person (based on double occupancy)

$6,000 pesos single person supplement

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

What’s included?

Transport (transfers, bus, train, & return flights to Manzanillo*)

Accommodation (+tips for hotel staff, excl. bar staff)

16 Meals

Local Guides

Entrance Fees

*For other departure points, such as Guadalajara, please contact us

Difficulty

Medium

Whilst the level of difficulty on the walks involved is relatively low and the entire tour is taken at a relaxed pace, this trip is at altitude and cold temperatures can have an effect on your mobility. Availability of elevators in hotels is also limited in some of the accommodations.

Climate

Mild to warm during the day, considerably cooler at night.

Weather can be temperamental in the canyons and snow has been known to fall between January and March.

Altitude

El Fuerte – 90m
Cerocahui – 1,600m
Divisadero – 2,050m
Creel – 2,340m

measurements above sea level

Contact us for a full trip itinerary and for further information