There are many special places in Copper Canyon
country, so of course this alphabetical list is far from complete. In fact, it is
growing all the time!
It does, however, include areas we think provide
you a glimpse of the many sides of the natural beauty, rich history, and complex culture
that make the Copper Canyon so special.
By the way, each of these areas can be visited with
Copper Canyon Adventures--just go to our "Create A
Trip" page and click on the appropriate boxes. We will put together a
custom itinerary for you and you will be on your way!
(all images can be enlarged--simply double-click the photo)
The view from near Areponapuchi
Areponapuchi: Located
near the junction of three canyons, "Arepo" is a great place to stay close to
the rim and provides for fine local vehicle excursions and hiking for all tastes.
The Candemena Canyon and Basaseachi Falls
Basaseachi Falls: Sure,
the statistics are impressive: the second highest waterfall in Mexico at 812'/246m.
But, compared to the incredible beauty of Basaseachi Falls, statistics don't mean
much. In addition to the falls, there is stunning Candemena Canyon and the beautiful
river valley above the falls. The whole area is one of the prettiest places we have
ever seen. Fortunately, it is also one of the few areas in the Copper Canyon that is fully
protected under Mexican law.
Batopilas Canyon framed by flowers
Batopilas:
One
of the oldest mining towns in the Sierra, and certainly one of the most remote, Batopilas
is a unique town with a very special and friendly atmosphere. With lots of great hiking
and places to visit nearby, Batopilas is an excellent place to spend at least two nights
(actually, that is the minimum stay we recommend, due to the five-hour drive required to
get there).
The outside of the Cave of the Crosses
Cave of the Crosses:
There are some places in the world you visit and you feel a presence--something from the
past is still there crying out. The Cave of the Crosses, an old Raramuri cave
dwelling with lots of history, is just such a place. A short and easy hike, this is a very
special, emotional and archaeologically important spot.
The Church at Cerocahui
Cerocahui: One of the
oldest communities in the Sierra, Cerocahui is also home to one of the prettiest churches.
A mixed community of about 1500 people, Cerocahui retains a frontier personality that
rings very true. Cerocahui is also home to a Raramuri boarding school that we like
to visit.
Floja at the Cerro de la Mascara
Cerro de la Mascara (Mask Hill): Another great place to reach out
and touch history, this petroglyph site is anywhere from 800 - 2000 years old, depending
on who you ask. Not much is known about these carvings, but they are incredibly
interesting and thought-provoking. (Dog not included!)
Walking near the Cerro Gallegos overlook
Cerro Gallegos: For us,
there is no more dramatic canyon overlook in North America than Cerro Gallegos. That is a
bold statement, but we will stand by it, as Gallegos is simply breathtaking. And we
didn't even mention the beautiful views you will see on the way to the overlook!
Arriving train at Divisadero
Divisadero: Another fine
overlook, and certainly the most famous in the Copper Canyon. However, we like this
place for the open air market and food stands by the side of the railroad tracks.
When a train arrives, the place explodes with activity--it really is a sight to see. The
canyon view is pretty nice, too, of course.
El Cajon
El Cajon:
"Cajon" means "big box" in Spanish, and when you travel to this box
canyon you will understand how it got it's name! In addition to the walls of a narrow box
canyon, you will also see old and steep ladders used by Raramuri to collect honey out of
hives far up the cliff wall--a job not for the faint of heart. El Cajon is a short hike,
and is a great place for a picnic lunch.
From the Central Plaza of El Fuerte at night
El Fuerte:
Founded in
1564, El Fuerte is one of the oldest, and in our opinion, prettiest towns in the Copper
Canyon region. The home base for Copper Canyon Adventures is colonial without being
touristy and is another fine example of "real" Mexico that many people never
see. We love living here! (did we mention the great food? click here for more information on our culinary tour).
Arriving Huicorachi
Huicorachi:
A remote Raramuri village accessible only
on foot or horseback, Huicorachi is home to one of our favorite people, Dona
Naty, our host here, and one of the most inspiring overlooks in the
region--of the Arroyo Hondo.
Hiking to La Recompensa
La Recompensa (The Reward):
Imagine hiking on canyon wall-hugging trails en route to the best location for a homestead
that you have ever seen...add to that a 360 degree panoramic view, and you begin to see
why we think La Recompensa is a world-class hike.
Lake Arareko
Church bells at the Mission San Ignacio
Lake Arareko/Missions:
Set at 8000' (2400m), Lake Arareko is a beautiful alpine lake nestled amongst historical
Missions, fanciful rock formations and Raramuri cave dwellings still in use. It is
also a nice place to paddle a boat or eat a picnic lunch.
Looking at the lake from the Hotel Villa Dominguez
Lake Dominguez: One of
three man-made lakes near El Fuerte, Lake Dominguez has arguably the best bass fishing and
undoubtedly the best hotel from which to view the surroundings. Whether you fish or
not, spending a day (or more) on the lake at the Hotel Villa Dominguez is very refreshing
experience.
Munerachi Canyon from Tazon
Munerachi Canyon:
Site of traditional Easter celebrations of the Raramuri
Indians (see also our
Raramuri Easter Trek
and our
Raramuri
Easter Adventure), the Munerachi Canyon
is also home to some of he best hiking in the Copper Canyon. With hanging
trails and epic scenery, the hiking in Munerachi Canyon is truly world
class!
From Naranjo, looking toward the Urique Canyon
Naranjo: The village of
Naranjo is stunning, surrounded as it is by canyon walls on three sides. Accessible
only by hiking or horseback, Naranjo is a remote Mestizo community far from tourist areas.
When we visit Naranjo, we stay with a local family, enjoying their incredible
hospitality and warmth and camping in their fruit orchard.
Sunset over the Fuerte River near
Ocolomito
Ocolomito: A newly found
gem, Ocolomito is the site of great bird watching and excellent traditional food on the
Fuerte River. Watch the birds, have some excellent Mexican food and marvel at the
"Ant Lion" as well! This scenic and uncrowded riverside spot (you will be
the only ones there!) is already one of our favorite places to enjoy our favorite river.
On the trail to San Ysidro
San Ysidro:
Also known as
"Durazno" (peach), the tiny Raramuri settlement of San Ysidro can be reached
only on foot or horseback. Here we interact with the local Raramuri as friends, not as
tourists or guides, because we have established a rapport and trust with them. This makes
San Ysidro one of our favorite places.
Temoris RR line,
waterfall and Septentrion Gorge
Temoris: This mountain town, visited exclusively
by CCA, is both a nice place to stay and home to a fabulous overlook of the
Temoris loops. With friendly people in a relaxed mountain setting, Temoris
is a memorable place to visit.
The Urique River and Urique Canyon walls
Urique: Founded by a
Spanish gold miner in 1691, Urique is a great town to visit to get a feel for history,
terrain and lifestyles at the bottom of the deepest canyon in the Copper Canyon system.
Unlike other canyon towns, you don't have to drive for six hours to get there, but you
still feel you are at the end of the world when you arrive!
Approaching Wakajipare
Wakajipare: The halfway
point for one of the best day hikes in the Copper Canyon, the small Raramuri village of
Wakajipare is a neat place to spend an afternoon or a whole day. You won't find
people trying to sell you baskets here, but you will probably find children very
interested in you nonetheless! Wakajipare is the kind of "real" Raramuri
village that few visitors to the Copper Canyon get to see, and this isolation makes it one
of our favorite hiking destinations.
AND ONE VERY SPECIAL NEW PLACE, WAITING FOR YOU TO HELP
US EXPLORE IT!
La Silla
La Silla (The Saddle):
When we see a remote trail or hanging cliff, our first inclination is to go out and
explore it. This is exactly how we feel about La Silla, a tantalizing old homestead
in the saddle of two rocky hills. How do you get there? How long will it take?
What will you find when you arrive?
We cannot answer these questions, but if you are an experienced hiker/backpacker
that wants to go somewhere where no outsider probably ever has been, send us an email or
submit a "Create a trip" form with the "La Silla" box checked...You
can join Copper Canyon Adventures on a true trip of discovery.
We look forward to exploring this great new place with you!
Copper
Canyon Adventures
