Treasures of
the Sierra Madre
Mexico’s Copper Canyon
November 2 – 9, 2003

 

THE NATURE OF CANYONS

Since the beginning of time our planet has been at the mercy of nature, undergoing continuous transformations as oceans recede, mountains thrust skyward, and turbulent rivers carve their way through impenetrable rock creating vast depressions in the Earth’s crust. The very definition of a canyon as “a narrow chasm with steep cliff walls” suggests a place incapable of supporting life. Yet those same sheer cliff walls serve as a geological bookmark of life, bearing the evidence of millions of years of history. Canyons also harbor hidden oases teeming with life—unusual wildlife, communities of people sheltered in safe havens, and overgrown vegetation that tenaciously clings to rocky slopes.
     Deep in the mountains of northern Mexico there is just such a place. Located some 400 miles southwest of El Paso, Texas, Copper Canyon is an inter-connected canyon system encompassing over 25,000 sq. miles of extremely rugged terrain. Formed by five major rivers, these “barrancas” (canyons), when combined together, are nearly four times the size of the Grand Canyon. This region is so vast that bandits and revolutionaries, namely Pancho Villa, could escape capture by simply vanishing into the intricate maze of clefts and cliffs.
     The Tarahumara Indians have long lived throughout the huge region now known as the state of Chihuahua. Exploited for centuries by Spanish colonists, they began to retreat deeper into the canyons, away from the so-called “civilization” of the outside world. Today about 40,000 Tarahumara remain, the second largest indigenous group of Native Americans on the continent.
     The completion of the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad in 1961 finally connected portions of this isolated area to the rest of the world. The train passes through 86 tunnels and over 39 bridges in its 410-mile journey from the highlands to the Pacific Ocean. Vegetation ranges from pine, fir and aspen trees at higher elevation to cactus, oak, and mesquite deep in the canyon, with pockets of apples, peaches, beans and corn planted by the Tarahumara.
     Toto Tours invites you to participate in a stunning backcountry adventure without any of the hassles of camping. We stay in comfortable lodges and hotels, and do most of our traveling aboard one of the most scenic trains in the world. This tour can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you want challenging hikes or easy walks to waterfalls, quick dips in secluded swimming holes or simply watching spectacular sunsets from a canyon rim. Come with us and discover why Copper Canyon is considered premier among the Treasures of the Sierra Madre. 

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ITINERARY

Sunday, November 2, 2003
Arrival in Los Mochis, Mexico

Plan to arrive in Los Mochis, Mexico this afternoon. We recommend that you consider taking Aero California flight # 171 from Tucson, AZ, departing at 2:45pm and arriving in Los Mochis at 4:50pm. We will provide one airport/hotel transfer for those arriving on this flight. This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive get acquainted party and Welcome Dinner.     (Dinner included)

Monday, November 3, 2003
Sea of Cortez / El Fuerte

This morning take a city tour of Los Mochis followed by a 90-minute boat ride on Topolobampo Bay on the Sea of Cortez. We'll pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some beach time. This afternoon we transfer to the town of El Fuerte, where we spend a free evening and overnight.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, November 4, 2003
All Aboard

Very early this morning we depart our hotel and transfer to the train station for a full-day train journey, departing at 7am. This is undoubtedly the most scenic railroad in North America, if not the World. The elevation change is nearly 7,000 feet, crossing mountainous terrain and deep canyons, through 86 tunnels and over 39 bridges. Keep your camera handy and bring a lot of film and extra batteries—you will need them.
     We arrive at Posada Barrancas, just 15 minutes walk from the Divisidero Lookout Point with its magnificent views into Urique Canyon from the north rim. Our early afternoon arrival leaves the rest of the day free for hiking, birdwatching, photography, or just relaxing and watching a spectacular sunset across this amazing landscape. Overnight at the Posada Mirador.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Wednesday, November 5, 2003
Free Day

You may want to rise early this morning to take in the truly magical sunrise over the canyon. After breakfast, hike along the canyon rim to several spectacular lookouts. Today is completely free to explore the surrounding area. There are several interesting walks into the hills nearby. You also can do an optional trip into Creel to hike to the unusual rock formations known as Los Hongos (“the mushrooms”) or do souvenir shopping. Some of Tarahumara Indian women are always around the Mirador selling baskets and trinkets.     (All Meals)

Thursday, November 6, 2003
From Barrancas to Bahuichivo

The morning is free before we leave to catch the 1:15pm train, arriving in the mid-afternoon in Bahuichivo. Here we will meet our driver for the 30-minute trip to Cerocahui, a small agricultural community set in a valley at about 5000 feet. After check-in at Hotel Mision, the rest of the day is free to explore.     (All Meals)

Friday, November 7, 2003
Urique Canyon

After breakfast a morning drive takes us across the plateau for a breathtaking look into the depths of the Urique Canyon. In the distance far below you can see the town of Urique on the river. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the rim of the canyon overlook. The rest of the day is free to ride horses, hike, or relax until dinnertime.     (All Meals)

Saturday, November 8, 2003
Return to Los Mochis

This morning is free to sleep in late, take an optional hike, go horseback riding on your own or just relax at the hotel. Around 11am our group takes an early lunch, with Toto’s Farewell Ceremony, before heading to the train station for our final train trip. Dinner is on your own aboard the train. We arrive back in Los Mochis late this evening, where we overnight prior to tomorrow’s return flights back to Tucson.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Sunday, November 9, 2001
Departure

The tour officially ends this morning after breakfast. We will provide one group transfer to the Los Mochis Airport in time to catch Aero California flight # 170 departing at 11:55am, and arriving in Tucson at 2pm. Please see the "Airfare Note" at the bottom of this page for instructions on how to book the Aero California flights.     (Breakfast)