Copper Canyon - Divisadero to Creel

Because the tracks are so close to the canyon Divisadero is one of the main stops for the Chepe train

So of course there are lots of craft vendors

Lots of food vendors

what is your favorite colour ?

It is a short trip from Disiadero to our next stop at Creel

Creel is our jump off spot for a trip to the bottom of the canyon, it use to be a lumber town but rumor has it they recently found more lucrative things to grow

Best Western - The Lodge at Creel

There looked to be more interesting places to stay but this was right on the main street close to all the shops and was certainly a comfortable place to stay.

breakfast was included but there was not a lot of choice, basically eggs or pancakes

Tanyss finally gets her oil well

One of the shop vendors gave me a shot of liquor and then showed me the bottle - those are rattlesnake skins and rattlers, suppose to be good for what ails you, at least I am alive to tell the story. 

Posada Mirador - Hike, Tram & Zip line

Tarahumara village just below the Mirador Hotel

There was a small water drip coming out of the rock that provides their water

Can't complain about the view but they don't have much front yard

Self serve handicraft store

Every day they make the trip up to the top to sell their crafts

There is a tram that takes you down into the canyon

Once again we were the only ones there

It is 2 km from top to bottom

You can see the Hotel Mirador on the way 

Quite the view

You can also go down to the bottom Tram station by a series of zip line and swinging bridges

I think the total length of the zip lines and swinging bridges was 6 km

Tarahumara farm village at the bottom

Ho Hum another beautiful panarama

Posada Mirador

First overnight stop on the Copper Canyon tour

There were only 8 guests including us

We added an extra day on to our tour so that we could stay overnight here

Bedrooms pretty basic but all rooms had verandas with a view

The Bar

The dining room - food was just okay, waiting staff  just okay
I guess you are suppose to be so overwhelmed by the view that nothing else matters

There is a cable car and zip line starting from the top of the cliff on the left hand side

This deluxe hotel is surrounded by pine trees, and appears to be "etched out" of the natural rock itself. The Posada Barrancas Mirador is the premier hotel on the canyon rim and is the only hotel where each guest room has a spectacular view overlooking the canyon. From the hotel you may walk to see the Tarahumara Indians who live in the canyon caves below. You can also shop for native crafts from the Tarahumara artisan vendors who gather in front of the hotel. Amenities include 51 rooms, each room has a private bath, two double beds and authentic custom-made furniture. A restaurant and bar, conference room and a gift shop will make your stay with us even more enjoyable.

Copper Canyon - El Fuerte to Posada Mirador

First day on the Chepe train from El Fuerte to the Posada Mirador

Not sure but I think this was a dam that had silted up

Lots of really tight canyons

Lots of tunnels

Three way switch back and a corkscrew tunnel 

Up onto the plateau and pine trees

every train had two guards with automatic weapons

First day on the California Native Copper Canyon tour riding on the Chep train from El Fuerte to Posada Mirador.


Our trip was organized through the California Native
http://www.coppercanyontours.com/

In the heart of the Tarahumara mountains in the northeast corner of the state of Chihuahua lies a series of majestic canyons commonly known as Las Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyons). The walls of the canyons are copper green in color, hence the name.

Spanning a total length of 37,000 miles, these canyons are longer and deeper than the Grand Canyon in Colorado and seem keen on hiding surprises, legends, and traditions from the curious gaze of visitors.

The canyons are home to the Rarámuris, or Tarahumaras, an indigenous people who have lived here for centuries and whose lives are intertwined with the mountains. Their way of life has largely been preserved because they occupy remote areas and thus remain isolated and independent. They are famous for their endurance running. Because they live in the canyons, they must travel long vertical distances and often run nonstop for hours. Some of these communities accept government funding to build roads, restaurants, and lodging to attract tourism. Others do not, preferring to live in areas as far away as possible from city life.

The area is the prime attraction along the Copper Canyon train journey between Chihuahua, the state capital, and Los Mochis in the neighboring state of Sinaloa, passing through tunnels and crossing the mighty Sierra along its route. The Chihuahua al Pacifico (Chepe for short) took about 90 years to complete. Opened in 1961, the train is 390 miles long and crosses 39 bridges and 86 tunnels. The scenery is breathtaking, and the journey takes 14 hours.  

The vast and contrasting biodiversity in this legendary part of the state of Chihuahua makes it ideal for nature lovers and ecotourism. One can hike in the woods, camp, bird-watch, or simply wonder at the contrasting changes in vegetation.The climate varies depending on the time of year, from arid and desert-like to lush and tropical. The endless range of mountains melts into the horizon and seems crafted out of various textures, hues, and shapes.

Located approximately five hours by road from the state capital Chihuahua, these canyons offer plenty of accommodation options, whether you’re looking to stay in a rural hotel with all the amenities or have a camping adventure.

The best way to see the area is by taking a Copper Canyon tour. Popular activities in the area include horseback rides through indigenous villages and visits to lakes and waterfalls. A prime attraction is Basaseachic Falls on the Basaseachic River, which is the second-highest waterfall in Mexico. It is 807 feet tall and flows year-round.