Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon
An inland side trip
May 2010
Barranca del Cobre... the 'Copper Canyon' is said to be four times larger than the Grand Canyon. Not yet as 'discovered' and over-run with tourists as our US counterpart. Add to the intrigue of riding 'El Chepe' one of the worlds most scenic railroad routes, visiting a couple of colonial Mexican towns, as well as visiting the area where the Tarahumara live... it was an adventure that we couldn't pass up. We joined up with cruising friends Chris and Joanne from SV Mariposa (another Tayana 37) for the trip. In all, this was really 3 different adventures: the train ride, the Copper Canyonand and rock formations, and El Fuerte.
Day 1 was the bus ride from Mazatlan to El Fuerte... a wonderful and scenic colonial town. We decided to change our original itinerary to spend another day in El Fuerte on our way back. The first night was spent in an historic hacienda that has been in the same family for over 200 years. A great experience.
Day 2, the train ride to Posada Barrancas where we will spend the night on a working ranch. The train ride is especially scenic, and could be a destination in itself.
Day 3 is touring the Copper Canyon with our Spanish (only) speaking guide from the ranch. A young French couple have joined us and provide the interpretation; as well as a memorable dynamic to the trip.
Days 4 is in Creel, another fantastic town.
Days 5 and 6 is the train ride back to El Fuerte, and another day sightseeing in El Fuerte
Day 7 is the bus ride back to Mazatlan. Seems kinda wierd to describe a ride back to Mazatlan as the end of a fantastic trip..... I mean... Mazatlan is a 'destination' for many folks.... not the ending point; as in ... home.
This is a spectacular and relatively easy trip for folks from the States to make. And pretty inexpensive to boot.
Mexico's Copper Canyon, our destination for week-long side trip. 4 times larger than the Grand Canyon, and not yet commercially developed. And you can still walk out on the point to have your picture taken. Just don't fall off.
The adventure starts as we board a '2nd class' bus from Los Mochis to El Fuerte
Normally, we don't include pics of hotels, but this 200-year old hacienda was facinating
The open air public areas and grounds were fantastic, the rooms were first class. The site is authentic colonial Mexico. A bit expensive, but worth the experience for a night.
'Grand Central Station', El Fuerte
A display our our route, including the switchbacks
Aaah, our ride arrives...
Looks like security is a bit tight. These guys roam the cars throughout the whole trip
Cindy poses for the obligatory 'train ride picture' as we start the trip
We cross bridges and a lake as we start up the mountain side
Three locomotives heading up the mountain, just one coming back down
One of the switchbacks
As we gain elevation, we start to see pine trees
We spend the night on a working ranch, complete with chickens, horses, pigs, and fruit trees. The cabins are a bit 'rustic', but the homecooked meals are great. Armondo, the owner will be our guide the next day
Before leaving the ranch, Cindy finds.... a puppy. Good grief.
We start the morning at the rim of the Copper Canyon. Awe inspiring...
The viewpoints are... well, right on the edge. Great views.
There are several trails around the rim. Fresh air, fantastic scenery
Just fantastic unspoiled scenery
Our guide is Armando Diaz, the owner of the ranch and cabanas where we stayed. Very relaxed and knowledgable.
Lake Arakeko is surrounded by pines. It brought back visions of home in the Pacific Northwest.
San Ignacio mission outside of Creel was built in the early 1700's. By looking at the construction, we're suprised that it's still standing
Valle de los Monjes, or in the traditional Tarahumara name, Bisabirachi... meaning 'Valley of the Erect Penises'. Pretty descriptive folks, those Tarahumara.
'Valley of the Frogs', another area of interesting rock formations
'Valley of the Mushrooms', more interesting rock formations. The closest thing to gift shops are the Tarahumara selling their handmade baskets
A basket in the making
Sebastian's Cave, where some Tarahumara still live in this cave. Outside of the cave, children are playing, chickens stroll around, and firewood is stacked. The center picture is the 'kitchen' where years of soot is evident on the walls. The Tarahumara are trying to maintain many of their traditions.
And inside the cave, Cindy finds..... a puppy.
A Tarahumara woman and her child, overlooking the Copper Canyon
Our next hotel in El Fuerte was an oasis in itself, and had really good food. We had breakfast and dinner in the outside palapa, and relaxed on the lush grounds. Our upstairs rooms had brick domed ceilings.
El Fuerte's town square
We decided to explore up this scenic alley. To our suprise, we found a courtyard with a statue of Zorro. It seems that Don Diego de la Vega (Zorro) was born in a house on this site in 1775.
While taking photos, 'Zorro' shows up!! Here he's posing for a new travel brochure for the railroad . 'El Chepe. Bonus!!
Seems that Chis 'forgot' to ask permission to take photos. Actually, 'Zorro' was a very personable and friendly guy
The Municipal Palace is impressive. The stairway behind the fountain is a huge mural.
The authenticity and atmosphere of El Fuerte is fantastic
A walk up to the reconstructed fort (from which 'El Fuerte' gets it's name) brings great views of the area. The fort also houses a large museum
We really enjoyed traveling with Chis and Joanne. Our obligatory pose above the Copper Canyon
Back in Mazatlan. Boat projects await.
SV Victoria Rose
SV Victoria Rose
Tayana 37 # 384
