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This brief outline is a just a starting point and can be modified and adjusted to include options, extra locations, hotels that match your preference, and other interests you have. See options page for more info.

Day 1- Arrive Chihuahua City (CUU) and transfer to a local hotel.

You will arrive at the Chihuahua City airport (CUU) and look for your guide with my sign outside of security. You will be staying near the plaza and be sure to take in the cathedral and perhaps some of the interesting historic sites in that area—and the market!

Day 2- Morning in Chihuahua City and then up through Mennonite country to Creel for one night.

You will travel today through the vast apple orchards of the Mennonites who migrated here some 100 years ago.

Creel is the front door to Copper Canyon, surrounded by mysterious rock formations, Raramuri villages, rich forests as well as lakes and waterfalls. In town there are cafes, museums, and comfortable hotels.

Day 3- Explore more in Creel then over to a room with a view in the Divisadero area for two nights.

 The Divisadero area is the home of the huge gondola/zipline system—a great way to get immersed in the canyons. Options here also for hiking, horse riding, visits to Raramuri areas, shopping, biking, wall climbing—and of course just relaxing with a drink above the canyons—don’t miss the sunset!

Day 4- All day to explore this scenic area with options for gondola/zipline, hiking, local communities, meal in a home, etc.

The iconic Mirador hotel hangs on the edge of one of the major canyons and is very near the train line. Be sure to take time on the vast deck to relax and take in the view.

Day 4- Time this morning to explore more around the great view areas and then off to nearby Cerocauhui for two nights.

Cerocahui is tucked some 20 kilometers above the Bahuichivo train stop. The cabins at cozy San Isidro Lodge are tended by a set of brothers—Mario, Tito, Luis—of Raramuri descent. It can be a bit chilly on winter nights, but good fires, delicious food, quite nights and nearby vistas make this place a great taste of Sierra Madre life.

Day 5- Today time to relax, travel to the Gallego overlook and perhaps down the canyon walls to Urique for lunch.

Urique lays at the bottom of one of the main gorges of Copper Canyon. This descent is memorable as is lunch in this tiny village—home of the famous Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon known from the bestseller “Born to Run”.

Day 6- Catch the Copper Canyon train (CHEPE) through the heart of the canyons to El Fuerte for the evening.

The Copper Canyon train line took some 100 years to complete and is one of the world’s top train experiences. Get to the windows as you travel and listen as your guide will point out 100s of wonders along the way.

El Fuerte is a lovely colonial town and is designated one of the “Magic Towns” of Mexico. A quaint market, welcoming plaza, vivid history, and colorful colonial architecture make for good strolls around the central area.

Day 7- Most trips transfer this morning to the Los Mochis airport (LMM) to return home.

A trip like this includes about 11 meals, guide from CUU to LMM, all transport by land, train tickets.

Click here to see and overview of trip options, and then contact Dave to get planning on your trip.

Dave Hensleigh, 217.369.9897, davehensleigh@gmail.com