Authentic Copper Canyon

When are trips scheduled in late 2010 and 2011?

Monthly. Special trips can be arranged for groups or occasions. See our Upcoming Trips page for details.

Who is the guide for my trip?

Dave Hensleigh and his team of local experts (all Mexican) will be you guides along the trip.

 Dave’s passion for Copper Canyon runs deep, and his enthusiasm for and knowledge of the area will enrich your experience there. Dave’s graduate work was in Biology and he has spent much of his life exploring and guiding in the Rockies and Sierras. He loves to garden and cook- especially the cuisine of the Sierra Madres.

Dave has assembled a team of expert local Mexican guides and providers who will help him serve you on your journey. Groups are always kept small and this team of local guides makes for a truly personalized and informed Copper Canyon experience.

Where does my trip start and end?

El Paso, TX or Chihuahua City, Mexico. We are glad to book your flight to and from there for you, especially for groups. Call us for details.

Is this a hiking trip where I sleep on the ground?

No. We stay each night in local hotels or inns. (Rigorous trips are avaialble if you like…just call.) You will have the opportunity to hike around and explore if you want. As far as minimum fitness, you need to be able to get on and off the train with your luggage and to be able to walk moderate distances comfortably. I suggest you walk a half hour or so daily for 30 days before the trip as a minimum.

What are the hotels like?

They are all clean and have comfortable beds. Each has hot water showers and towels provided. Most of all, they are in out of the way places with charm and some cultural or historical interest.

How much luggage can I bring?

Basically the maximum you are allowed to carry on an airline is what is recommended- a small piece of luggage and then another small bag or day pack. We have a recommended packing list for you.

Can I drink the water?

Yes…there is bottled water available almost everywhere along the trip including aboard the train.

Is Mexico safe?

Quite safe. Actually, our guests often feel more secure on our trips than they do in American cities. I recommend that you use common sense and go out with someone else.

Does Mexico have our kind of electricity?

Yes…so bring your camera charger or whatever essential small device you may need.

What about telephones in Mexico?

You can buy a phone card at one of the little stores and use it at a telephone on the street. US cell phones get poor coverage and are expensive unless you have an international plan. I carry a Mexican cell for emergencies and our hosts have land lines.

What is the train like?

The trains are roomy, clean, and secure. You will have a reserved seat, but you are free to get up and roam around, gaze out the open windows between the cars (my favorite place), visit with others (try your spanish), or stop into the dining car. You will recieve a guide to keep track of the sites, bridges (37), and tunnels (86) along this incredible journey.

Will I have free time to explore?

Absolutely. I recommend you take off in pairs.

What about the elevation?

We will pass over the Continental Divide and through some 8000ft elvations. However our evenings are lower than this…like 6000 ft max and some are at low tropical elevations.

Are all Authentic trips the same?

They vary month by month to include scenery, history, architecture, cuisine, etc. We can always design a trip for you if you have a group of 5 or more.

We also off a Baja option which includes the train experience and several days yachting up through remote islands on the Sea of Cotez.

For a discussion of trips and the Authentic Way see our blog>>

What does a trip cost?

Mexico is one of the few great affordable destinations. Our 7 day trip is just $1,299 double occupancy. Discounts are available for groups and families. We can also arrange an “on your own” trip for you which is economical and a great adventure.

What is included when I book my trip?

All expenses (transport, guides, food, lodging) once you get to El Paso or Chihuahua City, except for four meals. For trips over 7 days you also pay a small tourist tax (app $22). 

So how do I get started and book a trip?

You can simply respond on this site (Request Info page), call Dave at 217.369.9897, or email davehensleigh@gmail.com

How do you enrich the lives of those living in Copper Canyon?

One way this company will help enrich those who host us in Mexico is by contributing 10% of profits to social service partners in the Copper Canyon area. Right now our funds are going to Fundación Tarahumara José A. Llaguno to help in their work with Tarahumara Indians.

What other resources will make my trip even better?

• Carry the sun in your pocket to Mexico…or anywhere the sun shines with Solar Goose™ lighting products. This is one of the greatest and most practical inventions from my friend, Tom Chorman.
• Unique hiking and camping on the Urique River, in the heart of Copper Canyon. www.coppercanyontrails.org. If you want the real thing in hiking the depths of this great place, contact Mike and Cathy for more info.
• This blog >>will give you more info and updates on Copper Canyon
• For the best travel guide on Mexico go to Carl Franz’s “People’s Guide to Mexico” site>>
• Do you live in the Philly/Bucks County area and want to learn Spanish before your trip? Click here>>
• Adventure Specialists is a preferred partner of ours. Gary and Amy offer some of the world’s best horse trips to Peru, Spain, and other destinations
• Bear Basin Packtrips is one of the premier Colorado outfitters offering the best in horsetrips into the incredible Sangre de Cristos in Custer County
• Agave Lindo Tours is Diana Acosta’s service based in Casas Grandes…and she is the best for area tours.
• Karen Catchpole and Eric Mohl are a writer photographer team …the best. Trans-Americas Journey. This site is a wealth of good writing and travel pointers especially related to Mexico and Latin America.

Where can I find more photos and videos of Copper Canyon?

The gallery page has one of the best photo collections from Copper and the Copper Canyon Videos page has extensive footage from our excursions as well as other videos.