Copper Canyon Itinerary

Our typical Copper Canyon tour itinerary is 8 – 10 days/7 – 9 nights and is based out of El Paso (we cross at the peaceful little Santa Teresa, NM crossing). It is also possible to embark from Chihuahua City- CUU airport code- (American and United fly there) or from Los Mochis- LMM airport code- on the west end of the train line. Also, warm weather itineraries will usually be a bit different than the one below…including more of the high country and usually not including El Fuerte.

Sample Authentic Copper Canyon Itinerary

Each of our individualized trips include the incredible train experience with Dave Hensleigh and his team of local Mexican guides in Copper Canyon plus much more:

  • We give you a great taste of Norteño food, including dinners in local homes, Mexican chefs, traditional recipes, and adventures in the street stands and markets.
  • This is a learning and cultural immersion trip with Tarahumara Indian villages, local history and colonial architecture, and the old world vibe of the Sierra Madres.
  • Lovely little Noritari with chef Sol high in the pines above the canyons.
  • The historic and delicious Casa Grandes area, including Mata Ortiz pottery with dinner at a local historic hacienda.
  • Two nights at Areponápuchi with the grandest views of Copper Canyon and the gondola/zipline experiences…come hungry!
  • Through the Mennonite plateau areas with the vast apple orchards and world famous cheese.
  • Chihuahua City–the Pancho Villa home, great restaurants, the 1700s cathedral.
  • The historic colonial El Fuerte including bird watching and petro glyphs.
  • And of course the world-renowned Copper Canyon train, “CHEPE”…86 tunnels and 37 bridges along this amazing route.

Day 1– You arrive in El Paso. The airport is a good place to get pesos. Use the Travelex near the spot where you turn right to go to the baggage area. We head for Santa Teresa NM (20 minutes) to cross into Mexico. We are met by our friend Gus and his van to head toward the big apple- Chihuahua City. Dinner together and perhaps an evening view of the gigantic cathedral in the central plaza. We check into the historic boutique hotel, the San Felipe el Real. Stroll the historic district and the vast market. (Included meals – B,L,D)

We get an introduction to Norteño food as we travel south through the high elevation of the Chihuahua Desert. Burritos and other delicious street foods will be ours to choose from in the little towns north of Chihuahua.

Chihuahua City- This bustling hub for commerce has its roots as a mining and ranching center. Several fascinating museums (including the Pancho Villa home) gather around the towering 1700s cathedral. The food here is a bit eclectic and reflects the melting pot that Chihuahua has become. We have options here for dining in a home or to have a local chef cater at the hotel.

Day 2– We catch the train or perhaps van if we want to explore a bit and make our way through Mennonite country to San Juanito and the relaxing, wooded Noritari- a unique cabanas style solar hotel with a gourmet cook. A great night to enjoy dinner, chat with the chef, and take a stroll through the mountains. (B,L,D)

Mennonites- They migrated here from Canada around 1922 and have transformed the high plateaus into some of the most productive land in Chihuahua. Still German speakers, they produce apples, oats, and dairy products- including the famous white Chihuahua cheese.

Norítari and Chef Sol - This unique 80-hectare site is dotted with cabins with fireplaces, private baths, solar lighting.  The nearby stream flows and the pines whisper. Enjoy. The food here is beyond belief- partly because it is so out of the box and also because of Sol’s skill in using local vegetables. Her huge kitchen is lined with local herbs and spices.

Day 3– Breakfast at Noritari and then off to Creel to catch the train- with some time to shop around in Creel a bit. We board the train and get our first whistle-stop, eye-popping view of Copper Canyon at Divisadero. Then we reboard the train for the unsurpassed journey toward our evening destination, El Fuerte. Tunnels, bridges, canyons, mountains…have your cameras ready! Lunch on the train on your own. Arrive in El Fuerte for dinner…this place is known for incredible food! (B,D)

El Fuerte- A small town with a quaint (and delicious!) market and lots of colonial architecture. History, Indian culture, bird watching, and a palm lined plaza make this place a favorite.

[[Note than overnight at Cerocahui above the Bahuchivo station can be added here]]

Day 4 – A full day of exploring the area- the wonderful colonial town with lots of opportunities for food and photography. A morning trip to the river for bird watching as we float and a walk through the local petro glyph site. Lunch on your own. The visit to the market here is a must, then dinner in a local home with our host Evangelina. (B,D)

Evangelina- This lovely lady with her brother and extended family live in one of the historic mansions off the square in El Fuerte. We often dine with them and get a full taste of some genuine Copper Canyon hospitality.

Day 5- Board the train in the morning headed northeast for Areponapuchi (Posada Barrancas station). Lunch on your own on the train and we arrive at this tiny town and a local lodge- above the canyon. Dinner, relax as well as perhaps a walk up to watch the sunset over the vast reaches of Copper Canyon. “Arepo”as we call it, is officially “nowhere Mexico”. The area around Arepo gives us a good long look at Copper Canyon, and we have plenty of time to look around. (B,D)

Areponapuchi- Just call it Arepo and don’t expect the big city. This tiny place sits near the rim of some of the best views of Copper Canyon. The new gondola and ziplines are a scenic thrill, and you can walk or ride horses in and around the great canyon. Also a good place to pick up local souvenirs. The new gondola and ziplines in this area are incredible. Horse riding along the rim of the canyon as well as hiking is an excellent option.

Day 6 – We have the full day to experience this vast and enchanting area…lots to do or just relax with a view.

Day 7- Sunrise at the edge of Copper anyone? Breakfast and a walk down through a Tarahumara cave dwelling. Some last views of the canyon, then we catch our van to head for Casas Grandes As the evening cools a stroll through the ancient Indian ruins at Paquime.. (B,D)

[[Note that an excursion to Batopilas can be inserted here or at the earlier part of the trip. This takes at least 2 days and preferably three.]]

Casas Grandes- Right on the edge of Casas are the Paquime Indian archaeological ruins- a UNESCO World Heritage site- and nearby is the tiny village of Mata Ortiz. The pottery from this area is very special and known around the world for its intricacy and character.

Food in the Casas area- This is the high desert area and truly ranch country. We will eat at an historic hacienda and savor the local restaurants.

Day 8- A relaxing morning with time to stroll the ruins or shop Mata and then later in the day, we head toward the USA. We drop into Janos on the way and get a warm welcome and tour with Celso and Emma at Don Cuco sotol. Sotol is THE drink of Chihuahua and is somewhat like tequila- but better…bring some home! (B,L)

This stop at Don Cuco will give you a full introduction (including a few sips) to this fine spirit from the enchanting Chihuahua area.

Copper Canyon Train Trip

  • Eight to nine day trip cost is usually about $1695, double occ ( $300 single supp.). NOTE: prices may vary with the change in itinerary and peso exchange rate.
  • We specialize in customized itineraries and we can do individualized trips or custom trip for 4 or more at these prices.
  • Trip insurance is highly recommended…especially including a small medical coverage and evacuation.
  • Registration deposit ($500) is usually due 60 days before the departure and final payment 30 days before.
  • Most trips arrive and depart from El Paso. We can also arrange departures from the “west end” out of Los Mochis, El Fuerte, or Baja. While we feel the “east end”approach gives a bit better view of the canyons, this other itinerary works well and may be preferable for your vacation plans.
  • One great option to fly into Chihuahua City (Continental or American) and soon into Creel and we can flex our itinerary to fit with this option.
  • Side trips into the canyon and down to Batopilas and Cerocahui/Urique are available.
  • Many other side trips and hiking or horseback options are available.
  • All hotels have private baths, hot water and linens, and most have air conditioning- ones without air are in the mountains.
  • Hotels range from 4-star range to simpler cabana-style in the small towns where we use the best hotels available. All are secure, clean, and have comfortable beds.
  • Price includes all transportation to and from the El Paso airport, all Mexican meals except 4 (alcohol on your own), all hotels, and all entry fees and guides to places in the itinerary. Guests for over 7 days pay a small visa fee.
  • Your host and guide is Dave Hensleigh or one of our Mexican team.  We are usually accompanied by local Mexican guides along the way. Dave and his team are experts in the culture and environment of the Sierra Madres.
  • Most guests bring $300-600 USD in pesos for the 4 meals, incidentals, souvenirs, and tips.
  • Authentic Copper Canyon will supply a packing list and an FAQ sheet- call with other questions. Each guest will need a current passport.

For more info, registration and deposit, contact Dave Hensleigh, davehensleigh@gmail.com, 217.369.9897

CHEPE at Posada Barrancas

Every day the Copper Canyon train rolls both ways through the Sierra Madres.