Along one of the rims in Copper Canyon, Mexico in August when all is green.

Copper Canyon in August

August is a fine time to experience Copper Canyon and the amazing Copper Canyon train. Usually the weather is quite nice. The special thing about the weather is that the rainy season has been on for a few weeks so about each day or so there is a Colorado type shower at noon or so. This freshens things and the waterfalls flow and everything turns green.

Basasiachic Falls

This trip to Copper Canyon in August should be a special one. Often we do not take in the Basasiachic Falls. It is a bit of a drive there and if the falls are low- it’s a disappointment. But this trip will include the great falls as well as San Isidro and the great Gallego overlook, Noritari in the pines above San Juanito, Casas Grandes and of course the grand views and adventure park in the Divisadreo area

Weather in Copper Canyon

The packing list for this Copper Canyon train trip will be a bit different. The weather is warm so just a slight wrap for cool evenings is needed. A little rain protection- like a poncho or rain jacket would be in order. Also sun screen is a must as the elevation and direct sun are both in play.

Details

This trip is August 4-12 and it leaves from and returns to El Paso, TX. You should fly into El Paso early day August 4 or arrive the night before and get at hotel. It is possible to fly out late day August 12 or plan to grab a room in El Paso that day and fly on the 13^th. Here is the itinerary and pricing – you can call Dave at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail for more details.

Don’t miss this special season in Copper Canyon as the waterfalls flow and the green canyon walls shine!

The mighty Basasiachic falls roars in August- from summitpost.org

Call Dav today at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail.com for details.

Here is the itinerary:

Copper Canyon Trip- APR2912

April 29-May 6, 2012

Apr 29- 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. Meet our van and we head for Santa Teresa NM (20 minutes) to cross into Mexico. We are off 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.

The journey- 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.

Apr 30- Up early and off to San Juanito by train through Mennonite country. Winding our way into the Sierra Madre, we drop into several little villages and then arrive at the relaxing wooded Noritari near San Juanito- a unique cabin style solar hotel with a gourmet cook. A great night to enjoy dinner, chat with the chef, and take a stroll along the stream through the mountains.

Noritari- This unique 80 hectare site is dotted with cabins with fireplaces, private baths, solar lighting- the nearby stream flows and the pines whisper.

May 1– We will relax or take a hike and breakfast. Then board the train late morning and head through the mountains to Cerocahui and the little San Isidro lodge

Cerocahui- This quiet little town sits in a beautiful valley and is a great place to overnight. We will stay above town nearer to the majestic Gallego overlook.

May 2- A morning jaunt to Gallego to see the great chasm. Then board the train headed northeast for Areponapuchi (Posada Barrancas station). We arrive at this tiny town and a local lodge- above the canyon- Mansion Tarahumara. Dinner, relax as well as perhaps 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.
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.Horses are available here- huge views!

May 3– All day to enjoy ziplines, gondola, hiking, etc….and relax!

May 4 – 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 walk through the ancient Indian ruins at Paquime. Our home this evening is the lovely hacienda, Casa de Nopal.

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.

Mar 5 – Plenty of time to explore the Paquime ruins, Mata Ortiz pottery, etc. If your flight is early tomorrow- head to El Paso late afternoon

Mar 6- If your flight is after 2p, head up to El Paso this morning

• Price for this trip is $1,340 USD per person.

• This includes all guides, transport, food, and hotels in Mexico except your visa, 4 meals, gondola and zipline, and alcohol. I will supply an overview of expected personal expenses.

• Deposit is $500 per  person.

• Payable to TopTrips, 514 South Edwin, Champaign, Il 61821.

This will be a fun trip!!!

Dave

The sun still rises over this Sierra Madre paradise- this shot taken from my hotel room!

Copper Canyon Trip- Here is one of our Fall trips to Copper. We go twice a month and can plan a trip for you at any time!

October 6-15, 2012

This is a planned itinerary and may vary slightly.

Included meals are noted.

Oct 6- 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. Meet our van and we head for Santa Teresa NM (20 minutes) to cross into Mexico. We are off through the high Chihuahuan desert toward Casas Grandes. We check into the historic Casa de Nopal hotel. Stroll through Paquime and dinner at the hotel. (L,D)

The journey- 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.

Casas Grandes- Right on the edge of Casas are the Paquime Indian archaeological ruins- a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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.

Oct 7- We have a relaxed morning and a light breakfast at Casa de Nopal, then off by van through ranch country into the Mennonite area around Cuauhtemoc. Lunch in this unique orchard covered area. We check into the Hotel Tarahumara Inn and enjoy dinner at one of the great local eateries. (B,L)

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.

Oct 8- Time for breakfast and then to the train to go up into the Sierra Madres. We roll through the mountains to Cerocahui and the little San Isidro lodge. (B,L,D)

Cerocahui- This quiet little town sits in a beautiful valley and is a great place to overnight. We will stay above town nearer to the majestic Gallego overlook.

Oct 9- We have time to go over to Gallego and perhaps down to Urique if we want. . Then we reboard the train for the unsurpassed journey toward our evening destination, El Fuerte. Tunnels, bridges, canyons, mountains…have your cameras ready! Arrive in El Fuerte for dinner…this place is known for incredible food! (B,L)
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.
Oct 10 – A full day for relaxing and 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.

Oct 11 - Board the train in the morning headed northeast for Areponapuchi (Posada Barrancas station). We arrive at this tiny town and a local lodge- above the canyon- Mansion Tarahumara. Dinner, relax as well as perhaps 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,L,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.Horses are available here- huge views!

Oct 12– All day to enjoy ziplines, gondola, hiking, etc….and relax! Then off to San Juanito by van and we arrive at the relaxing wooded Noritari near San Juanito- a unique cabin style solar hotel with a gourmet cook. A great night to enjoy dinner, chat with the chef, and take a stroll along the stream through the mountains. (B,L,D)

Noritari- This unique 80 hectare site is dotted with cabins with fireplaces, private baths, solar lighting- the nearby stream flows and the pines whisper.

Oct 13- A relaxing breakfast and then off through the ranch country to Casas Grandes, We return to Casa de Nopal and go directly to Mata Ortiz. Dinner at a local hacienda. (B,D)

Mata Ortiz- - The tiny village of Mata Ortiz is an artistic mecca. The pottery from this area is very special and known around the world for its intricacy and character.

Oct 14-  Relax as we finish what we may have missed. Leave Casas by 2 or 3p and 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! We cross back into the USA and  to our El Paso hotel. (B)

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

Oct 15- Fly home. (B)

• Price for this trip is $1695 USD per person. Single room, add $300.

• This includes all guides, transport, food, and hotels except your visa, 6 meals, gondola and zipline, and alcohol. I will supply an overview of expected personal expenses.

• Deposit is $500 per  person.

• Payable to TopTrips, 514 South Edwin, Champaign, Il 61821.

For Authentic Copper Canyon, I have tried to design trips to maximize people’s experience in Copper Canyon. So our trip designs may cost a bit more than the big bus trips or may be a bit longer. To be sure, when designing trips, I pick the starting point that is best for the guests.

The Copper Canyon train rolls out of Chihuahua City and Los Mochis every morning.

Our default is to enter through El Paso, Texas and cross at St. Teresa, NM and (except when the trip includes the fantastic Baja option) to return to that point to leave Mexico. Here are the reasons:

1. The Casas Grandes area can be included. Paquime is not to be missed. The amazing pottery at Mata Ortiz is worth every moment. The ranch land in this high desert area is vast and breathtaking.

2. This route minimizes driving time. The bus rides that other companies include from Arizona to the west end and out are LOOOOOONG.

3. Flights to and from El Paso are cheap and this allows us to focus the cost of your trip there on a full immersion in the Copper Canyon scene.

4. Using this approach we often don’t take the far east and west ends of the train, but actually travel the heart of the railway twice- a real treat. The east and west ends are relatively uneventful and missing them gives focus to the trip.

This being said, here are some points about our itineraries:

1. If you want to include Baja, this plan  works well. Fly into El Paso (ELP) and return from Cabo (SJD). This plan keeps airline costs down.

2. El Fuerte is a fine two night stop in the middle of the trip. There is much more of real Mexico to enjoy here than in Los Mochis. El Fuerte has a great market, neat river ride and petro glyphs, and a fine display of colonial architecture. The plaza is a nice place to sit and watch the locals stroll.

3. One can always fly into Chihuahua City and this does give a bit more focus to the journey. The prob is that the tickets are high. Chihuahua City is served by American from Dallas and United from Houston.

4. The train goes to Copper Canyon from both ends every day. First class that is. Economy is on an every other day (not Wednesday) schedule.

Remember that with Authentic Copper Canyon, our itineraries are designed just for your interests and we always travel in small groups.

Food- The food on the train and the places we stay are safe. We often eat street food- delicious. My only cautions are street and market vendors that are dirty.

Water- Best precaution is to drink bottled water. You can fill at the places we stay or buy it on the street, in a little store or on the train.

Valuables- The train is secure as are the places we stay. Still it is a good thing to keep your money, credit cards, passport, camera, jewelry, any little valuables, etc with you.

Credit/ATM cards- Handy to have as you can quickly get pesos with them at ATMs or use them for a purchase some places. NOTE: call your card provider before you leave home and give them the dates you are going to be in Mexico.

Money- bring some for your 4 meals and other stuff- like $400 or so- more if you like to drink a lot and you want to buy significant souvenirs. You can get pesos at your bank, but I recommend getting them at the El Paso airport or in Mexico.

Being alone- Use common sense. We travel in safe places, yet it is a good practice to avoid certain sleazy places and to always go in pairs.

You cannot bring back more than 2 liquors, firearms, plants, prescriptions you purchase there with no scrip, illegal drugs, fruit, pork, etc. You cannot take any of the above across the border either way.

Bring some hand sanitizer, bug repellent.

Take time to let the wonder soak in.

For any other questions on schedule, seasons, etc look around this site or call Dave at 217.369.9897. email davehensleigh@gmail.com

People enjoy riding the rails through this vast land with Dave Hensleigh, and he enjoys it too! His experience, his keen insight on the land and culture of the country, his unbridled passion for the experience there- all of this combines to make him the ideal Copper guide.

Roots:

Dave hails from rural Kansas and was educated in the Midwest and Texas, earning an undergrad in Math and a Masters in Biology. All through his youth, the trails, mountains, grasslands and wild places of the Midwest and West were his haunt. One summer in college was spent roaming Yosemite, and since, backpacking the Sierras has been a hobby.

Experience:

For thirty years, Dave has been leading groups of people on trips and adventures and his cumulative experience in this work is vast. Several years ago he connected with Copper Canyon, fell in love with the place and its people, and immersed himself in the Sierra Madre culture.

Vision:

He started Authentic Copper Canyon with a vision to give curious travelers a vivid experience in the true life of Copper and its people- not simply a vacation or resort experience. Recently, writers traveling with Dave on the train referred to him as a “relationship machine.”  No one on the train is a stranger and he has friendships up and down the canyon. Dave is curious and loves to facilitate the serendipitous journeys for which Authentic Copper Canyon is famous.

The Team:

Dave has assembled a team of guides and providers in the Sierra Madres that work together to provide vivid, safe and memorable experiences for each guest. This articulate group are experts on  the history, wildlife, and lore of the Copper Canyon region.

Welcome Aboard!

Travel with Dave for just a day and you will know the place more deeply, you will meet and enjoy some new Mexican friends…and your life will be enriched.

Dave Hensleigh, 217.369.9897, davehensleigh@gmail.com

• Authentic Copper Canyon will operate as the world’s best Copper Canyon tour company with the highest standards of integrity and excellence.

• The owners of this venture are followers of Jesus Christ and will seek to implement his ways and teachings as a guide for all planning and decisions.

• Our target is that each guest has an excellent experience and is enthusiastic about their trip.

In Copper Canyon We value:

-Excellence- best in the world at what we do… period

-Creativity- we will consistently be developing our trips to assure a quality and authentic experience

-Collaboration- we will work together with our partners and vendors in a win/win deal or no deal at all

-Teamwork- right people on the bus and in the right seats on the bus …and they know it

-Knowledge of our target- we KNOW Mexico and in particular the Sierra Madres inside out

-Communication- we never hesitate to update our team and our guests

-Relationship- with each other and every guest (present and potential) is priceless

-Character- this is a higher priority than skill

-Caring for our employees and contractors and their families – team, loyalty, contribution

-Serving the Mexican people and contributing to every environment we encounter

-“Leave no Trace” and leave it better than we found it

-Leadership that is clear, communicative and servant oriented

-Go the extra mile for each other and our guests

It is actually several vast canyons which sprawl over the Sierra Madres in northern Mexico. These gorges are more widespread and at several points deeper than our Grand Canyon. The Copper Canyon train (CHEPE) stretches through the heart of this romantic country. CHEPE is cited as one of the world’s great railroads. The area is enchanting…filled with colonial architecture, old world Mexico cordiality, and the fascinating Tarahumara Indian culture,

Each Copper Canyon train trip

…is a week-long, excursion by bus and train into the magnificent Copper Canyon of Mexico. Participants will experience Mexican culture, history, and local people, not to mention the fantastic topography and scenery of the Sierra Madres.

About Authentic Copper Canyon:

Our purpose is to provide a genuine “real Mexico” experience for you that will enrich your life and the lives of our friends in Mexico.

We accomplish this by keeping our groups small and being sure your trip is excellent and in touch with the culture and customs of the Copper Canyon area. We take you to real Mexico…and our trademark is to walk the streets, experience the land, and truly appreciate the Sierra Madre vibe.

We value spontaneity, fun, and the enrichment of all involved.

Each of our adventures will be safe, well-planned, memorable, and most of all an authentic experience.

What are the trips like?

A typical day includes 2-4 hours rolling along on the train, some time to explore at our destination, and always something memorable…like visiting a Tarahumara village, taking a short hike to a beautiful vista point overlooking the canyon, exploring a genuine Mexican market, etc.

The train is fun…you can lean out the window and gawk at the knock-out views or hang out in the dining car and try your Spanish or relax in your seat and visit or whatever!

Copper Canyon is actually several canyons and it is huge- more vast and deeper than our Grand Canyon. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

The hotels are off the beaten path and yet safe, clean, and they all have hot water. The food is wonderful and the drinkable water is available everywhere.

One thing to note is that since our groups are small, trips can be altered to fit the interests and experience of the group. Itineraries are not guaranteed.

What are the benefits of experiencing one of these train trips?

There are huge opportunities for photography and exploring the back roads of rural Mexico. You will learn history and lore of the romantic Sierra Madres. Cultural lessons abound as we are immersed in the Tarahumara areas next door to old colonial Mexico. The trip includes lots of delicious local cuisine. The train is a technological and historical wonder passing through 86 tunnels and crossing 37 bridges.

Call Dave today at 217.369.9897 to get info on our next trip to Copper Canyon. Or just email davehensleigh@gmail.com.

Norteno Food: Zarela is a well known chef in her own right and her son Aaron Sanchez of Food Network fame will be invloved as well.

Mata Ortiz Pottery: Diego Valles will demonstrate the unique Mata Ortiz techniques and also display his incredible work. Also Ron Bridgeman of Mata Ortiz Calendar will present

Copper Canyon: I will be communicating the wonders of this place and hopefully a rep from the Copper Canyon train will also be involved.

Raramuri Runners: We are working to get two of the top barefoot runners to New York as well. Perhaps it will be possible to include Miguel Lara, winner of the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon a few weeks ago. These guys are truly “Born to Run“.

If you would like to help sponsor these runners financially, call me, Dave, at 217.369.9897. I hope to raise their support as well as $1000 to buy corn and beans for their Porochi ejido.

Miguel Lara (center) and his running buddies in Copper Canyon.