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

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.

Sometimes due to a hurried Copper Canyon trip or a poorly advised itinerary, people miss this grand area. Don’t.

We ALWAYS plan trips to include 2 nights and a room with a view above the little town of Areponapuchi. Hotel Mansion Tarahumara is our lodge of choice but the Mirador is also quite servicable.

2. El Fuerte

No matter if you Copper Canyon trip is starting in Los Mochis or Chihuahua City, don’t miss this little town. The plaza is old style, the market is lively with delicious local food, and the architecture is vintage.  We usually stay at Rio Vista hotel with Chal because of the view but there are other local places…like Real de Carapoa just off the square.

3. The waterfalls

Cusarare is one of my faves. You can see the falls along the train at the Temoris station stop. Sometimes we actually stay at this little town- I know of no other tour companies who do. The there is the majestic Basaiachic- beyond belief. One that is truly out of the way is above Cuiteco. Again most tour companies avoid this place- I love it!

Here’s the deal: best time for waterfalls is late July through November. At other times they may be dry.

4. Mata Ortiz

This place is north of the canyons and we always include the Casas Grandes area and Mata Ortiz as well as the Paquime ruins. the local pottery at Mata is amazing and all produced in home workshops.We are actually changing our Copper Canyon trips now to include this place on the way in and out as well.

The finished product...amazing!

5. Copper Canyon

Yes. Don’t go to Copper Canyon and miss Copper Canyon. so many packaged tours whisk up and down the train line and people see little of it. So…

• Take your time and stop in the little towns
• Travel both ways on the train
• Don’t sit and read books or talk about politics on the train. Go lean out the window!
• Just sit somewhere and let the vastness of this grand place soak in. Like Gallego overlook, the Batoplilas road, the Temoris overlook, the Christo Rey above Creel or wherever.

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

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

• 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

Here are some highlights for each season.

Spring- very dry and weather is easy to handle.

Summer- starting July 1 or so it rains often. This greens everything up and the water falls flow.

Fall- green and cool- some think this is the ideal season, but it can get stormy.

Winter- nice at lower elevations. We might get a snow at higher places.

Here is our 2012 calendar for Copper Canyon tours- including both New Years trips.

Here is what the La Cava website says:

La Cava (the cellar) has been in business since 1993. During these past years it has been our pleasure to welcome and provide hospitality to guests from across Mexico, the USA, and many foreign countries.

La Cava is located in the primary fruit growing region of Mexico. The area abounds with apple, peach, and cherry trees. Therefore, you can look forward to our menu of main course items and desserts prepared with fresh-from-the-orchard fruits. Our main course specialties are traditional Mexican meals of a variety of fish, beef, chicken, and pork dishes. Our menu changes daily, but we promise you will not be disappointed.

La Cava has a fully stocked bar and we will be pleased to make your favorite drink or one of our own.

We are open year round. The most beautiful months of the year in Ciudad Guerrero are March and April, when the fruit trees are in full bloom. Our rainy season is in the months of June and July. October and November are usually beautiful months, dry with crisp cool mornings at out elevation of 4,100 feet.

There is another place too- this one on the little plaza just to the east of the main one. Gabbys sits upstairs on the west side of this smaller plaza and has quite good meat dishes.

1. Copper Canyon is so huge.

It is hard to get your mind around how vast this place is...several canyons deeper and bigger than our Grand Canyon.

2. The Rarámuri or Tarahumara- the indigenous people.

My little friend "Once" from Carichic- one of the some 70,000 Raramuri in the Sierra Nevadas- truly a "people apart".

3. The train through Copper Canyon- CHEPE.

This amazing railway stretches across the rugged Copper Canyon and includes 37 bridges and 86 tunnels.

4. The little towns – the heart of rural Chihuahua.

The main dreg of the tiny village of Cuiteco- one that few tourists ever visit or even notice.

5. History and lore abound in Copper Canyon.

The old church in Cerocahui- the mission dates to the late 1500s.

6. Adventure travel options abound in Copper Canyon.

Copper Canyon has ziplines, rock climbing, horse riding, hiking...and some of the best remote swimming holes on the planet.

7. The food in Chihuahua is unique- very different from other parts of Mexico.

One of the great dishes of the Sierras- Agua Chile- more shrimp than you can finish!

8. The Mata Ortiz pottery…a true treasure of the Sierra Madres!

Juan Quezada with Dave Hensleigh in his studio at Mata Ortiz.

9. Oh the view from those ridges in Copper Canyon!

The views go on forever in this amazing place.

10. Our team of local Mexican guides there can give you the best in a Copper Canyon tour.

Alfredo Murillo...the fave of many of our Copper Canyon guests.

So join us soon in this majestic place!

Call Dave today at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail.com to get on board.

Kick off date is whenever you want it if you have 6 people or more and the highlights are:

-Noritari Lodge high above San Juanito

-Batopilas at the bottom- incredible!

-Creel

-Areponapuchi

-Temoris

-Casas Grandes

Here is the complete itinerary from a recent trip:

Dec 5- 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 and 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.

Dec 6- time for breakfast and look around town- then off to San Juanito by van through Mennonite country. (Early train is an option). 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. Enjoy.

Dec 7 – We are up early and this is our big day to van to Batopilas. This trip will take most of the day and will include some of the world’s greatest canyon views. Evening in the quiet and remote mining town.

Batopilas has so much to see and experience…it is a step back 300 years to the silver mining boom in Chihuahua- fascinating history and culture.

Dec 8- All day in Bato- lots to explore- we have many options and Gustavo will be our expert to get us there.

Dec 9- Plenty of time to finish up our experience in Batopilas then return to Creel- evening to relax.

Creel is a bustling little village with lots of restaurants and shops. There is also a great little museum and shop which gives loads of info on Tarahumara culture

Dec 10- Train late morning to Temoris through the heart of Copper Canyon…have your camera ready! Evening in this little mining town.

Temoris- An old mining town which has seen a recent renewal of mining activity. The town sits 3000 ft above the train and is near some of the most spectacular parts of the railway. The “pines grow near the limes” in this unusual Sierra climate….great air! Aside from the few miners, very few gringos visit this place.

Dec 11- Optional hike down to train and on to El Fuerte- evening at Rio Vista. Evening to stroll the square and relax.

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.

Dec 12- Petroglyphs, river trip. Perhaps evening meal with Evangelina at hacienda.

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.

Dec 13 – 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.

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.

Dec 14 – All day to enjoy ziplines, gondola, hiking, etc….and relax!

Dec 15 – 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.

Dec 16 – Plenty of time to explore Paquime ruins, Mata Ortiz pottery, etc. Dinner at hacienda.

Perhaps go up to Rancho Uno- Nature Conservancy reserve for evening.

…..and yes it is safe to travel in Mexico!

Dec 17- Up and off to El Paso to catch flights…or relax (if our flights are Dec 18) 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!

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.

Price for this trip with 6 min is $1980 USD per person. Single room, add $300.

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.

I will anchor this trip with the deposit of 5 guests. Deposit is $500 per person.

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