Nature & History Adventure in Mexico's Northwest: Chihuahua, Sinaloa & Copper Canyon - 8 Days

Highlights

• See Mexico's revolutionary history in Chihuahua
• Ride the famous El Chepe Express through Copper Canyon
• Tour the historic town of El Fuerte and go rafting on the river
• Visit a Tarahumara family for a traditional cooking class

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chihuahua, City Tour

Welcome to northwest Mexico and Chihuahua! This is the capital city of the eponymous state, which happens to be the biggest in the country. Chihuahua also boasts an equally grand historical legacy, as it figured prominently in Mexico's fight for independence in the early 19th century. It was here that priest and freedom fighter Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, considered the father of Mexican independence, was executed by the Spanish in 1811 after leading his famous revolt. 

After checking in to your hotel, you'll head out to learn about Chihuahua's independence and revolutionary history on a walking tour of the city's historic center. The most famous landmark you'll visit is the Catedral Metropolitana de Chihuahua. Construction began on this sandstone cathedral back in 1725, and it took almost a century to complete. Today it's recognized as one of the most important Baroque churches in northern Mexico. The Museo de Arte Sacro (Museum of Sacred Art) is inside the church, which houses a fine collection of 18th-century oil paintings.

Day 2: Chihuahua to Creel, Outdoor Activities

Wake up early for the drive from Chihuahua City south into the mountains and Creel. This is one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), a special designation the country has bestowed on some 132 places that have demonstrated historical importance, rich culture, and exceptional beauty. Creel earned this distinction not only for being home to indigenous Tarahumara culture but also for being the gateway to the Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon), a network of 20 canyons formed by six rivers in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. 

After enjoying the scenic mountain drive up to Creel, you'll embark on some outdoor adventures. Despite being a vast wilderness, many people inhabited this area—particularly the Tarahumara people, descendants of the Aztecs, who have lived here for centuries. You'll even visit a cave home to a family whose lineage has lived there for almost 100 years. Then see the majestic Cusarare Waterfall, which plunges 98 feet (30 m), and take a boat ride on Lake Arareco. Another option is a hike through the Valley of the Mushrooms, known for its unique rock formations that resemble... well, you can probably guess. 

Day 3: Creel to Cerocahui, Jesuit Mission & Wine Tasting

The best way to experience Copper Canyon is by riding the Chepe Express around its mountains, gorges, and forests. In the morning, you'll board this train, which will take you from Creel further into the wilderness and the tiny ranching town of Cerocahui. It's built around the historic San Jose de Cerocahui, a mission church built by the Jesuits in 1680. You'll get to visit this church on a tour of the town.

The Jesuits also brought wine to this region in the 1700s, as its temperate year-round climate is perfect for growing grapes. Besides the mission, you'll tour vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting. Afterward, you'll head to your hotel in Cerocahui, where you'll overnight. 

Day 4: Day Trip to Cerro del Gallego & Urique Canyon

Another benefit to Cerocahui is that it's ideally located near Urique Canyon (Tarahumara word meaning "place of ravines"). Situated in the southwest of Chihuahua, this is the deepest canyon in the region at around 6,200 feet (1,879 m) deep. And the most stunning lookout point to witness Urique is Cerro del Gallego, a short trip from  Cerocahui. In the morning, you'll visit Cerro del Gallego and snap photos at this viewpoint that looks down over 6,562 feet (2,000 m) to the valley floor. These are some of the best views in Mexico.

Day 5: Cerocahui to El Fuerte, Walking Tour

In the morning, you'll board the Chepe Express once again to depart Cerocahui. Enjoy the first-class ride as it takes you south from Chihuahua and into northern Sinaloa state and the small city of El Fuerte, which sits on the mighty El Fuerte River. After checking in to your hotel, you'll take a walking tour of this city's well-preserved historic center. 

Conquistadors founded the city in 1563, and the name "El Fuerte" derives from a fortress built to protect the town from attacks by the Mayo indigenous people. You won't miss a replica of this fort, which houses the Museo Fuerte Mirador. This museum showcases Mayo artifacts, weapons, and other items from the colonial era. You'll also visit the Plaza de Armas, a lovely square with tall palms and fountains. Around the plaza are the neoclassical Palacio Municipal (the 19th century municipal palace), and the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, an 18th century church built of pink quarry stone.

Day 6: Rafting on the Fuerte River, Transfer to Barranca del Cobre

Today you'll enjoy one of the most fun activities in this part of Sinaloa: a ride down the Fuerte River. Rather than braving wild rapids, you'll enjoy a leisurely cruise as your naturalist guide points out the exotic wildlife in the area. This is an excellent area for birding, as the banks' tropical forests are filled with doves, hummingbirds, and other species. You may even catch a glimpse of the beaded lizard, which can grow up to almost three feet.

Afterward, you'll head to the train station in El Fuerte and hop back on the Chepe Express north to Copper Canyon and the Barrancas/El Divisadero station. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your accommodation for the night.

Day 7: Parque Aventura & Cooking Class with Tarahumara Family

In the morning, you'll visit Parque Aventura, an amusement park in the middle of the Sierra Madre mountain range. You can enjoy fun outdoor adventures here, including canyon rappelling and rushing down the zip-line circuits. Today you'll be taking a 1-mile (3-km) ride on the park's teleférico (gondola cable car) high up into the mountains, where you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of canyons below.

Upon arrival at the top, you'll visit the indigenous Tarahumara community of Huetosachi, where you'll take a cooking class with a local family. You'll learn to prepare traditional dishes that have been a staple of the Tarahumara diet for centuries and are based around their culture of hunting and gathering locally available foodstuffs. These include staple items like beans, potatoes, greens, and, most prominently, corn. The Tarahumara even make their own corn liquor and corn beer.

Day 8: Copper Canyon to Chihuahua, Depart

In the morning, you'll head back down the mountains from Copper Canyon to Chihuahua City and the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. 

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