Destinations: Mexico’s Natural Wonder: The Copper Canyon
by Bill Eagle

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An occasional glimpse of the Tarahumara Indians who have lived in the Sierra Madre Range for more than four centuries.

And, the promise of an unforgettable adventure into one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets: the Copper Canyon.

The “Barranca del Cobre” is actually a series of canyons that lie in the state of Chihuahua in northwestern Mexico. The Copper Canyon is four times larger than America’s Grand Canyon, with narrower, deeper, and longer ravines covering 25,000 square miles of territory.

This natural wonder also offers a tremendous selling point compared to other south-of-the-border attractions: the Copper Canyon Railroad. Finished in 1961, the Chepe (as locals call it – the full name is Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico) runs through 39 bridges and 86 tunnels scattered over 400 miles of track that crosses the Continental Divide three times. With one complete 360-degree loop descending into one canyon, and a 180-degree turn that occurs inside one of the tunnels, it’s no surprise that Readers Digest dubbed Chepe the most dramatic train ride in the Western Hemisphere.

The most scenic portion of the track stretches from sea level at El Fuerte or Los Mochis to Creel (about 8,000 feet high) or Chihuahua, the state’s capital. This adventure offers about 12 hours of train travel punctuated with a stop in Divisadero Barrancas to buy authentic Tarahumara hand-woven grass baskets and take a panoramic shot of the Urique canyon.

Beyond the train ride, you can explore the canyons by hiking into them on foot from various train stops or hiring a local guide with horses or burros.

The Copper Canyon region offers your clients a picture of Mexico without beachside resorts and the smoggy feel of the big cities. It’s the perfect introduction to the country for your more adventurous clients who will appreciate the “roughing it” options – and, it’s a natural upsell for jaded travelers who’ve seen Acapulco and Cancun already.

You won’t find many full-service, all-suite hotels in this region. Instead, prepare yourself for dealing with a wide range of comfortable, well-managed inns and lodges offering all levels of accommodation (from rustic camps where the generator shuts off in the early evening to family-owned hotels offering personal service that will remind you of Ritz-Carlton training).

Though you can definitely plan Copper Canyon trips from scratch (the Chepe’s Web site for train schedules and bookings is www.ferromex.com.mx), your best bet will be partnering with a reputable, experienced tour company serving the region. Try Collette Vacations, Brennan Vacations (part of the Globus family), and Tauck World Discovery for starters.

(Photo credits: VisitMexico.com; Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico)