|
Why
Copper Canyon
is special
The Copper Canyon is a landscape of raw and rugged natural beauty. Its terrain is
remote and sparsely populated, which enhances the appeal.
Tips & insights on
Copper Canyon in Mexico
 Most
visitors come to ride the 650 kilometer (400 mile) long Copper Canyon Railroad
journey from the Sea of Cortez to inland Chihuahua. The train hugs the cliff
rims, giving you spectacular views.
There
are two types of Copper Canyon trains: The Economy Class and First Class Express
nicknamed Chepe. The latter is more expensive but a better value. It leaves two hours earlier,
which means more daylight sightseeing time. Moreover, it makes fewer station stops
and, obviously, is more comfortable.
The
best part of the Copper Canyon route lies between the coastal city of Las Mochis and the
"half way to Chihuahua" villages
named Divisadero and Creel. The remainder of the route to
the end of the line in Chihuahua is relatively mundane.
The
full railroad journey takes 13 to 14 hours. Therefore, if you start your trip in
Chihuahua, it may be dark before your train reaches most of the best Copper
Canyon sights.
I
recommend you start in Los Mochis instead. It will be morning and midday when you
pass the highlights.
Many
tourists take the train straight through. Their only off-train canyon viewing
opportunity is in Divisadero and lasts for only 20 rushed minutes.
Some
tourists broaden their Copper Canyon trip by staying over in Divisadero (which has
several nice cliff-hugging hotels) or Creel (which doesn't). The next day the visitors continue on
to Chihuahua or backtrack to Los Mochis.
Other
tourists spend several or more days en route so they can trek or
horseback down into Copper Canyon.
You
can also learn about the interesting culture of the indigenous Tarahumara
(Raramuri) people by visiting their small communities.
I
recommend Divisadero over its tourism rival Creel for an overnighter because the latter lacks
spectacular canyon views. However, if you have ample trip time and want a wider
choice of excursion opportunities, Creel may be your better bet.
Be
aware that the climate undergoes marked seasonal changes.
 July
to September
- Lots of rain and thunder - and it's quite hot.
October
to November - Temperatures are moderate, sunny days abound, and
mountains are lush green, thanks to the summer storms.
December
to March
- Night temperatures can be sub-freezing.
April
to June
- Temperatures are mild and little rain falls, but the landscape is parched, not
green.
Originally,
"Copper Canyon" defined a particular member of a group of contiguous canyons.
Today, nearly everyone - including the tourism board - also uses that name to
define the whole group.
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in Mexico
 
My phrase guide
for travelers
What every visitor should know.
My Mexican
cuisine guide
 |
