Three Cultures

This eight-day trip begins at sea level and will take you through the Sierra Tarahumara up to more than 2400 m. Travel on one of the 10 most spectacular train routes in the world with the Chepe Express. Enjoy impressive views over the fascinating landscapes of the Copper Canyon. Experience up close the cultures of the Yoreme-Mayo and Tarahumara Indigenous and learn about the traditions of the Mennonites. Admire the second highest waterfall in Mexico, Basaseachi. Interesting insights into colonial Mexico will complete the journey.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Chepe Express: experience the adventurous journey on the legendary Chepe Express train that will take you between impressive ravines until reaching the home of the Rarámuris Indians: La Sierra Tarahumara. This train route is considered one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.

Sierra Tarahumara: with its majestic winter landscape, home of the largest canyon in the world – the Copper Canyon.

Valley of the Monks: unusual rock formation located in the heart of the Alta Sierra Tarahumara in the Copper Canyon with spectacular views.

Day 1: ARRIVAL LOS MOCHIS

Upon arrival at Los Mochis airport transfer to your hotel, check in and prepare for the late afternoon guided tour of the city. Visit the botanical garden and board a boat to ride through the port of Topolobampo.

Overnight in Los Mochis.

Day 2: LOS MOCHIS – EL FUERTE (140km – 2.5hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the colonial city of El Fuerte, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time. You can optionally visit the town of Capomos to get up close to Yoreme-Mayo culture. In the late afternoon prepare for a guided tour of the historic center of El Fuerte. Visit the square, the city hall, the museum and the boardwalk overlooking the El Fuerte river.

Overnight in El Fuerte.

Day 3: EL FUERTE – CEROCAUHI (5hrs by train)

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning. We recommend taking a raft ride on the Fuerte River to watch the birds and enjoy pure nature. At around 9.30 am transfer to the train station to start your journey aboard the Chepe Express Tourist Class train. Upon arrival at Bahuichivo station transfer to your hotel in Cerocahui. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure. Take a walk on your own through the picturesque town of Cerocahui. We recommend visiting the Mission of San Javier, the Valley of the Lions, the Huicochi waterfall or the vineyards located on the edge of the town. At the end of the day return to the hotel and enjoy dinner (included).

Overnight in Cerocahui.

Day 4: CEROCAUHI – DIVISADERO (23km – 1hr)

After breakfast get ready for the tour to the viewpoint of Gallego Hill from where you will appreciate the deepest canyon in the entire Copper Canyon system "The Urique Canyon" 1890mts. Return to the hotel for lunch (included) and then transfer to your next destination, Divisadero. In the late afternoon enjoy a guided walk visiting Tarahumara cave and appreciating various views of the Urique – Tararecua and Copper Canyon. At the end of the day return to the hotel and enjoy dinner (included). 

Overnight in Divisadero.

Day 5: DIVISADERO

After breakfast get ready for a guided walk to the viewpoint of Divisadero, La Piedra Volada. Stop at the local market full of handicrafts and souvenirs made by Raramuris. Next, drive to the Barrancas del Cobre National Park where you can participate in various adventure activities (not included, to be paid directly) such as Cable car, Zip rider, Via Ferrata and zip line 7 stations. Then drive back to your hotel where you will enjoy lunch. Enjoy the afternoon free at leisure. We suggest an optional hike to a Tarahumara cave and various viewpoints overlooking the Barranca del Cobre. Or visiting a Rarámuri community to cook a regional dish and weave a Rarámuri basket. In the evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Divisadero.

Day 6: DIVISADERO – CREEL (130km – 3.2hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the magic town of Creel. Then visit the Valley of the Monks with astonishing rock formations, Lake Arareco with its snowy landscape resembling Scandinavian lakes, the Mission of San Ignacio with a lot of history and a Tarahumara cave where the indigenous inhabitants still live in the traditional way. Spend the afternoon free at leisure. We recommend walking on your own through the magic town on Creel visiting the main square, the museum or the Cristo Rey viewpoint.

Overnight in Creel.

Day 7: CREEL – CHIHUAHUA (260km – 3.5hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Chihuahua, stopping en route to visit Candameña Canyon and admire Basaseachic Falls, Mexico’s second-highest waterfall at 246 meters. (This visit is available only during the rainy season from July to November. From December to June, due to low rainfall, we will instead explore Namurachi Canyon). Additionally, you may opt to visit a Mennonite family or the Mennonite Museum in Cuauhtémoc (last entry at 15:00). Upon arrival in Chihuahua, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Chihuahua.

Day 8: DEPARTURE CHIHUAHUA

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a guided walking tour of the city. Visit the Cathedral, the zocalo, the Pancho Villa museum and Quinta Gameros. Then, transfer to the Chihuahua airport for your return flight.

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling to the north of Mexico. However, the climate can be hot, raining in summer and cold, especially in winter, therefore we recommend bringing warm clothes, a raincoat and umbrella. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.