Frequently asked questions about Copper Canyon Mexico travel

How do I book the scheduled Easter or Mata Ortiz trip?

1. Send us a trip inquiry with your contact information. We will return your inquiry promptly by email and confirm by phone.
2. Read the terms and conditions carefully.
3. Use the sign-up interactive form. Mail a copy of the email receipt returned from the sign-up submission with your $500.00 per person deposit within 14 days to reserve the time slot you have chosen.
4. Print and send via mail or fax the signed release form.
5. Pay the balance due 2 months prior to departure, either via mail with a check, or by credit card, using the paypal button on the terms and conditions page. top of page

How do I book a custom trip for my group?

1. Gather your group, whether friends, family or colleagues, and send us a trip inquiry with specific dates and goals.
2. Email Santiago with detailed information about your group and your travel goals to begin planning your trip.
3. Discuss the custom trip via phone. We don't have a toll free number, but we can return a phone call to you if you provide your number.
4. Read the terms and conditions carefully.
5. Use the sign-up interactive form. Mail a copy of the email receipt returned from the sign-up submission with your $500.00 per person deposit within 14 days to reserve the time slot you have chosen.
6. Print and send via mail or fax the signed release form.
7. Pay the balance due 2 months prior to departure, either via mail with a check, or by credit card, using the paypal button on the terms and conditions page. top of page

Do you take children into the backcountry?

Yes. Santiago and the local guide team especially enjoy family groups. Two adventurous families with 6 children between them, all between age 5 and 11, had a wonderful time hiking the trail between Batopilas and Urique. Another group of 3 generations ranged in age from 9 months to 65 years. Backcountry travel is safe, fun and educational for children. We encourage you to plan a family adventure with us!

Do you take school groups into the Copper Canyon backcountry?

Yes. Santiago and local guide teams work with eighth grade students at Headwaters Academy in Bozeman, Montana for a yearly service trip to Copper Canyon. Students now support the building of a school in a remote Tarahumara village.
Copper Canyon is a rich natural history experience for students. We encourage schools to sponsor group service trips. Students aged 14 and up are ready to experience backcountry travel in the Copper Canyon. Talk to Santiago about the numerous possibilities for your students.

How many people do you need to book a group trip?

Trips can be planned for 4-10 people. A trip for 2 - 4 people will cost about $7,000. For 10 people the total is about $19,000.
If you plan to start your trip from Los Mochis, add about $600 per 4 people for transportation from the airport to your hotel in El Fuerte, lodging and train ticket between El Fuerte and Creel. top of page

Can you make air reservations for us?

No. You need to make your own plane reservations to your gateway destination. Gateway cities are El Paso, Chihuahua and Los Mochis. A jet airport is planned for Creel, but until it is built flying is limited to these three locations for the most expedient access to the canyons.
In many ways, flying into Los Mochis and out of Chihuahua is the ideal, but often this proves the most expensive route. Flying to and from El Paso is the least costly, but involves a border crossing both ways. We do provide private transport from the El Paso airport, through the border crossing, to the bus station in Juarez. It is a 5 hour ride via first class express bus to Chihuahua. Private jets can be accommodated in Los Mochis and in Chihuahua.

What are the best times of the year to travel in the Copper Canyon?

We recommend travel from October through April because temperatures are more moderate and the summer rains have tapered off.
Expect daytime temperatures in canyon bottoms to range from 70 to 90 degrees. Nights will cool off pleasantly.
The high mesa temperatures will hover around 70 in the day and lower to 25-35 at night. Dress with layers to accommodate the temperature changes.
Summer travel can be quite pleasant in the high sierra country. The Tarahumara ejido lands in the high mesas are recommended for summer trips. top of page

How much time do I need for a trip in the Copper Canyon?

10 days is the absolute minimum number. Overland travel is rugged and slow. Expect to arrive in the canyon bottoms on your third day of travel. Leaving can be condensed to two days.

What are the elevation ranges in the Copper Canyon?

The canyon bottoms are 1500 feet. The mesas are an average of 7500 feet.
There are 4 different biotic zones in the Copper Canyon. They are the tropical-subtropical riparian, the arid tropical thornforest, the pinion-oak woodland and the madrean conifer forest.

I have never been camping. Will I be able to do it?

Our trips are an excellent opportunity to learn some outdoor survival skills. If you are reasonably fit, have a flexible spirit and bring your sense of humor, you will enjoy the backcountry portion of the trip.
Expect to walk about 7 miles per day. We provide an extra mule in case of injuries or other discomfort on the trail.

Do you provide camping equipment?

We can provide tents but prefer that you bring your own sleeping bag. We can rent sleeping bags for you if needed. Independent travellers wishing to take advantage of the discounts should have all their own camping gear. We bring the kitchen. See the pack list for items you need to bring. top of page

What is the food like?

Delicious! Your guides are excellent backcountry cooks. Our standard fare includes fresh fruit and vegetables and home made tortillas. Special food and drink requests can be accommodated.

I am concerned about health issues. What is the water quality like?

Santiago has been trained in wilderness first response and is prepared to deal with health emergencies. Please see the health matters section of our travel tips page.
We take special care in boiling and treating the water used on the trip. We use iodine drops to insure safety even after prolonged boiling.
Evacuation insurance is an option that is available through several travel insurance companies. Check with your travel agent or deal directly with Travelex Insurance.

Do you do horse packing trips?

We can arrange horse/mule travel for your group on a custom basis. Please inquire well ahead of your planned departure.

Are there bugs and poisonous snakes?

There are noseeums in Los Mochis/El Fuerte, so bring bug spray. The canyons don't generally have a bug problem until the summer months. The same is true for snakes and scorpions. They prefer the hot season. Santiago says bugs, snakes and scorpions are not likely to appear during the fall, winter and spring, but precautions are always taken just in case. Watch the trail and shake your shoes, clothing and sleeping bag for scorpions. top of page

I want to ride the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico train. Which direction is best?

Begin from Los Mochis/El Fuerte for best viewing time. The Copper Canyon train trip from Los Mochis to Chihuahua begins at 6 am and has 36 major bridges and 87 tunnels. The train follows a spectacular route from sea level to a maximum elevation of more than 8,000 feet.

Can you make lodging and train reservations for us?

Yes. We have an associate who can transport you from the airport in Los Mochis to El Fuerte, about 60 miles, where you will stay in a historic Spanish colonial hotel. You will be driven to the train station in the morning. Santiago will meet you at the train station in Creel.

I don't want to camp. What other options are there?

Your group can plan a lodge based trip, or you may join the scheduled Semana Santa with the Tarahumara trip, Semana Santa with the Tarahumara, which is a homestay in a remote mountain village.
Day hikes and horseback rides can be planned for lodge or homestay trips. Let us know what your interests are. Revisit the destinations page on this website to review the options. top of page

I am interested in Tarahumara culture. What are the most important festival days?

Easter is by far the most important and elaborate celebration for the Tarahumara. We offer an experience of this ritual in the most traditional part of the canyons.
Other festival days are for the Virgen of Guadelupe, December 11 & 12, Christmas, December 24 & 25, Epiphany, January 5 & 6, and Dia de Candelaria, February 1 & 2. Please contact us early to book a trip during the other festival days.

I want to bring something to help the Tarahumara. What is best to bring?

The gift of glasses has given Jesusita the use of her hands again for weaving and sewing. Many of the mountain people are in need. If you are able to help with the distribution program, please send or bring a pair of reading glasses with a case.
(1.50 2.50) Other useful and appreciated items are glass beads and pocket knives.

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