Trekking in the Copper Canyon, Mexico

Basic Pack List | Optional Pack List | Travel Tips | Health Matters
Terms and Conditions | Trip Sign-Up Form | Liability Release Form

Entry Requirements: You must bring proof of citizenship. A passport is preferred, however, US citizens may bring a birth certificate AND a photo ID. Non US citizens must check with their consulate regarding entry requirements. The Mexican Consulate may be contacted via this toll free number: 1-800-44-Mexico.

Basic gear

• One heavy duty duffel containing no more than 45 pounds of personal gear
• A day pack or fanny pack for snacks, water and other personal items
• Money belt
• 2 one liter size screw top water bottles
• Small flashlight with extra batteries
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• A tent, shared if possible, to reduce the load for burros.

REI
Campmor
Sierra Trading Post Outdoor Outlet

• Rain parka or poncho
• Light weight hiking boots
• Teva or Chaco sandals for water crossings
• 2 pair loose fitting long pants
• 2 pair light weight bermuda shorts (long shorts are preferred in Mexico)
• Swimming suit
• 4 T shirts (preferred over tank tops)
• Several changes of underwear and socks
• 2 long sleeve shirts - one heavy and one lightweight
• Fleece or other light jacket
• Light wool hat and gloves
• Hat with brim for sun protection
• Sun glasses
• Toiletries in ziplock bags- biodegradable soap, sun screen, lip balm, towel, packaged towelettes, tooth brush and paste, medicines, toilet paper, etc.
• Cup, bowl, plate, fork, spoon
• Matches or lighter
• Watch with alarm
• Pocket knife
• Moleskin AND Secondskin for blisters
• A sense of humour
• Lunch food

Optional Pack List | Top of page

• ATM Card (machines in Chihuahua City)
• Credit Card (Visa, AmEx, Mastercard in Chihuahua City)
• Film, camera, extra batteries
• Walking stick
• Binoculars
• A good book
• Spanish/English dictionary
• A Spanish/English joke book (Practice your standup routine while learning Spanish..)
• Pajamas
• Calculator
• Bandana
• Croakie or retainer for glasses
• Extra pair of glasses
• Whistle (For those who anticipate getting 'lost')
• Ziplock baggies
• Sweater or down vest
• Inflatable pillow
• Earplugs (For light sleepers)
• Fanny pack
• Iodine tablets or drops (purchase from outdoor sports retailer)
• Ace bandage or other joint wrap

Remember to travel light!!

Travel Tips | Top of page

Trip Insurance
We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation, baggage, medical, and/or emergency evacuation insurance. No one ever intends to cancel their vacation, however, unforeseen circumstances can change travel plans. In addition, many medical insurance companies do not provide coverage outside the U.S. For a modest price, insurance can be purchased for these and other concerns. Ask your travel agent or visit Travelex Insurance at their secure internet site. Or call their toll free number 1-800-867-9531.

Travel Documents
Make two copies of all your travel documents --the first page of your passport, airline tickets, travelers check records, vouchers, etc. Carry one set of copies apart from your original documents and leave the other with someone at home. Leave your business card in each bag for identification. Laminate the ID page of your passport and carry a copy with you apart from the original.

Empty your wallet of anything you will not be using during your trip. Leave expensive watches, rings, and jewelry at home. If you can not bear to lose it, don't bring it! A money belt worn under your clothes is recommended. A small waist belt or fanny pack is helpful for keeping your essentials accessible.

For safety's sake, assume that your checked baggage (if any) will be delayed or lost by the airline. Carry your water bottles, passport, travel documents, cash, traveler's checks, medicines, glasses, camera, film, toiletries, change of clothes, on board with you in your daypack. Consider wearing your hiking boots on the plane. Lost luggage is a rare occurrence, but it has happened. With this precaution, you will be able to join the group while we track your bags.

Clothing
Casual, comfortable and conservative are the main considerations. Use layers of clothing to provide warmth. Extreme elevation changes mean temperatures that may range between 30F in the high sierra to 85F in the canyon bottoms during the fall-spring travel season. Most people bring way too many clothes. Follow our packing guide and pack only what you need! Dark colors hide dirt best!

Money
Traveler's Checks are not recommended for back country Mexico since they are more difficult to spend than cash. It is a good idea to have small denominations of U.S. bills and $20-$30 in pesos when you arrive in Mexico. We encourage you to use pesos for all your transactions in Mexico rather than try to calculate the exchange rate each time. You may exchange dollars at many U.S. banks, at the airport, or at an exchange house nearby. Meals not provided in Mexico will cost ~$5 each (see itinerary for meal inclusions). Pesos are also needed if you wish to buy native handcrafts. Generally we recommend that you carry $200-$300 in cash.
Please contact Santiago if you wish to purchase larger craft items. He can advise you on the money needed and logistics of getting the larger items like blankets and drums home.

Tipping
The following are guidelines for when and how much to tip. Tipping, of course, is at your discretion. The Spanish word for tip is propina.

First, get comfortable with the peso. Until you are sure of its value you can easily make mistakes. Some of those heavy coins may be worth pennies. It's embarrassing to tip someone 2 cents for carrying your bags to your room. On the other hand, when you have just eaten a great meal that cost a fraction of what you usually spend at home, it's easy to tip 50%. Neither is good. Aspire to fit in, to operate like the local people. Don't hesitate to consult with Santiago if you are confused about the currency.

• Restaurants: a 10% tip is acceptable and appreciated. Tips are sometimes included in your bill so look closely.
• Baggage Handlers: tip $.50-$1 per bag, depending on their helpfulness.
• Hotel Maids: tip $1 per day per person. They work hard, make very little, and are often forgotten.
• Taxi Drivers: not usually tipped unless some extraordinary service is performed. Always remember to agree on the price before you get moving.
• Drivers of private vans: tip about $2 per person per day.
• Local Guides: tipped $2-$3 per person per day depending on service.

Personal Safety
We are frequently asked, "Is it safe there?" While there are no guarantees, you will probably be safer during your trip than you are at home. Rumours abound about violence related to drug trafficking in Mexico, but rest assured that as a traveler you will not be affected by this clandestine industry which is generally more hidden than in many U.S. cities. Theft is not common where we travel, but it could happen. When visiting regions with a lower standard of living than ours, be prudent. Possessions we take for granted can present a huge temptation. For example, your camera could easily cost a local person 6 months of pay!

A small lock for your bag is a good idea. Keep an eye on your things, and help your fellow travelers watch their gear too. Wear a money belt, and don't carry all your money in one place. Use a hotel safe if available and necessary. Be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings can be viewed here.

Culture Crossing
Our intention is to have minimal impact on the areas we visit and on the people who live there. Bring a flexible attitude, an open mind and practice common courtesy.

Make an attempt to speak Spanish, even if it's only to say "hello", "Excuse me", or "Thanks". Your efforts will be appreciated. Interaction with the locals often initiates the encounters that make traveling so much fun!

Photography can be a touchy issue, especially for the Tarahumara. Use your camera with courtesy and discretion. If you first attempt to engage someone in conversation you may be allowed to take a photo, and you might make a friend.

We are likely to see poverty and living conditions that may make us feel uncomfortable. Beggars will possibly approach you. In some areas begging is discouraged, but if you feel like giving a few small coins to the needy and disabled, that should be alright. It is customary among the Tarahumara for the better off families to share with those less fortunate. In this sense, what looks like begging to us may be an expression of the custom of Korima. Consult with Santiago if the question arises.

Film: bring all you think you will need. Better to have too much than not enough!

Health Matters | Top of page

Before the trip

Think of your health when you first make plans to travel, and discuss your plans with your doctor, if necessary. Find out if there are any health hazards you might encounter in the places you will be visiting, and check on which vaccines may be necessary or advisable. Some shots must be given in series, with specific time intervals required between them, so plan well in advance. Keep a record of any shots you receive.

The Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/travel/ can be consulted for information by country on disease prevalence and immunization requirements. The CDC "Summary of Health Information for International Travel" is issued biweekly. It provides current information on worldwide epidemics and health conditions and is also available through your state or local public health department. Record required immunizations on the WHO approved "International Certificates of Vaccination" form available through state and local health departments and travel clinics.

There is now an effective vaccination for Hepatitis A called Havrix. Two doses are required, one 4 weeks prior to travel, the second 6 months later. This provides 10-15 years protection. This vaccine is optional but Hepatitis A is prevalent in Mexico. If you choose not to get the vaccine, be sure to carry iodine drops or tablets for occasions where bottled water is unavailable. (Santiago provides iodine purification for the camping portion of your trip.)
Also be sure your tetanus booster is up to date.

General Advice

Food: Eat only fruits and vegetables that can be peeled -and peel them yourself. Heat kills germs; eat food served steaming hot. Avoid uncooked salads, cold sauces and street vendors. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.

Water: Santiago and the Batopilas arrieros insure boiled and purified water during the camp portion of your trip. In all other situations drink bottled, boiled or treated water, even for brushing teeth. Avoid ice that may have been made from untreated water.

Chemical Disinfection -The best is tincture, or elemental iodine. In cold or cloudy water, use about 10 drops per liter/quart. Wait 10 minutes.

Filtering -Several water filtration devices exist to remove parasites and bacteria. None keep out viruses, however, specifically the hepatitis virus, which limits their usefulness in developing countries. If you choose to use one, do so after iodine treatment to reduce the chemical taste. Use one that filters from two microns down to .01.

Medications: Be sure to bring enough of the medications you take regularly to last until you get home. Carry them in the original prescription bottles for easy identification by Customs agents. Remember to carry a supply on board with you in case your luggage is lost or diverted.
Consider carrying into remote areas: analgesics, antibiotics, diarrhea medication and Oral Rehydration Solution (consult your doctor about these products).
If you wear contacts, bring the long term or disposable kind or bring your old pair of glasses instead! The cleanliness your eyes need can be difficult to achieve while camping. And don't forget the eye drops!

Common Health Problems

Diarrhea: This problem is not too difficult to prevent. Some people take Pepto-Bismol preventatively, 2 tablets with each meal from the day before they leave until 2 days after they get home. If you have an aspirin intolerance be aware that Pepto-Bismol is related to aspirin. Many doctors now suggest you carry a prescription antibiotic, Septra or Bactrum, and use it at the first sign of trouble. Immodium is a non-prescription medicine to be taken if diarrhea develops. It is very effective, acts quickly, and has few side effects. Lomotil is effective, but some say that although it works on one strain of bacteria, it has no impact on others.

Dehydration prevention is a serious issue with diarrhea in the back country. The best fluids to drink are clean water, clear fruit juices and instant electrolyte drinks. Ask your doctor about obtaining Oral Rehydration Solution which replaces the necessary glucose and salts in fluid loss and is recommended by the World Health Organization.

Motion Sickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, bring preventative medicines. Dramamine or behind-the-ear patches (scopolamine) must be used before symptoms appear. For alternatives which avoid the drowsiness, some people have found relief with acupressure wrist bands and/or ginger tea.

Insects and other critters: Bee, wasp, hornet, or fire ant stings can be life-threatening for some. If you have severe reactions to these irritants, bring epinephrine. Be sure that group members are alerted and know how and when to administer it. Bring an antihistamine also.
For mosquitos, bring a repellent you trust. DEET containing products work, but carry exposure risk. Some people swear by Skin So Soft by Avon. Wearing light weight clothes that cover from head to toe also helps.
Snake and scorpion bite prevention: Look around your camp. Shake out your bedding, clothing and shoes whenever you get into them. Look carefully, with a flashlight if necessary!! For those who may have a fear of scorpions, rest assured, the canyon scorpions are not as deadly as their Arizona cousins. They are small, green/gray in appearance. If you should find one, be sure to gather your compadres to show them what to look for.
There are several varieties of venomous snakes in the canyons, including the coral snake, but they are rarely seen during the winter months. Take the usual precautions, watch your step, and if you like, carry a snake bite kit.

Chronic Illness: Those with heart problems and lung disease should avoid high altitude. Diabetics should alert the group to symptoms of hyper or hypoglycemia and demonstrate the necessary treatment.

Dental Problems: Have known problems handled before the trip. Bring a pain reliever for problems that might crop up on the trip.

Medical Kit: Adhesive bandage, Moleskin & Secondskin, Aspirin or other pain reliever, Diarrhea medication, Iodine tablets or drops, sunscreen and lip balm, wound closure strips, needle and thread. An ace bandage is optional.

Plan ahead!

• Get your entry documents in order, check passport expiration.
• Assemble your medical records and insurance information.
• Leave a copy of your trip itinerary and medical records with a responsible friend.
• Ask this person to accept an international collect call from you in case of an emergency.
• Consider travelers and/or evacuation insurance.
• Check to see if your health insurance covers you abroad.
• Obtain any immunizations required or suggested by your doctor.
• Fill out the Trip Sign-Up Form which includes a required medical questionnaire.
• Read the Terms and Conditions page for information about payments, cancellation and deadlines. Sign, date and mail a copy of this page to us.
• Fax or mail the signed Liability Release Form at least 30 days prior to departure.

Santiago James Barnaby
www.CopperCanyonGuide.com

Cell: 406-570-0570 | PH: 406-587-3585 | P O Box 203 | Bozeman, MT 59771       Home | Top