COPPER CANYON PRIVATE LODGES AWAY FROM MASS TOURS

Activity/Tour

Hiking and Birding in the Sierra Madre of Chihuahua and the Tropical Forests of Sinaloa. These are two Endemic Bird Areas with butterflies and exotic flowering trees. Visit with Raramuri (Tarahumara) and Mayo families and observe them plowing fields with oak plows and grinding corn on stone metates. Ride the Chihuahua Pacifico Railroad over 37 bridges and through 87 tunnels as it climbs 8,000 ft. up the sierra. Ride in our private railcar with an open deck and experience this spectacular railway as you sit on deck chairs, sip top shelf margaritas and snack fresh water cheviche. The railcar travel slowly and allows you to view the transition of the Sonoran Sinaloan tropical forest and the conifer forests of the sierra, part of the world's 200 most unique and diverse habitats.

Typical Day

Morning departure on an expedition (you may hike with a guide or ride in our van) through dense ponderosa pines and past high mountain vistas en route to the Cerro Gallego rim. From this lofty precipice, look down over 1 mile into the Urique Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, and home to the provincial Tarahumara settlement of Urique. Founded in 1690 along the banks of the meandering river, Urique was totally isolated until connected by a switchback mountain road in 1975. The descent begins in a conifer forest and continues through oak and tropical deciduous forest, ending in a riparian habitat at the canyon bottom. Opportunities abound to spot Military Macaw, Tufted Flycatcher, and the elusive Eared Quetzal.

Age range, type of group

Children in family groups to active seniors. Birders from all over the world. Active hikers and inquisitive travelers interested in cultural contacts that unfold naturally because of our special partnerships with local communities.

Sleeping and meals

Private lodges in remote areas with the best views and no other tourists. All rooms have two double beds, tiled showers, fine bed and bath linens and terry-cloth robes. All meals are included and prepared by our chefs from fresh ingredients

Restrictions

No pets (we have plenty already). Smoking is not restricted except in vans or in the dinning room

Discounts Offered

Discounts of $100 to $300 per person from April 26 to September 19 and on other dates in January