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Vibrant pink, yellow, and blue buildings line a street in Mexico’s Copper Canyon region with a lush green mountain in the background.
Mexico

Copper Canyon: Ancient Culture and Nature’s Grandeur

Program No. 24571RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Chihuahua, Chihuahua
Program Concludes
San Diego, California
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
25 ( 9B, 8L, 8D )
Activity Level
From
4,249
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In the grandeur of Copper Canyon, nature dominates — four times larger than the Grand Canyon, this series of eleven canyons is a land of sharp drops, abundant vegetation, amazing geology and rock formations. As you explore several of these outstanding canyons, you’ll learn that Copper Canyon is more than a natural wonder — it is home to the Tarahumara people, who have lived in the Sierra Madre Mountains for over 2,000 years resisting outside intrusion. Experience nature and culture as your experts take you through the history, landscapes and villages of a part of Mexico that lies off the beaten path.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Ride a gondola into Urique Canyon and descend into stunning Batopilas Canyon.
  • Experience the “train ride in the sky” journey or explore a stunning waterfall in Basaseachi Canyon.
  • Gain insight into the Indigenous culture of the Tarahumara people and their past and present traditions through discussions and local music and dance performances.
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Featured Expert
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Isabel Sanchez
Isabel Sanchez was born in Ensenada Baja California, Mexico. She began working as a group leader at a young age in the mid 1980s in her hometown. In 1998, she moved to Southern California where she continued her career as a successful group leader specializing in the Sonoran Desert as well as the Mojave Desert. In the fall of 2004, Isabel began leading groups through San Diego, Calif., the peninsula of Baja California, and the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Isabel Sanchez was born in Ensenada Baja California, Mexico. She began working as a group leader at a young age in the mid 1980s in her hometown. In 1998, she moved to Southern California where she continued her career as a successful group leader specializing in the Sonoran Desert as well as the Mojave Desert. In the fall of 2004, Isabel began leading groups through San Diego, Calif., the peninsula of Baja California, and the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Cristina Vannucci was born and raised in Italy. After graduating from college she worked in England and the United States, then spent several years traveling and working between Italy and France. Cristina arrived in Mexico by chance in 1992 and made it her home working as a group leader ever since. For over 20 years, her love for this country has taken her to hidden places, allowing her to meet different people and to learn about the vast array of culture and nature within.
Artemio Sicilia was born in Mexico City but raised in Ensenada. His active lifestyle includes teaching and tutoring high school and university students in a wide range of subjects in addition to being a dedicated group leader since 1991. Artemio is enthusiastic, resourceful, an avid outdoorsman, and a certified ocean lifeguard; he volunteers as a Senior Scout Troop leader. His inquisitive nature motivates him to lifelong learning, delving into Mexican history and culture among other topics of interest.
Activity Level
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Walking up to 1.5 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain, including uneven cobblestones and high uneven steps; most without handrails. Standing up to 1 hour per day. Getting on/off minibuses, Sprinter, plane and a train. Walking through train cars while they are in motion. Up to 5 hours on a motorcoach in a day. Total of approximately 17 hours of motorcoach time over 10 days and 445 miles. Program will require approximately 6 miles of walking over 10 days. Due to uneven terrain, and the train, wheelchairs and scooters can not be accommodated on this program. Must be able to carry luggage across the border, approximately 300 feet. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

    An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

    An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

    An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

    An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
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