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Mexico

Copper Canyon: Ancient Culture and Nature’s Grandeur

Program No. 24571RJ

Experience Copper Canyon — a natural wonder in Mexico four times larger than the Grand Canyon — and the culture of the indigenous people that call this region their home.

Wishlist

Start

Small Group

Length

10 days

Rating

Not yet reviewed

Activity Level

Starts at

3,699

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

10 days

9 nights

26 meals

9B 8L 9D

Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

El Paso, Texas

Border Crossing into Mexico, To Chihuahua

Chihuahua, Chihuahua

Historic Murals, Mennonites, The Sierra Madre

Divisadero, Chihuahua

Canyon Rim, The Tarahumaras

Divisadero, Chihuahua

Waterfall & Lake, Steep Descent, Canyon Floor

Batopilas, Chihuahua

Tropical Canyon Floor

Batopilas, Chihuahua

The High Plateau, Pastoral Life, Trading & Logging Town

Creel, Chihuahua

Chepe Train, Farewell to the Sierra, Colonial Town

El Fuerte, Sinaloa

Indigenous People, Los Mochis, Flight to TIJ, To San Diego

San Diego, California

Program Concludes

San Diego, California

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

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.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Moderate walks on uneven terrain, narrow paths with ups and downs. Optional hikes during free time. Must be able to climb one flight of stairs, walk through cars on a moving train and ascend and descend high train steps independently carrying hand luggage.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

Ride a gondola into Urique Canyon and descend into stunning Batopilas Canyon.
Experience the “Ride in the Sky” train 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.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

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 this program.

Isabel Sanchez View biography