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.

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

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
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
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Isabel Sanchez
Isabel Sanchez View biography
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You

loading spinner