This tour will provide you with a wonderful cross section of spectacular scenery, nature hikes to view the beautiful wildflowers, as well as visits to cultural and historical sights and opportunities to interact with the Tarahumara Indian children. COPPER CANYON TOURS
Sierra Tarahumara
Mexico’s Copper Canyon Region
October 1 - 10, 2014
September and October in this part of Mexico is when the vegetation including the wildflowers come to life, the streams and waterfalls begin to flow after the summer rains, and the temperatures are more moderate at the rim as well as in the canyons. Doug “Diego” Rhodes, who is the owner and operator of the Paraiso del Oso and the Rancho del Oso in the Copper Canyon region since 1990, will be one of the tour guides for this trip. He is a very experienced tour guide, he is an integral part of this community, and he is well informed on the human and natural history of the area. Please visit his very informative web site at www.mexicohorse.com. With Linda Ford as your naturalist guide, you will have the unique opportunity to view and identify many of the wildflowers that she researched in order to create the first ever Field Guide to the Wildflowers of Mexico’s Copper Canyon Region. With her 16 years of experience as a Master Gardener and the botanical research and experience that went into the creation of this field guide, you will have opportunities that few other visitors have ever had when they visited this region. Her web site is www.coppercanyonwildflowers.com. ITINERARY
October 1, Day 1 - Arriving in Chihuahua for transfer from airport to Chihuahua City. October 2 - Day 2 - Walking tour of the historical sites in Chihuahua. Quality Inn, B,D
October 3, Day 3 - Morning departure to Creel which includes touring through the plains of Mennonite country. Hotel Margaritas at Creel. B
October 4, Day 4 - Outside Creel nature hike to Cusarare waterfall (4 miles round trip easy to moderate) with its dramatic and wide curtain of water. Eared quetzals as well as abundance of wildflowers are frequently seen on this hike. Stop at 18th century church at Cusarare (location of book "In the Sierra Madre" by Jeff Biggers) and possibly Loyola Museum of restored religious art. Hotel Margaritas at Creel, B, L
October 5, Day 5 - Outside Creel explore the wildflowers and sightsee at traditional Tarahumara Alta pueblo of San Ignacio on west side of road then hike to the Valley of the Monks with huge hodoos. Free afternoon in Creel. Optional dinner and activities with students from Tarahumara Indian boarding school. B
October 6, Day 6 - Vehicle tour to Cerocahui with picnic lunch at the lookout near Divisadero including one with a glass floor. Optional descent on tramway or zipline into canyon. Hotel Paraiso del Oso. Welcome cocktail. B,L,D
October 7, Day 7 - Hike to waterfall (5 miles round trip moderate to difficult) and wildflower viewing in area near Cerocahui. Opportunity to spend time with girls from Tarahumara Indian boarding school when they come for fun and games as well as pizza party at hotel. B,L,D
October 8, Day 8 - All day tour to Cerro Gallegos, the most spectacular view of the Copper Canyon. Cookout on the rim with stops on way for viewing and photographing wildflowers as well as visit home of nautralist and other good friends at their Tarahumara ranchito. B,L,D
October 9, Day 9 - Vehicle tour toward Temoris to view vast array of wildflowers. Then proceed to Cerocahui where history of the area is covered during church visit followed by tour of Tarahumara Indian boarding school. Optional afternoon hike weather permitting (somewhat difficult) or horseback riding. B,L,D
October 10, Day 10 - Free morning. After lunch transfer to Bahuichivo station to board the train for most spectacular of all the route on your way to Los Mochis. The train follows deep canyons as it passes highest bridge, longest bridge, and longest tunnel. Flowers are in abundance and keep your eyes out for flocks of parrots. Best Western Hotel, B,L
TOUR SIZE: This tour will be limited to 8 participants. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for the tour is $!,999 per person in double occupancy from Chihuahua, Mexico. This includes most meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 10, tour includes train tickets, and guide services provided by the tour leaders. It does not include airfare from your home to Chihuahua and return from Los Mochis; transportation to Los Mochis airport; alcoholic beverages; special gratuities; or items of a personal nature. The single supplement for this tour is $340. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations, or if you prefer to share but have no roommate and we cannot provide one for you. Note: B,L,D indicates what meals are included each day. TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, please carefully read the Terms and Conditions, complete the Registration Form, and then send the Registration Form signed with your $300 deposit. Make checks payable to Copper Canyon Wildflowers Tours. Send to Linda J. Ford, 244 NY 355, Poestenkill, N.Y. 12140. If you have any questions, please contact Linda at [email protected] or 518 283-4201. Registration Form and Terms and Conditions are available at www.coppercanyonwildflowers.com, then click on Tour Copper. Canyon.
