This Copper Canyon Semana Santa family trip is nowhere near your typical family vacation. It’s a real adventure into Mexico’s ancient lands to see its incredible natural beauty and meet the region’s indigenous people.
You and your family will discover remote Tarahumara villages, tour mining towns, and visit colonial cities. You’ll board the famous El Chepe train and journey into the Sierra Madre mountains. Thanks to the time of year, you’ll also witness the traditions and processions that mark the holy week of Semana Santa.
Most importantly of all, however, you’ll come away with a thousand memories that you will share with your family forever.
PHOTO GALLERY
HIGHLIGHTS
El Fuerte – Wander this historic Pueblo Magico and roam its cobblestone streets for a taste of old Mexico
El Chepe – Enjoy a first-class train trip through the Sierra Madre mountains
Creel – Visit another Mexican Pueblo Magico built on one of the primary rims of the Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon – Trek the rugged and wild Copper Canyon region with visits to remote indigenous family compounds perched on canyon walls
Semana Santa traditions – See the traditional dancing and processions that form a part of the Semana Santa holy week in this region
Day 1: Arrival to Los Mochis and El Fuerte
Transfer from Los Mochis International Airport to El Fuerte, the charming colonial gateway to the Copper Canyon. Check in to your beautiful historic lodge and then roam the cobblestone streets for a taste of old Mexico. Take your time to relax and wander this quaint town that was given Pueblo Magico status by the Mexican government.
Overnight: Hotel Posada del Hidalgo
Day 2: El Fuerte Hotel Private Transfer to El Fuerte Train Station
All aboard the world-famous Chihuahua al Pacifico (El Chepe) train trip into the Sierra Madre Mountains. This comfortable first-class train leads us through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges with exceptional opportunities for taking pictures or just enjoying the view. We arrive in the early afternoon to Bahuichivo. There will be time for walks around and enjoy the countryside. Later this evening a Mexican dinner awaits.
Overnight: Hotel Mision
Day 3: Cerocahui Private Experience to Cerro del Gallego
After breakfast, you will be driven to Cerro de Gallego in Urique (1 hour). Cerro de Gallego is one of the highest miradors in the world standing at 2,286 meters (7,500 feet), with a view that casts wide over the Copper Canyon, in particular the Urique Canyon, which is the deepest of the canyons. Your guide will point out the town of Urique, a mining town that is nestled along the river below and you will have a chance to take photos of the view.
Upon completion of your visit, you will be driven back to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Mision
Day 4: Copper Canyon Railroad First Class Experience Bahuichivo to Creel Station
Back onto the train to journey to Creel, the frontier logging and mining town turned tourism center of the Copper Canyon. Check into our cozy lodging at Best Western the Lodge at Creel Hotel & Spa. Afternoon arrival will give you time to wander the many gift shops; make sure to try and buy directly from the Tarahumara indigenous people who are usually selling their crafts on the main plaza. Alternately, the crafts cooperative contributes to the local communities.
Overnight: The Lodge at Creel
Day 5: Private Experience to Valley of the Monks, Mushrooms, and Arareko Lake
After a hearty breakfast and hotel check out, meet your guide to explore by vehicle the Lake Arareko, Valleys of the Monks & Mushrooms. Your journey continues towards Norogachic, at arrival enjoy an afternoon orientation with your expert guide to learn more about the town, culture, festivities and meet friends of this community.
Discover the local culture with the community festivities and traditions, this afternoon and evening, we will witness the traditional dancing and processions that mark the Semana Santa Holy Week.
Overnight Norogachi Community Lodging.
Day 6: Norogachi Private Transfer to Hotel Mirador
Today after breakfast and a chance to explore we will say good bay to our new friends and set out driving through the rolling hills of the high sierra to our destination at Hotel Mirador, stopping en route to see some impressive view points. The late afternoon is free for relaxing before enjoying a lovely dinner on property.
Overnight: Hotel Mirador
Day 7: Otero Canyon, Fertility Rock and Evening Experience to Piedra Volada
Today after breakfast you will meet with your private guide to explore the Copper Canyon Adventure Park where you will have the option of zip lining, rappelling, taking a cable car ride or exploring by bicycle or quad bike (activities additional cost).
Your heart racing, you’ll then head to the panoramic zone of the Piedra Volada, for great vistas of the Canyons and a spectacular overlook form this Flying Rock.
Upon completion of your visit you will be driven back to your hotel and enjoy time to rest and relax before meeting your guide for your evening experience.
Later this evening after time to rest and refresh you will meet again with your private bilingual guide and driven to the lookout point of the Otero Canyon that is 1520 meters deep. You will have the opportunity to visit a Tarahumara cave house before heading to Fertility Rock, which is a distinctly phallic stone, revered for its fertility-giving properties.
Your visit to the area will also include the chance to head to one of two miradors (The Table of the Stars or the Table of the Heavens) to look out over the vast landscape.
Upon completion of your visit, you will be driven back to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Mirador
Day 8: Hotel Mirador Private Transfer to Divisadero Train Station
Back onto the train and on to El Fuerte 217 Km your departure will be at 9:55 and arrive early in the evening around 15:35, the charming colonial gateway to the Copper Canyon, check into your cozy lodging at Posada del Hidalgo.
This evening you are free to roam the cobble stone streets for a taste of old Mexico exploring the charming town of El Fuerte on your own.
Overnight: Hotel Posada de Hidalgo
Day 10: Departure day
Transfer from El Fuerte to Los Mochis International Airport for your flight home.
Dates
This trip can be customized for a private journey in the month of Easter.
Prices
Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.