ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low to Medium

Ready for a truly unforgettable adventure that will take you well off the beaten path?

Let The Continental DRIFTER® take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mexico's Copper Canyon! 

Explore the breathtaking canyon and its meticulous landscapes. Discover Creel's charming old Western appeal and experience Divisadero's grandeur (after all, it's situated right on the canyon rim). 

Savor the many distinct flavors of El Fuerte which is located in the middle of lush rain forests, while peeking into Cusarare's many hidden secrets. Hop onboard El Chepe for a train journey you won't soon forget and have an opportunity to take pictures like no other—witness firsthand how this incredible rail system connects many different communities through beautiful scenery!

Our tour also allows visitors to get up close and personal with the locals, especially the Tarahumara Indians, who are known for their arts and crafts and distinctive way of dressing (as well as their long-distance running capabilities). 

You'll also learn about their culture and way of life by conversing as you explore one of nature’s greatest wonders!

• Ride El Chepe: Embark on a memorable train journey aboard El Chepe, connecting various communities through spectacular scenery.
• Explore Copper Canyon: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and meticulous beauty of one of Mexico's most stunning natural wonders.
• Discover Creel: Enjoy the charming old Western appeal of Creel, a quaint town full of history and character.
• Experience Divisadero: Stand in awe of the grandeur of Divisadero, where your hotel room will be perched right on the canyon rim (space available), offering unparalleled views.
• Savor El Fuerte: Indulge in the distinct flavors of El Fuerte, nestled in lush rain forests, and uncover its unique charm.
• Peek into Cusarare: Unveil the hidden secrets of Cusarare, a place full of surprises and local treasures, including a 100' waterfall of the same name.
• Engage with Locals: Get up close and personal with the Tarahumara Indians, renowned for their arts, crafts, and long-distance running abilities.
• Cultural Immersion: Learn about the Tarahumara culture and way of life through meaningful conversations and interactions.
• Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photographs of the canyon, train journey, and vibrant local life.

""This was my 3rd trip with Ralph. His tours are always well planned & organized. Ralph is calm, patient and very helpful. Copper Canyon is as spectacular as he describes; hiking to an amazing waterfall, zip lining Mexico's longest zip line thru the Canyon or you can simply ride the cable car. The local Tarahumara people are shy, but warm and friendly. If you're from the U.S., Copper Canyon is in your backyard, a highly recommended tour for anyone with a sense of adventure (or not)."

~ Silvia B. (Mexico, Cambodia, India, Chicago, others)

"My trip to Copper Canyon, Mexico, was really an eye-opener. It is a destination that was never on my radar until PhotoEnrichment Adventures started going there. While there you get to see a side of Mexico that never gets mentioned. The landscape was beautiful and the rolling clouds made for great photos. Another highlight was meeting and interacting with the native Tarahumara people in their cave homes. They were very welcoming to us. We were able to go inside their homes and take as many photos as we wished."

~ Patrick M. (Mexico, Spain, Cambodia, Antarctica, Morocco, India, others)

“This was my first trip with Ralph which I found most informative as I had never travelled to Mexico before. Ralph is an excellent tour guide, his attention to detail is clearly of paramount importance because he takes pride in running a tight ship!”

~ Robert J. (Mexico, Costa Rica, others)

“Loved it. I always felt in very capable hands with Ralph and Patrick. P.S. Patrick is wonderful. He is such a thoughtful and knowledgeable person. Hope I get to take a trip with him someday.”

~ Alice A. (Mexico)

“Wonderful experience and amazing to see the extent of Copper Canyon and the beautiful Tarahumara people...”

~ John Y. (Mexico, Cambodia, France, Vietnam, others)

“This was my first trip with [PhotoEnrichment Adventures] and I'm certain it will not be my last. Ralph and Patrick did a great job orchestrating interesting and challenging activities for us and selected excellent accommodations. I would recommend PEA's trip to Copper Canyon to all my friends.”

~ Jim B.

“A brilliantly run trip by Ralph et al with superb logistics, wonderful cultural education, spectacular scenery, and excellent food! And the train ride was a gem, too.”

~ Gary K.

“I feel comfortable photographing all the native people on Ralph’s trip because he has been here before and they know what to expect from us tourists.”

~ Nancy E.

"The key thing about Ralph's tours is that I do not feel like a tourist."

~ Patrick M. (Mexico, Portugal, France, Spain, Costa Rica, others)

"Copper Canyon turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life."

~ Caroline J. (Mexico, Morocco)

"As a cultural tour guide, Ralph introduces you, and doesn't sort of direct you, to the culture of Copper Canyon."

~ David T. (Mexico, Vietnam, others)

"Excellent trip to get outdoors, the visual is almost unbelievable. El Chepe Train ride was much more modern and comfortable than expected."

~ John R. (Mexico, Colombia, Cambodia, Iceland, others)

ALL ACTIVITIES, DAYS AND TIMING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Most meals are included and B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, and D = Dinner

Participants can expect about a half-day of scheduled activities and a half-day of free time, on average.

Meals: D

Please know that all aspects of this itinerary are subject to change.

Plan your flight to arrive at Chihuahua City airport (airport code: CUU) any time before 4 pm this day and then be welcomed by local staff and TRANSFER to your hotel.  

DINNER at a local restaurant in the Old Center of Chihuahua is included.

Overnight at Hotel Quality Inn Downtown (or similar).

Meals: B, L, D

7:00 AM or 8:00 AM (summer schedule has still not been released) 

BOXED BREAKFAST from Hotel. 

Meet in the lobby of the hotel for transfer to the station to catch the CHEPE REGIONAL train. Participants are asked to be ready with their suitcases, and be on time, the train does not wait!

IMPORTANT: Please note that this is not the “tourist” train but the regional train used by the locals and by every group I’ve taken to Copper Canyon in the past, but that doesn’t mean it lacks comfort or amenities but it’s actually better suited for photography than the much more expensive tourist train.  

8:00 AM Estimated time of Chepe’s departure. http://www.chepe.mx 

On board the famous Chepe, until recently the only passenger train in the entire Republic of Mexico, we’ll head for the magical town of Divisadero, via a stop in Creel, where participants can appreciate and marvel at the Sierra Tarahumara admiring the surroundings all the way. 

1:40 PM - Estimated arrival time, check-in and LUNCH at our hotel’s panoramic restaurant.

Entering the Sierra you’ll start to see the other-worldly rock formations, valleys and canyons adorned with large pines, pinabete and arbutus bush, which has a reddish trunk with which the Tarahumara people make the wooden ball with which they play. 

Tour around the river and canyons; the train makes a stop of about 15 minutes in Creel, which you will visit on your way back from El Fuerte.  

5:00 PM  Enjoy some free time to walk around and admire the breathtaking views on the rim with time to photograph this amazing canyon, said to be bigger, and deeper, than the Grand Canyon.  

Free afternoon to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or stroll through this area.  

7:00 PM DINNER at the main restaurant included.  

Overnight at Hotel Divisadero located right on the canyon rim.

Meals: B, L, D

8:00 AM BREAKFAST included at the main restaurant of your hotel.

9:00 AM Enjoy an excursion to the ADVENTURE PARK where you can participate in a variety of different activities ranging from admiring the stunning views, taking a short hike along the canyon rim, or be more adventurous and take the Zip Rider or 7 station Zip Line (these activities are completely optional and should be arranged on your own, but consult Ralph before doing so).

1:00 PM Return to the Hotel for LUNCH

Take advantage of a free afternoon to walk around this area, enjoy a hike part way into the canyon, visit a Tarahumara community or enjoy the hotel facilities 

7:00 PM DINNER is included in the Sierra Madre restaurant (drinks not included).

Overnight at Hotel Divisadero located right on the canyon rim.

Meals: B, L

7:00 AM - BREAKFAST is included in the hotel.

9:00 AM Tour to Tarahumara Community, explore and learn about their unique traditions and customs.  

12:00 PM - Next, enjoy an unforgettable PICNIC LUNCH in a setting you won’t soon forget!

Free afternoon and evening to walk around, enjoy the hotel’s facilities, or simply enjoy the view from your hotel.

Meals: B, L, D

7:30 AM BREAKFAST is included in the hotel.

8:30 AM Free morning to relax, have some time for last-minute shopping for local Indian crafts and more.  

12:00 PM - LUNCH at Hotel’s main panoramic restaurant.

2:40 PM Time to board the Chepe Regional Train to El Fuerte.

7:30 PM Meet at train station for transfer to your hotel 

8:00 PM DINNER at a Local Restaurant.  

Free afternoon to walk in search of the sunset and views, and explore the main plaza in town.  

Overnight at Hotel Posada del Hidalgo 

Meals: B, L, D

7:00 AM BREAKFAST is included at the hotel.  

7:40 AM Transfer to Train Station.

8:20 AM All aboard the regional train to Creel. 

3:40 PM Time of arrival to Creel, meet for transfer to your hotel - Free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities 

5:00 PM DINNER included in the hotel.

Overnight at The Lodge at Creel.

Meals: B, D

8:00 AM BREAKFAST is included in the hotel.

9:00 AM Optional hike to Cuevas Tarahumaras, Old Spanish Mission and Valley of the Mushrooms. 

Free afternoon to explore the town of Creel, enjoy hotel facilities, or arrange a massage.  

5:00 PM DINNER at your hotel is included this evening.

Meals: B, L, D

8:00 AM BREAKFAST is included in the hotel.

9:00 AM Excursion to Cusarare town and short walk (~2 km) to the waterfall.  

1:00 PM PICNIC LUNCH

5:00 PM Back to hotel to have a rest, enjoy facilities or walk around town.

7:00 PM DINNER included.  

Overnight at The Lodge at Creel.

Meals: B

BREAKFAST at the Hotel. 

TRANSFER from The Lodge at Creel to CUU airport in Chihuahua according to flight schedule. 

Extra hotel nights in Chihuahua can be arranged for those whose flights are leaving the next day, July 27.