Treasures of the Sierra
Madre
Mexico’s Copper Canyon
March 2 - 11, 2009
THE NATURE OF CANYONS
Since the beginning of time our planet has been
at the mercy of nature, undergoing continuous transformations as oceans
recede, mountains
thrust skyward, and turbulent rivers carve their way through impenetrable
rock creating vast depressions in the Earth’s crust. The very
definition of a canyon as “a narrow chasm with steep cliff
walls” suggests a place incapable of supporting life. Yet those
same sheer cliff walls serve as a geological bookmark of life, bearing
the evidence of millions of years of history. Canyons also harbor
hidden oases teeming with life—unusual wildlife, communities
of people sheltered in safe havens, and overgrown vegetation that
tenaciously clings to rocky slopes.
Deep in the mountains of northern Mexico
there is just such a place. Located some 400 miles southwest of El
Paso, Texas, Copper Canyon is
an inter-connected canyon system encompassing over 25,000 sq. miles
of extremely rugged terrain. Formed by five major rivers, these “barrancas” (canyons),
when combined together, are nearly four times the size of the Grand
Canyon. This region is so vast that bandits and revolutionaries, namely
Pancho Villa, could escape capture by simply vanishing into the intricate
maze of clefts and cliffs.
Map
of the area
The Raramuri (Tarahumara) Indians
have long lived throughout the huge region now known as the state of
Chihuahua.
Exploited
for centuries by Spanish
colonists, they began to retreat deeper into the canyons, away from
the so-called “civilization” of the outside world. Today
about 40,000 Raramuri live here, the second largest indigenous group
of native Americans on the continent.
The completion of the Chihuahua al Pacifico
railroad in 1961 finally connected small portions of this isolated
area to the rest of the world.
The train passes through 86 tunnels and over 39 bridges in its 410-mile
journey from the highlands to the Pacific Ocean, and is considered
one of the most scenic railways in the world. Vegetation ranges from
pine, fir and aspen trees at higher elevation to cactus,
oak,
and mesquite deep in the canyon, with pockets of apples, peaches, beans
and corn planted by the Raramuri.
Toto Tours invites you to participate
in a stunning backcountry adventure without any of the hassles of
camping. We stay in comfortable lodges
and hotels, and enjoy the most scenic stretch of the journey aboard
the train. This tour is designed for active men who enjoy hiking.
Come with
us
and
discover why Copper Canyon is considered premier among the Treasures
of the Sierra Madre.
ITINERARY
Monday, March 2, 2009
Fly to Los Mochis, Mexico
Try to arrive in Los Mochis, Mexico, by 7pm at the latest today.
When searching for the best flights, use the Los Mochis airport code
LMM for where you are going, and the Chihuahua airport code CUU for
your departure city on the return. We can book an additional hotel
night for you on Sunday, March 1st, if you would like to arrive early
and participate in some pre-tour sightseeing in Los Mochis.
Upon arrival,
collect your bags and take an inexpensive taxi transfer to
our hotel.
We meet
at
7:30pm
in the
hotel
bar for cocktails
and introductions,
followed
by
dinner at the hotel. (Dinner included)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Los Mochis to El Fuerte
After breakfast enjoy some free time to explore Los Mochis. We offer
an optional yacht excursion this morning from the fishing village of
Topolobampo to watch dolphins, departing the hotel at
8:45am and returning by noon. The cost is $50 per person, and will
be a fun way to get the tour started. Indicate your desire to participate
on the
reservation form. Click
here to read an online review of this experience.
At 2pm gather in the lobby to meet
our
guide,
Ivan,
who
will
be
with us for the duration of the tour. We depart for the Colonial town of
El
Fuerte,
1.5
hours
away,
passing through
the agricultural belt known as El Fuerte Valley en route into the
tropical deciduous forest of the Carapoa Valley. We check in at our
hotel and
have free time until evening, when we meet at the hotel
bar for cocktails and then proceed to have our official Welcome Dinner. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
River Float / El Fuerte
After an early breakfast, we depart at 8am for
a 30-minute drive to the Miguel Hidalgo Dam area, where we
start a river float trip.
This area is renowned for birdwatching,
and as our boat floats downstream, the guide will point out the beautiful
birds along the way, such as squirrel cuckoos, russet crowned mot mots,
tiger herons and tricolor herons.
A stop along the way will allow us
to get out and stretch our legs on a short hike to see petroglyphs.
(A longer, steeper hike to the upper petroglyphs of Cerro de la Mascara
is offered for those who wish to do the extension.) Continuing our
float trip, we end at the docks in El Fuerte city center where we disembark
and walk along the paved River Walk back to our hotel. This tour includes
cold
water,
soft drinks, beer
and wine coolers.
The afternoon features a fully-guided
walking tour of the historic city center, with maps provided. We start
by going to an area with excellent restaurants where we can enjoy lunch
(not included), and our guide will recommend the best places. At the
conclusion of the walking tour, the remainder of the day is free to
enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful
colonial
village and do as you like.
Dinner is on our own, and our guide will direct us to the best restaurants depending
on our food preferences. Overnight in
El Fuerte. (Breakfast)
Thursday,
March 5, 2009
All Aboard the Chihuahua Choo Choo
After a very early breakfast, we check out of our hotel and
head for the train station at about 7:30am. Boarding the train, we
depart at 8:30
am and ride as far as the Posada
Barrancas train station, arriving around 2:30 pm. This is the most scenic stretch
of the Copper Canyon rail system. Our guide will organize lunch, either
on the train or at the hotel (not
included).
We are met at the train station by hotel staff, and
transferred to a magical property perched on the rim of the canyon. All rooms
have a balcony that overlooks the canyon. A fully
guided rim walk will take place after check-in. The well
advertised “ladder” (that the Raramuri use to descend and ascend
a specific canyon section) and “balancing rock” (a huge boulder
perched precariously on top of another boulder over hanging the canyon) will
be visited today, as well as the Divisadero overlook if time allows. Dinner
is included at the hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Urique Canyon
After breakfast take a guided hike along the
rim of canyon that overlooks a magnificent portion of Urique Canyon.
A deluxe picnic
awaits at the end of the hike at a dramatic overlook. The picnic
features a regional discada (a stir-fry style meal cooked in a wok
type pan
with
meats, veggies
and spices and served with fresh guacamole and hand-made tortillas) lunch prepared
over an open flame. The meal is served at tables with tablecloth, china, crystal
and beer or wine.
The hike takes about 6 hours and is considered moderate
to strenuous, depending upon the physical strength of the hiker. We marvel at
amazing
vistas of Urique Canyon that can only be seen by hiking, and have
a chance
to visit an ancient cave and swim in a waterfall pool, weather permitting.
After a delicious lunch in the most exquisite setting, we drive back to the
hotel
and
relax prior to dinner, which is included at the hotel. (All
Meals)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Creel
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive to the town
of Creel. Today you can shop and relax and fully enjoy this cute
alpine village.
This afternoon we offer your choice of methods for sightseeing.
The first, and most ideal way to see the area, is by horseback. We
need to reserve the horses in advance, so please be sure to indicate
your Creel activity preference on your tour reservation form.
Those
not wishing
to do the
horseback ride can rent a bicycle or a motor scooter instead for
exploration on your own. Of course, you also have the option to spend
the day relaxing and shopping in town since we leave civilization behind
and head out into the wilderness tomorrow! Lunch and dinner are not
included, but our
guide
will
show us the best restaurants and make a group reservation for those
who would like to eat together. (Breakfast)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Basihuare Canyon / Cusarare
After breakfast, check out of our hotel and take a fantastic hike
to Basihuare Hot Springs, with a cold buffet-style picnic for lunch.
In
the afternoon,
our guide gives
us a tour
of Copper Canyon, Basihuare Canyon, the Cusarare (meaning “Place of the
Eagles” in
Raramuri) Mission and Loyola Museum. In this lovely little church (built about
1733), twelve large paintings of the life of Mary were discovered. During church
renovations, the paintings were removed, restored and put in
the new museum built next to the church expressly for their display.
Today our adventure is enhanced by moving to a cozy
lodge that sits in the woods of Cusarare. The Raramuri Indians live and work
here, so we have a better opportunity to interact with them in their actual living
environment. Lack of electricity adds to the charm and peace of the hotel. Kerosene
lanterns are used, and fireplaces or pot bellied stoves warm the rooms. This
is the ideal setting for hiking and nature enthusiasts, and adventurers who
want to experience the canyons and not be stuffed into a “normal” hotel
in town. (All Meals)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Nature Hike
After breakfast, experience one of the highlights of the entire tour—a
nature hike to Basirecota Hot Springs, guided by a native Raramuri
Indian.
He probably will not speak English, but our guide will be along
for translations so that we get the most out of this adventure. Once
at the hot springs we have a chance to soak a bit and enjoy a box lunch
before our return hike, which takes a different route by way of the
Cusarare
Waterfall, where we celebrate our hiking accomplishments with a champagne
toast. We are here during the dry season, so there is a chance that
there won’t be enough water in the hot spring for a soak, but
the hike and opportunity to “be” with the Indians is our
main focus today. The 8-9 hour full circuit hike will be capped off
by margaritas
before dinner at our lodge. Those who do not want to do the long hike
will have other independent hiking options available from the lodge. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Chihuahua / Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel
and drive to Chihuahua, where we enjoy a guided tour of the highlights
of this colonial city with lunch before
proceeding to our hotel.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel pools or walk just 10 blocks
to the city center to shop and explore. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell
Dinner at a local
restaurant, followed by a walk to Calicantos for live Trova music.
Overnight
in Chihuahua. (All Meals)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast. You may make your
flight arrangements for any time today. Toto Tours provides one
group transfer to the airport, timed to accommodate the greatest number
of departing passengers. Inexpensive taxi transfers can be arranged
at the hotel by those who cannot use the one included transfer. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click property name to read description)
Los Mochis: Plaza Inn Hotel
El Fuerte: Hotel El Fuerte
Posada Barrancas: Mirador Hotel
Creel: Best Western Hotel
Cusarare: Sierra
Lodge
Chihuahua: Holiday Inn Suites
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For citizens of the U.S.
and Canada, no visas are necessary. All you need is a valid passport.
Immunizations—No
immunizations are required, but it is wise to have your inoculations
up to date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements—All
tourists pay an airport departure tax of about $18 U.S. or the peso
equivalent.
WHAT TO BRING
In March, daily temperatures in Los Mochis average between
55 and 80 degrees Farenheit. The weather is much cooler in higher elevations
(averaging up to 7,000 ft. above sea level) along the canyon rim, so
be sure to come prepared to layer up when necessary. Dress is extremely
casual. Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag in case
your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do. Leave expensive items
and jewelry at home.
Suggested Packing List:
____ Proof of citizenship. Passport required.
____ Comfortable
hiking boots.
____ Casual dinner wear for the hotel.
____ Comfy shoes or sandals for hotel lounging.
____ T-shirts (3 - 4) / Shorts (2 or 3 pairs).
____ Sweatshirt & jacket for cool nights.
____ Long-sleeve shirts / khaki pants (2 or 3) for sun protection/cool
nights.
____ Blue jeans (1 pair) for horseback riding.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray.
____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.
____ Hooded rain poncho / mini-umbrella.
____ Bandannas.
____ Toiletries/earplugs/toilet paper roll.
____ Swimsuit / one liter water bottle.
____ Camera & plenty of film.
____ Spanish-English dictionary.
____ A good book for the plane, train or lounging on the terrace.
MONEY MATTERS
Budget about $35.00 per day for personal expenses,
or about $300.00 for the entire tour. Bring U.S. currency in small
denominations only
of $1, 5, 10 and 20’s, which you can exchange into pesos at
our hotels or the airport. You will be able to find ATM machines
in Los Mochis and Chihuahua. Check out www.oanda.com for
up-to-date currency exchange rates.
Taxes and Tipping—It is customary to
pay a 10% gratuity for dining service, but always check your restaurant
bills for automatic service
charges. We will tip our driver and guide collectively at the end of
the tour, and will let you know in advance how much we suggest as a
minimum tip for each.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link
above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form,
then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $600 deposit check. You
also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard.
The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by December
8, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have received
both the form
and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form
of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($600 maximum can be charged
per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours,
1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto
Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline
any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become
necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum
of 8 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation
or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets
purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance
to cover all aspects of your travel in Mexico! We will provide the necessary
forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the
link at
the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone
call to Toto Tours.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even
encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified
by certain traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take
for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Be the first in your crowd to see Mexico’s magnificent Copper
Canyon. Come enjoy the stunning vistas and the invigorating mountain
air, discovering the Treasures of the Sierra Madre with Toto Tours.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us toll free
at: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $3,195 double occupancy
Private Room: $800 extra, if available.
(Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours will try to
match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to
share
a room. If this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied
to your reservation before the final payment date.)
Deposit: $600 (Due at time of registration
for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance: $2,595 double / $3,395
single
(Assumes $600 deposit has already been made)
Remaining Balance Due: December
8, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Included: Fully guided and escorted tour services,
hotel accommodations for nine nights; sightseeing by train and motorcoach
transportation; services of bilingual trip
guide; meals, activities and transfers as listed in the itinerary;
one “group” airport transfer at the conclusion of the tour.
Not
Included: Round-trip airfare from your home city to
Los Mochis, Mexico and returning from Chihuahua; airport to hotel
transfer at the beginning of the tour; transport for sightseeing
on
your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities
not
specifically listed in the itinerary; tips to local guides, gratuities
for meals; alcoholic beverages; bottled water; insurance; laundry;
telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to
cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow
the link below or call us for more information.
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