MOUNTAIN BIKING TOURS IN THE COPPER CANYON OF MEXICO

A Mountain Bike Tour in the Copper Canyon is a very special way to travel through this magnificent country. The Copper Canyon, located in Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains, is four times larger than the Grand Canyon and almost 300 feet deeper. You'll be mountain biking in a vast domain of deep canyons, abrupt precipices, torrential rivers, and spectacular waterfalls that comprise the largest canyon system in North America. The name Copper Canyon, or Barrancas del Cobre, derives from a copper-walled segment of the larger Rio Urique canyon, and over time has been applied to the entire canyons region. Within this region lie four or more canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon of Arizona. Vegetation ranges from forests of oak, pine, juniper, and cottonwood to wildflower meadows and subtropical canyon bottoms. Wildlife includes black bear, puma, deer, boar, and 300 species of birds.

This remarkable area, also known, as the Sierra de Tarahumara after the native Tarahumara's who inhabit the canyons, is truly one of the last great wilderness areas in North America. The Tarahumara, who number about 50,000 and live in small settlements throughout the region, have been able to preserve their native culture better than any group in North America. These people are considered to be the world's greatest long-distance runners. A trip through this majestic region is a trip back in time.

You will visit the small towns of Batopilas and Satevo where you will find beautiful old colonial construction done by the Spaniards during the times they worked the mines.

We offer this tour Sept. through April for people who simply want a support driver to transfer their baggage and lodging arrangements made for their nightly destinations. Groups of 2 or more will travel with a private driver, and can choose where and when they want to ride. The support vehicle travels behind with your luggage for the day, and you are free to ride as long as you like.

ITINERARY

Day 1:Day 1: Afternoon transfer from the airport in Chihuahua to Sierra Lodge in Cusarare. Right on the Continental Divide, at 7600 feet, nestled against the side of a small pine-scented valley with a stream rushing by the front door, this beautiful rustic jewel is located 20 miles outside of Creel. We'll have a trip orientation and a wonderful dinner prepared by the local Tarahumarans at the lodge. The Tarahumarans are the largest and most primitive tribe of Indians in North America and have lived in the Sierras long before the arrival of the Spaniards in the early 16th century. They preserve a way of life that dates back to prehistory and they make and sell unique arts and crafts items, recognizable by their style as being apart from any other. (American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Aeromexico service Chihuahua. Be sure to schedule your flight to arrive in Chihuahua by 12:30pm.)

Day 2: After breakfast, bike fitting. Bike ride to the mission of Cusarare and the surrounding area. Afternoon hike to the waterfalls.

Day 3: After a short van transport, you will begin the (7400 ft) descent down into the canyons. Words cannot begin to describe the awesome ride down to the small village of La Bufa and then your destination in historic and tranquil Batopilas. This town of about 800 people lies at the very bottom of the canyon and brings new meaning to the term remote. The "road" to Batopilas has been described as the most beautiful in North America. This is a long ride and most folks will choose to take a ride in the support vehicle at the end of the afternoon. You'll spend the next two nights at a hotel in Batopilas. 45 miles

Day 4: Today you have a spectacular ride to the "Lost Mission of Satevo." The Jesuits built this mission at the bottom of the canyon approximately 400 years ago. From here you can either explore more of the trails on the canyon floor or just spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the many clear pools in the Rio Batopilas. 12 miles with longer optional riding possibilities

Day 5: Transportation after breakfast from Batopilas back up to the rim to Creel. In the afternoon you'll have your choice between a hike or mountain bike ride.

Day 6: Mountain bike to the Valley of the Monks, visit Arakeko Lake and Rio Conchos. Farewell dinner in Creel. Hotel in Creel.

Day 7: Morning transfer to Chihuahua in time for afternoon return flights. Let us know if you would like to spend the night in Chihuahua and we can assist you with hotel reservations. If you prefer to arrange your logistics from Los Mochis, we can also assist with train reservations and hotels in Los Mochis. Delta Airlines and Aero Mexico service Los Mochis.

TRIP DATES : Spring and fall charters for groups of 8 or more. For smaller groups of 2 or more, check our Copper Canyon Mountain Bike Tours for Independent Travelers

TRIP COST: $1,300/pp, SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS: $150

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 6 nights hotel lodging, all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 through breakfast Day 7. support van, van transfers from Chihuahua.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Bike rentals (you may choose to bring your own bike or rent one for $100), beverages, gratuities for local guide.