Burro-assisted Hiking on the Rio Urique- the actual Barranca del Cobre!
8 Day Trip from Los Mochis (3 nights Hotel, 4 nights Camping); by First Class Train . . . . $1795 pp/do |
| Day 3 elevation loss: 4000 ft, 5 miles, 7 hours | Day 4 elevation loss: 1000 ft, 1.5 miles, 2 hours. | Day 5 Optional Day Hike: elevation gain: 2000 ft, 6 miles, 8+ hours, 3 river crossings. | Day 6 Optional Day Hike: elevation gain: Negligible, 2 miles, 2 hours, 3 river crossings. | Day 7 elevation gain: 3000 ft, 4 miles, 6 hours. | Day 8 Hike Out: elevation gain: 2000 ft, 3 miles, 4 hours. |
For more Burro options, check out the Rio Oteros; or UltraMarathon.
Day Two: Arrive at the Canyon Rim
Leave coastal plains around El Fuerte for the rim of Copper Canyon at almost 8000 feet above sea level. The complete rail journey to Chihuahua is enhanced by 88 tunnels and 39 bridges. Posada Barrancas, our departure point in mid afternoon, is cool and temperate in an extensive pine forest on a high mesa.
We'll be met at the Posada Barrancas whistle stop train station by our host for our transfer to the rustic guesthouse Cabanas Pioneras. We can check into Lola's, and relax after enjoying a late lunch.
Toward sunset we'll take a walk to the canyon rim. It will take your breath away; not just the scenery, but the lack of air.... The optional "canyon rim rendezvous" begins here with a night at Lola's for those arriving independently. Call for suggested itinerary
Day Three: Hike to the River
We meet our local guides and arrieros (Spanish for burro drivers), and begin a 5000 foot descent after a hearty breakfast.
The following description is for the Rio Urique burro-assisted hike. The Rio Oteros is the lesser known western drainage of the ridge the Chepe train ascends on its way to Chihuahua. Not to be underestimated, it is a wonderful opportunity to (. . . more).
A long descent through whispering pines takes us past a tiny Indian school, and through the Apachean-Madrean woodland. Local homesteads perch precariously on exposed ledges, near sideways cornfields. A rocky overlook offers photo opportunities and a good spot for lunch.
Then it's steeply downhill for another couple of hours (or three or four). Cinch up those bootlaces to avoid blisters. Tonight's campsite is under a brilliant canopy of stars, next to the burbling Rio Urique.
Day Four: Long Dayhike, with river crossings!
A strenous all-day hike up to a hot spring is on the agenda. It's a great way to loosen those tight leg muscles after a tough descent. A small drybag (12-20 liters) is recommended for valuables for the return hike where we "enjoy" 3 river crossings, one where the water may be up to your chin. Sure footed river shoes and a dry sweater for the other side are recommended.
Day Five: Short Dayhike, with river crossings.
A leisurely hike upstream is today's only planned sidetrip, but again with three river crossings.
These crossings aren't as deep as yesterday, and we plan to be back in camp for lunch.
Day Six: Ascend to Tarahumaran village
Listen for the bells to find where the burros have strayed. The arrieros rein them in and we hike up, up, up for a night on the outskirts of a tiny Tarahumaran village.
Day Seven
Burros braying, dogs barking, roosters crowing, goats bleating, and your guides clamoring for coffee get us all up for an early start. Corn fields and fruit orchards dot this picturesque little valley as we leave the Urique drainage. Back at the guesthouse, grab lunch and a hot showers before the 2pm train back to Los Mochis. You'll be met at the train station for your transfer to the Hotel
Day Eight
Breakfast and transfer to the airport is included.