Burro Trek: Mesa to Marthon
11 Day Trip from Los Mochis (4 nights Hotel, 6 nights Camping); and First Class Train . . . $2495.00 per person, double occupancy |
| Day 3 elevation gain/loss: +/- 500 ft, 4 miles, 4 hours. Camp on Mesa | Day 4 elevation gain/loss: +/- 500 ft, 7 miles, 8 hours. Camp in Village | Day 5 elevation gain/loss: +/- 500 ft, 4 miles, 4 hours. Camp at Rancho on the rim. | Day 6 elevation gain/loss: negligible- Optional Dayhikes, Camp at Rancho on the rim. | Day 7 elevation loss: 4900 ft, 8 miles, 8 hours. Camp in Urique. | Day 8 elevation gain/loss: negligible unless you decide to run; RACE DAY1; Camp in Urique. | Day 9 elevation gain/loss: negligible; Van to Cerocahui, Optional Hike to Waterfall. | Day 10 elevation gain: Van to the rim, and the CHEPE train to EL Fuerte. |
This is a new offering for Copper Canyon Trails. We've hiked this route for the last few years, and it's such a great route, and Urique is such a fun town, that we thought we'd offer it to anybody who would rather walk than run. As with our other trips, it starts at the train stop in Divisadero. This itinerary, however, leaves from Urique for Bahuichivo on the rim, and the train from there to El Fuerte. Compare to our Rio Uriqe or Rio Oteros offerings. Pack light (40 pounds maximum) -all gear goes with us to Urique.
Day One
Arrival at Los Mochis, Sinaloa, airport (Airport code: LMM).
Transfer to El Fuerte for Hotel accommodations, and to get a little extra sleep.
Day Two
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 entice her son Memo, a third-generation Mancinas family member involved in tourism, to take us to the canyon rim for a walk. 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.
Day Three
We meet our local guides and arrieros (Spanish for burro drivers) after another culinary treat by Lola. We catch a ride, naturally by cattletruck, to the trailhead. After just a few feet of walking uphill, you'll recognize the elevation. Settle into a rhythm and enjoy the
hike:- rock-worn trails and cushioned paths of pine needles wind past picturesque ranchos and spectacular scenery. Friendly locals go about their daily routine driving burro trains hauling firewood. Bells tinkling signal goats herded by shy, colorful Tarahumaran children. Thankfully, today is not a prolonged hike. Camp is on a nearby mesa with a pure water spring.
Day Four
We start hiking after a leisurely breakfast. We drop off the mesa and climb to another along a myriad of well worn trails. Our guides are following trails that their families have used for years. The long day ends at tonight's camp, beside another spring, just before we enter a little Mestizo village.
Day Five
We take our time in Churo. There's little more than a school, a government-run store for staples like beans and Maseca®, Maruchan® and Pepsi®, and a melting, timeworn mission. The sepulchres in the mission courtyard tell the story of the pioneers in the region. Tonight's camp is on the next mesa, just 5 miles away. We'll spend 2 nights at this rimside rancho, to enjoy the relatively cool mountain air.
Day Six
A leisurely dayhike, and "life on the farm" give us a glimpse into the lives of the locals.
Day Seven
Today we begin the descent to the hot canyon bottom. Locals in Urique grow papayas, mangos, and avocados; swim in the river; and after work drive countless times up and down the main drag. Today we can shower, dodge vehicles on the narrow streets, savor an Agua Chile, and let our toes breathe. Tomorrow is Sunday, the 6th running of the Caballo Blanco Ultra Marathon.
Day Eight
We have to get up early to get a place to stand for the beginning of the race at 7 am. The runners go through town 4 times on their 75 km course. It gives us non-runners a bit of a feeling of participation to cheer them on as they pass.
Day Nine
We have a leisurely day before the van arrives for our ride to Paraiso del Oso, high on the mesa above. There's a charming hike to a nearby waterfall.
Day Ten
Breakfast and transfers for the coastbound train to El Fuerte, departing about 12:30. You'll be met at the train station there for transfer to the hotel.
Day Eleven
Breakfast included at hotel. Transfer to Airport in Los Mochis.