These are fully escorted, all inclusive trips (except for tips, alcoholic drinks, visas, crafts, laundry). You'll be met at the Los Mochis airport for the transfer to your hotel. After breakfast the next day, you'll ascend from sea level to 8000 feet on the Copper Canyon train.
Below are the scheduled departure dates for most hikes. The best times of year are spring and fall, when the days are long and it's not too hot. The week before Easter is wildly popular, as is harvest time around Halloween. Easter is a peak travel period, as is Christmas! Shop around, and book your flight early. Easter Sunday in 2009 is April 12, although festivities end early Saturday.
Notice the difficulty levels. Easy to moderate in canyon country is a relative term considering we'll descend a vertical mile (more than 5000 feet) in two days; but on the Urique River burro-assisted hike all you will be carrying is a daypack. Most people can't practice by going down 300 flights of stairs, but that's its equivalent. You need to be in good physical shape, particularly your knees. A good sense of balance is essential, even with hiking poles. Going up is much easier!! Ask about the option to meet us at the rim for the hiking only portion. You can sign up for these trips up to 45 days before departure.
| All departures are 10 days long; cost is $2300 per person/ double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Single hotel supplement: $250; single tent supplement: $50. |
| FALL 2008 | |||
| Urique River | Burro assisted: Moderate | November 20- 29, 2008 | Thanksgiving in the Canyon: Dia de Gracias |
| WINTER 2008- 2009 | |||
| Urique River | Burro assisted: Moderate | December 20- 29, 2008 | Feliz Navidad, Que se diviertan! |
| Urique River | Burro assisted: Moderate | January 23 - Feb 1, 2009 | Be home in time for Ground Hog Day: No juancitos in Mexico |
| Urique River | Burro assisted: Moderate | February 11- 20, 2009 | While the US if freezing, we pick oranges from the trees! |
| HIKE to the town of Urique | Burro assisted: Strenuous | Feb 23- March 4, 2009 | Attend the Caballo Blanco Ultra Marathon; read more |
| Urique River | Burro assisted: Moderate | March 13- 22, 2009 | Spring Solstice: Days are getting longer |
| SPRING 2009 | |||
| Oteros River | Burro assisted: Moderate | March 31- April 9, 2009 | Temperatures are rising, Last trip of the season |
Generally, customized trips can be arranged for about $300/day. All trips have two English speaking guides for safety reasons regardless of group size or the number of locals employed.
Backpacking trips are generally "Made to Order". We need 45 days advance notice. There are a number of trailheads in the area from which to choose. The hikes are more demanding, but allow passage through some routes too difficult for burros, and also river travel. The routes and level of difficulty can be tailored to your level of experience. Novice backpackers need not worry, though. You don't have to get far away from the crowd to enjoy the spendid natural environment and tranquility that the canyon country has to offer. We'll even help you choose a new route, if you've been here before and want to expand your repetoire.
Booking can be done by e-mail. Itineraries, waivers, and a plethora of paperwork can be posted once you contact us. Payments can be sent by check or made with a credit card through PayPal.