Copper Canyon
Mexico
Northern Mexico might have something of a dodgy reputation right now, but there are parts well worth exploring.
Fairly well unknown compared to its more famous American counterpart, the Copper Canyon is actually four times larger than the Grand Canyon, boasting canyons up to 1000ft deeper, and over 200 gorges totalling almost 1000 miles in length. Not bad for something most people have never even heard of - perhaps testament to the American art of self-promotion. Still, if it means the Copper Canyon is something of a hidden gem, so much the better.
A ride on the Chihuahua al Pacifico railway is one of the highlights of the area. Starting in the town of Los Mochis on the Sea of Cortez, the Chepe, as it’s known locally, winds its way up through the Sierra Madre Mountains to Chihuahua and beyond to El Paso in Texas. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend days doing the whole thing, but a day spent travelling between El Fuerte and Posadas Barrancas is a day well spent.
There are a staggering 87 tunnels to pass through and some 37 bridges to cross on the six hour journey, which is undoubtedly one of the finest train rides in the Western Hemisphere, if not the world. Turn after turn the scenery becomes more and more impressive as you delve further into the country.
After a couple of nights at Posadas Barrancas on the rim of the Canyon - where you’re unlikely to ever wake up to such a spectacular view as the one from the rooms at the Hotel Mirador - head down to the sleepy town of Batopilas for a taste of true Mexican cowboy country. There wasn’t even a road down to the town 20 years ago, so it's safe to say this place is still very much off the beaten track. And if that isn’t intrepid enough, Original Travel can arrange hikes through the extensive valley system and expeditions on horseback lasting from a day to a week.
A trip into the Copper Canyon combines perfectly with a stay at one of the luxurious hotels on the Baja Peninsula, just a short hop across the Sea of Cortez.
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