The Copper Canyon, nestled in the Sierra Madre Range, are actually several large canyons boasting a grandeur four times larger than the Grand Canyon of the United States, although different in nature; narrower, deeper, and more verdant. Homeland to the reclusive Tarahumara, the Sierra Madre is rich in history and legend, haunted by the restless shades of fallen warriors, martyred Jesuits and Pancho Villa's army.

The Copper Canyon qualifies unreservedly for national park and world heritage status. This world famous canyon system is one of Mexico's natural, cultural and historic wonders.

Located in in the middle of the legendary Sierra Madre Mountains of the northwetern Mexico's state of Chihuahua, this immense series of canyons and ridges covers 25,000 square miles of rugged territory.

Rivers born in the high pine forests have carved a 10,000 mile maze of spectacular steep-walled gorges into the volcanic rock of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain Range. Standing on a canyon rim surrounded by pine-oak woodland, you look down on giant cactus and tropical trees over 5,000 feet below.

Watered by summer thunder storms, the canyon country is a virtual pallet of greens highlighted by the reds and yellows of the deciduous oaks in spring and fields of wildflowers in autumn.

All Copper Canyon trips are on the historic Chihuahua al Pacífico Railroad. The train winds its way from the Pacific Ocean up into the heart of this scenic splendor. Built over a 90 year period, this world-famous railroad is an engineering masterpiece. It has been called "the most dramatic train ride in the western hemisphere."

Most tours travel through the most exciting part of the railroad, from sea level at Los Mochis, Sinaloa, to the highest portion of the line at Creel, Chihuahua. Here you are near the top of the Sierra Madre range at 8,000 feet elevation. Railroad trips go all the way to Chihuahua City.

'Copper Canyon' is generally used by travelers to define the total canyon system, which covers 25,000 square miles. Six of the major canyons in the system are:

The Chepe railroad made the canyons accesible for tourists to enter this area long inhabited by the reclusive Tarahumara Indians. These small, shy natives are famed for their long-distance running ability. Some 50,000 Raramuri ("the people of the swiftly running feet") — as they call themselves — live in caves and other primitive dwellings, much as their ancestors have for the last 400 years. It is a privilege to visit some of their homes and ranchos and you can buy directly from them their handmade crafts, which include handmade violins, pine needle baskets, woven belts and bark carvings.

Balderrama Hotels & Tours invite you to explore this huge, wonderful and intriguing region of towering pine trees, red-barked madrone trees, apple orchads and awe inspiring views of yawning chasms. Browse Our Trip Packages —»