Going to Copper Canyon was quite an adventure. We decided that instead of booking a tour we would be our own travel agent and find what we needed along the way. Each step turned out to be an adventure and in the end we had a great trip.

Day one: We took a bus from Topolobampo to Los Mochis then a bus to El Fuerte. El Fuerte is a clean town with cobble stone roads and a great museum that looked like a castle.



We booked a room at Hotel Guerrero. The room had a very unique door and a great court yard.



After walking the town we bought a few beers and sat in the court yard and talked about our day.



Housing in Creel: After a taxi ride to the train we boarded first class and spent 8 hours riding up the mountains to the town of Creel. The train ride is full of great scenery and for the most part we were glued to the window.



Once in Creel, we were met by several people that wanted to find us a room. We settled on staying in a private hotel. The first night we stayed in a room that was like a log cabin. It had a stove pipe running through the floor to the ceiling, 4 beds which included a loft. The Merritt's took the main room and we took the loft. Marvin found another room which was right below us. We had to count on him to start a fire so we could have heat. Connie was cold during the night so we moved to a room with our own wood stove. This way we were in control of our own heat. Both days I stood in the hot shower for a long time as this was the first time in three months I had showered off the boat. Sometimes it's the simple things that are great.

Touring the area: We booked a tour from the people that owned the hotel. The day was spent visiting caves where the Tarahumara Indians lived.


We saw lot's of rock formations.


We hiked to a waterfall.


This is beautiful land. We were glad we took the time to see everything. The next day we took a second tour to the rim of Copper Canyon. We rode a gondola into the canyon and walked the rim looking at the vast beauty.


Everyplace we went there were Tarahumara Indian woman and children selling baskets and other native arts.

Day four: On the way back we took the second class train to Los Mochis and a taxi to the boat. The second class train is half the price of the first class train. The difference is that the locals ride the second class train and it makes more stops. If I was to do it again, I would go second class both ways, but then I am a second class guy.

Cost: We spent $665 for both of us. $345 was for transportation (bus, taxi and train). $135 was for food, as we ate out every meal. $30 was on souvenirs. $100 was on tours. And best of all, $55 was on housing. Yes, three nights in hotels for less than $20 per night!

Our souvenier mask.


Still unable to download video. Maybe the next place the internet will be fast enough.


Denny