Topolobampo and Barrancas de Cobre (Copper Canyon)
16 February 2017 | Devisidero, Barrancas de Cobre, Mexico
The next day we headed south the 95 miles to Topolobampbo where were planned to leave Monkey Fist for a few days and take the iconic train trip to the Barrancas de Cobre, the Copper Canyon. We decided to only go as far as Divisidero as it was a tad less touristy than the next stop at Creel. The elevation is around 2,200 metres above sea level and 400 kilometres inland so it had the potential to be something very different for us and it didn't disappoint. The train trip was spectacular indeed, winding it's way through vista after vista of jagged peaks. The lookout at Divisidero, which is where the train stops is impressive. The view is spectacular indeed but also there are stalls there selling souvenirs and craft and art work made generally by the indigenous people of the area, the Raramuri, or Tarahumara as the Spanish called them (so why didn't they just call them Raramuri ??). While they sat there waiting to sell something the ladies kept themselves busy by weaving yet more baskets to sell. This is the way souvenirs used to be before they were all made in China as is now common in western countries. Frances bought a couple of simple but well crafted hand made bracelets. Apparently many of the people still live in traditional shelters or caves. They make their clothes themselves and traditionally the ladies love wearing bright colours (not sure what the men do). According to something else I've read, they have a strong sense of sharing in their culture and anyone's good fortune, i.e. one person's bumper crop is shared amongst the tribe. Another thing that is remarkable about these people is their love of running. It has now incorporated a commercial aspect into this with an annual ultramaraton open to outsiders and is around 82 kms through the mountains and gorges. Many of the local people still run and do so with minimal footwear. You can read more at the link on the sidebar named "Raramuri"