Video Tour of Mexico's Copper Canyon

Mexico's Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) is a succession of six inter-connected canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara, the eastern extension of the Sierra Madres, in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua. Together, this canyon system is larger and deeper than Arizona's Grand Canyon and was created by six rivers which eventually merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into the Sea of Cortez. The name derives from the walls which are copper-green in color.

The Chihuahua Al Pacifico Railroad runs along the main Canyon Urique between Chihuahua and Los Mochis on the Gulf of California. The railroad took over 60 years to complete and travels 408 miles with 37 bridges and 86 tunnels. The total trip takes approximately 15 hours.



This 2007 Elderhostel program rode the El Chepe's entire route round-trip from Chihuahua City to Gulf of Cortez, from 8000 feet elevation to sea level, with stops in various towns to experience the culture and hospitality of the Mexicans and the native Tarahumara tribe who inhabit the canyon. Along the way, we experienced many Tarahumara Indians plying their food, crafts, and other wares, and part 1 of the video includes our two day visit down in the town of Cerocahui deep in the canyon, including a hike, horseback ride, and tour of the town.



The Spanish named the Indians they encountered Tarahumara which is derived from the word Raramuri meaning foot runners. During the 17th century, silver was discovered by the Spaniards in the land of the Tarahumara Indians. They were immediately kept as laborers for mining efforts. There were small uprisings by the Tarahumara, but to little avail. They were eventually forced off of the more desirable lands and up into the canyon cliffs. They remained in these remote reaches of the canyon which protected them during Mexico's various occupations and revolutions and helped them sustain their culture uncontaminated by outside influences.

Part 2 of the video visits a Tarahumara home on a ledge and features Tarahumara natives demonstrating their running/throwing games. The population of the Tarahumara people is estimated at 35,000 to 70,000. Also in this video is a visit to a Mayo village (not Maya) including bits of their traditional dances, and finally several traditional Mexican folk dance performance.






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As a sidenote -- Ellen and I met on this Elderhostel program inspiring this poem:

Copper Canyon Connection

Radiant Polaris and Sirius beckoned
and two searching souls responded,
connecting in magical Mexico.
Souls similarly aslumber
awakened afire
and forged a bond of steel
amid Copper Canyon’s
soaring peaks and plunging valleys,


savored from train and bus
afoot and upon horseback,




two souls savoring
the mountaintop experience,
awakening
linked and healed.

Against the daunting darkness
of ancient mountains,
smiles brightened
two connecting hearts
as whispered words penetrated
the ancient canyon’s ageless silence.



Racing hearts melded
into unison tempo
and nascent flowering Manzanitas
and Chandelier cactus

mirrored the blossoming connection,
applauding as nature
took its inevitable course
amid Nature’s incomparable awesome majesty.