Tour
Operators:
www.CalNative.com
California Native offers a variety of
Copper Canyon trips in addition to Central American tours. They have
Canyon group departures from October through March and also have a
selection of itineraries for individual travelers.
www.CopperCanyonAdventures.com
Copper Canyon Adventures specializes in customized
trips for small groups and individuals. The American owner, Les Mahoney,
lives in El Fuerte, Sinaloa and has worked with us on backpacking and
horse riding adventures. Check out his "create a trip" page to truly
receive "the trip you want, when you want it". We respect Les for his
care and his support of Tarahumara students through scholarships.
www.NativeTrails.com
Rick Martinez is our U.S. Booking agent
and a tour operator with set itineraries and custom-designed trips for
both groups and individuals. They have offices both in El Paso, Texas,
and in Germany and are a strong presence on the European market.
cristinascanyontours.com
Cristina Hallal has been working in Los Mochis and the Copper Canyon
since the '80s and is a popular and sought-after guide. In June 2006 she
started her own agency while continuing to guide, she is most
knowledgeable about all aspects of Copper Canyon travel.
www.copper-canyon-tour.com/camp_david.aspx
From his home base at Camp David in Ahome Sinaloa,
David Warner offers fairly simple and reasonable trips into the Copper
Canyon. Dave has been hosting our annual trip taking graduating students
to know the ocean. He also offers hunting tours and supports a
Tarahumara student with a scholarship.
R&S Nature
Enterprises
Ron & Sue Bridgemon have been traveling to Mexico and the Copper Canyon
region for years. Operating from Tucson, AZ, they conduct guided tours
to various locations in the Copper Canyon area with an emphasis on
natural history, birds, and the environment.
Copper Canyon Railroad:
www.chepe.com.mx
"The Train" runs both ways daily between Chihuahua
City, Chihuahua and Los Mochis on the coast. First-class and
tourist-class service exists on separate trains. Check their website
under "services" for prices, schedules, and reservation information.
Ultra-Marathon and Running
www.caballoblanco.com
Micah True, better known as Caballo Blanco,
heads up a great ultra-marathon race every March. The race pits
Tarahumara Runners against anglo and mestizo runners and is becoming a
major event benefiting mostly the Tarahumara people. Mica also runs bare
bones trekking, backpacking, and running trips.
Accommodations:
El Fuerte
www.VilladelPescador.com
A charming 8-room bed and breakfast
which accommodates general travelers but also hosts some outstanding
bass fishing programs through its Lodge at the new Lake Huites.
www.donporfirio.cjb.net
This small hotel has character, wireless internet,
a moderate price and secure parking.
Posada Barrancas
www.mansiontarahumara.com.mx
We've used the Mansion Tarahumara since its construction and
for service and hospitality it cannot be beat. They recently completed
17 canyon-rim rooms.
Urique
Plaza Restaurant and Hotel Estrella del Rio
Both owned by Virginia and Jose Quintana, these are our preferred places
to eat and to stay in Urique. The hotel is frequently a little slack on
maintenance but it is quiet and has a beautiful view. The restaurant
offers the best buy for the buck we have found but with little
selection. Phone (635) 456-6003 (Spanish only).
Batopilas
Real de Minas
Martín runs the Real de Minas de Acanasaina
Hotel, our favorite in town. It's located one block behind the road just
after you cross the bridge into town. There isn't a website yet but you
can reach the hotel by phone (Mexico 649-456-9045) for reservations. Say
hi for us if you stop in. Bookings can be made through Nichols
Expeditions,
www.nicholsexpeditions.com/.
While in Batopilas, look up guide Manuel Gil, he speaks very little
English but this old Mexican caballero more than makes up for it with
his courtesy and care. He can take you to the usual sights but also to
remote Tarahumara pueblos where he is welcomed as a valued friend.
Horse
Packing:
www.OverTheHillOutfitters.com
Father and son Randy
and Terry operate out of Durango, Colorado, and work
with us on our Silver Trail Deluxe rides. We’ve ridden with this outfit
in both Mexico and Colorado and cannot recommend them highly enough.
www.HiddenTrails.com
With offices in Canada, Germany, and
Switzerland, Hidden trails offers 400 international rides to both U.S.
and European clients. In addition to their other fine offerings, they
also feature several of our rides.
General:
http://walking.about.com
A useful site which has over 700 links to other sites concerning
hiking and backpacking.
Miscellaneous:
http://www.misionescoloniales.org
This Spanish site describes a number of the colonial
missions that exist within the state of Chihuahua.
http://www.horseweb.com
This site lists a number of Mexican guest ranches as well as American,
Central American, and other places with a riding focus. They also list a
variety of horse-related items and horse sales.
