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The Road to Urique. When you are swimming in the cool aquamarine currents
of the Urique River in the depths of the Copper Canyon, with your Tarahumara guide resting in the shade, your horse Lucero
(Headlamp), and faithful dog Viajero (Traveller) loyally looking on - well -
You just might ask yourself one question - Are you feeling lucky
today?
Si!
Hombre!.
I
would have to put this somewhere in the top five genuinely bone-riveting experiences of my life in Mexico.
And not so hard to do if
you actually get off the Copper Canyon Train and take some modest six steps beyond the given track of your life.
Here's the deal: Get off the train at Bahuichivo train station. The pastoral town of
Cerocahui is located at the edge of Urique
Canyon — the deepest canyon in the system — in a valley
lost in time. The town is about 8 miles from the Bahuichivo train station where the Chihuahua al Pacifico stops daily.
If you call Sr. Alberto he will pick you up at the station.
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- .A big advantage of using Cerocahui as a base
is that the road trip to Urique is about two hours compared to going from Creel to Batopilas which is at least twice as long.
- A second big advantage for the frugal traveler are
the prices you will pay for lodging, food and guides.
CEROCAHUI:
This rustic community of about 1000 souls will give you a real flavor of life in the Canyon. A small Jesuit Mission church
edges onto a plaza surrounded by a few grocery stores and a restaurant. Riders and Tarahumara wander by, rest in the shade,
and breathe in the centuries old quiet. Cerocahui is a communally owned ejido dedicated to forestry, ranching, and farming.
Fruit orchards and riverside beauty spots abound. Mining once provided employment but the last local mine, the "Sangre
de Cristo", closed in 1963. You will definitely experience local life first-hand. It is not surprising that Frommer’s
has recommended this essentially undiscovered town as an excellent base for exploring Canyon country.
Day-trips: - Visit "Cerro del Gallego
Urique Outlook", which provides the most sweeping and accessible view of the Copper
Canyon system.
- Walk or ride to Huicochi, Cerocahui's Waterfall. "Huicochi" in Tarahumara
means "place of many trees." Depending on the season this magical grove allows for swimming.
The pathway presents a great initial opportunity to immerse yourself in Canyon country.
- The old "Sangre de Cristo" gold mine is close by.
There is an abundance of natural beauty along the way as you climb through pine forest to reach the abandoned mine.
- Hike to the overlook of "El Valle del
Leon" (the Valley of the Lion). This moderate hike provides magnificent views of the town and valleys.
- Visit the 1724 gold and
silver mining town of Urique. Tropical fruit, corn, peanuts
and coffee abound. See the old kiln, church, cemetery and plaza with spectacular views along the way. Urique is 1,590 feet
elevation. This is a great photographic opportunity. Nearby you can also take a refreshing swim in the Urique River.
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Contact and Pick up at the Rail Station:
Call Sr. Alberto Lopez at (01)-52-635-456-5275 in Cerocahui to make arrangements.
Real cool hombre who coincidentally speaks excellent English.
He will arrange lodging, meals, transport, and specialized
photographic, bird-watching, botanical, and geological tours tailored to your needs.
Bueno -
if you want to hear coyotes howl - Sr. Alberto can arrange that too.
Prices are very reasonable and you will be given
a real insight into life in Tarahumara country.
For Horseback or Hiking Tours with a lifetime local
guide ask for Don Juan and Lucero a truly sure-footed caballo. Viajero
may or may not join you.
Weblinks:
www.mexperience.com/guide/outdoors/copper_canyon.htm
This is a great site for planning your trip.
www.coppercanyon.org/
Excellent site run by Richard Fisher.
www.planeta.com/ecotravel/mexico/chihuahua/barrancas.html
Another informative eco-friendly site.
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