| | |  Travel & Outdoors | June 2009 
The Copper Canyon - Natural Wonders in Mexico
 Tom Budniak - EscapeMexicoRentals.com
| | (Carl Morrison) | |
The Copper Canyon is nestled in the Sierra Madre Range and is actually several large canyons that are four times larger than the Grand Canyon of the United States. It's an out of the way place attractive to travelers who like scenic landscapes, gorgeous canyons and exciting train rides. The Sierra Madre is rich in history and legend. Fallen warriors, martyred Jesuits and Pancho Villa's army are said to haunt the area. It is also home to the reclusive Tarahumara.
Tourists were able to enter this area long inhabited by the reclusive Tarahumara Indians via the Chepe railroad. Some 50,000 Raramuri ("the people of the swiftly running feet") as they call themselves live in caves and other primitive dwellings, just as their ancestors have for the last 400 years. These small, shy natives are famous for their long-distance running ability. Tourists can visit some of their homes and buy handmade crafts, including handmade violins, pine needle baskets, woven belts and bark carvings directly from them. This area is marvelous for people who love to explore history and culture. The area is rich in both.
The world famous canyon system is one of Mexico's natural, cultural and historic wonders. The Canyon is located in the middle of the legendary Sierra Madre Mountains of the state of Chihuahua. The remarkable series of canyons and ridges covers 25,000 square miles of rugged territory.
Rivers have carved a 10,000 mile maze of spectacular steep-walled gorges into the volcanic rock of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain Range. Giant cactus and tropical trees over 5,000 feet are visible from the canyon rim. The water delivered by summer thunderstorms creates a rainbow of greens, reds and yellows of the deciduous oaks in spring and the wildflowers in autumn.
The historic Chihuahua al Pacํfico Railroad travels from the Pacific Ocean up into the heart of Copper Canyon. The world famous railroad was built over a 90 year period, and is considered an engineering masterpiece. It has been called "the most dramatic train ride in the western hemisphere."
Most tours travel through Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Creel, and Chihuahua. The train nears the top of the Sierra Madre range at 8,000 feet elevation. The railroad runs the way to Chihuahua City. The area is absolutely breath-taking and a fantastic place to retire or vacation. A local Mexico realtor can give you more information.
tom(at)rex-mexico.com |
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