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Canyon shedule] [book
a Copper Canyon tour] [see
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Southwest of El Paso, Texas,
in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, is Copper
Canyon. At four times the size of Arizona's
Grand Canyon, covering an area of 25,000
square miles, it is a fantastic getaway
for the avid mountain-biker. It is inhabited
by the Tarahumara Indians, who number about
50,000 and are scattered throughout the
region in small settlements. Copper Canyon
offers a rare glimpse of this fascinating
culture, as well as breathtaking scenery
and great mountain-biking. A mountain bike
tour through this majestic region is an
adventure back in time (not to mention some
of the best mountain biking on the planet).
Itinerary
Day 1: After
flying into El Paso the night before, we
will pick you up early from your hotel room
and head into Mexico to Creel, your first
night's destination. We will have a relaxing
dinner and take in the town.
Day 2: Today
we will get on our bikes after a cooked
breakfast and explore plenty of single track
as we venture into the 'Valley of the Monks'.
This is a fantastic area filled with large
rock formations. We will have lunch on the
trail and ride back to town past Lake Arareco.
Day 3: We begin
the 7,000ft descent into the Batopilos Canyon.
We will eat lunch perched on the canyon
wall, looking down at the river that we
will later 'downhill' to for a refreshing
swim. Then we climb the last mile to the
small village of La Bufa where we will spend
the night at a beautiful hacienda.
Day 4: After
exploring some hiking trails and a hearty
breakfast in La Bufa, we will continue our
descent to the historic and tranquil town
of Batopilos, stopping along the way to
cool off in your guide's favorite swimming
holes secluded from the road. Once in the
town of Batopilos, which has a population
of approx. 800 people, you will have a chance
to take a good look around before dinner.
Day 5: Today
we have a short ride to the 'Lost Mission
of Satevo'. It was built by the Jesuits
around 400 years ago, but no one knows for
sure the exact date, or why it was built.
From here you can carry on exploring the
trails, play with the children who are always
fascinated by our arrival, or head back
to town for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 6: We will
bike up a side canyon to the remote village
of Cerro Colorado, then have lunch at one
of the local lady's houses. The ride is
highlighted by great single track, multiple
river crossings, breathtaking scenery and
plenty of curious children.
Day 7: For
those that still feel the need for more
biking, your biggest challenge yet: the
70km climb out of the canyon. Today you
can bike as little or much as you like -
the van will pick you up when you're done.
Tonight we will drive to a hotel in Chatemoc.
Day 8: We drive
back to El Paso and drop you back safely
to your hotel.
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