Mexico: Covering 2 million square Kms, Mexico is the 5th largest country in the Americas.

Northern Mexico & Copper Canyon Trip

January 2010

NUEVO CASA GRANDES, population of 92,863, was founded in the 1870s. Nuevo Casas Grandes got its name from another town about a mile away called Casas Grandes. A train station was built in that area and soon people migrated nearby. Many of the region's inhabitants were Native American ethnic groups related to those of the American Southwest. The area around Nuevo Casas Grandes is noted for its great historical and archaeological heritage. Five miles southwest of Nuevo Casas Grandes is the most important archaeological site in northern Mexico…Paquime.

Nuevo Casas Grandes is also world famous for the nearby village of Mata Ortiz and its revival of pottery in the ancient Paquimé tradition. Today Mata Ortiz has become an artists’ colony, honoring the ancient customs of their people

PAQUIME

This site was a fully developed city and culture dating back to 700 AD. It appears to have been abandoned during the 13th century, perhaps to invading enemy groups. Today it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MENNONITE AND MORMON COMMUNITIES are nearby. Spanish is the second language, titlehough those in the Mormon community who are of North American descent speak English.

CHIHUAHUA (meaning dry and sandy)

This is the largest state in Mexico (825,327 people); Chihuahua City is the thriving capital. It is modern and historically rich with great mountains, canyons, deserts and waterfalls. The city was involved during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1917), for it was periodically the operations base for the army led by PANCHO VILLA. Many sites and memories remain of the Revolutionary era; the most important of these is the Historical Museum of the Mexican Revolution at Villa's former estate house near downtown Chihuahua.

COPPER CANYON

One of the most fascinating natural attractions here is BARRANCAS DEL COBRE…COPPER CANYON. This network of six interlacing canyons is deeper than some found in the AZ Grand Canyon. They are known to be rich with wildlife and virtually unexplored. Cold winters with some freezing temperatures and summers that reach 120 degrees are common.

COPPER CANYON TRAIN

One of the best ways to view this immense area is on EL CHEPE (THE CHIHUAHUA PACIFIC). This railway was opened by an American in 1961. The present day route winds passengers from sea level to over 8,000 feet, through 86 tunnels and across 37 bridges. The Copper Canyon has peaks that are 2,370 meters above sea level, while at the canyon's base, the Urique River runs at 500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by semitropical vegetation. The highway route leading into the region of the Copper and Urique Canyon runs through the community of Creel, a village which is considered the doorway to the Sierra Tarahumara. The first area of vantage points, 50 km. from Creel, is at the DIVISADERO RAILROAD STATION.

TARAHUMARA VILLAGE

In the canyons, we visited the village of San Luis Majimachi, home to the Tarahumara Indians. It took us 45 minutes each way via van to get to and from their farming lands and huts. The trip was on unpaved, rocky, narrow, winding roads incredibly away from civilized areas. Their lifestyle is very primitive. They have sheep, goats, cows and horses and grow corn, beans, pumpkin and squash. Their shelters are rustic, made of adobe brick, stones, logging….or just a simple cave with little else. The women are expert basket weavers and sell their product. Their religion follows the Catholic calendar, but their rituals and ceremonies are animistic. They are native inhabitants of the Sierra Madre with a population of approximately 60,000.

EL FUERTE

El Fuerte is considered the gateway to the Copper Canyon and Sea of Cortes. The major tourist attraction is the colonial city of El Fuerte, a most beautiful colonial city and a popular departure point to the Copper Canyon, one of the more spectacular geological wonders of Mexico. Many interesting sites such as the Mayo village where you can visit with Indian pottery makers and the rug weaver are a short drive from town.

El Fuerte Hotel where we stayed is a 350 year-old hacienda, capturing a period of Mexico’s past history. The courtyard with its colorful decor and the restaurant are filled with historic charm. Every step in the hotel brings you closer to the quaint, remarkable flavor of old Mexico. The evening folklore show further enhances your visit.

SAN CARLOS

This Mexican resort community of San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico is located on the Sea of Cortez. For water sports enthusiasts, there are beautiful sand beaches, diving and snorkeling, kayaking, and offshore fishing. San Carlos is only a 250 mile, 4-hour drive from Nogales AZ. As one of Arizona's closest beach destinations, San Carlos Mexico has long been a popular getaway for Arizona tourists. Scuba diving the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez is one of the most popular reasons to come here. Deep sea fish, whale watch, sail or horseback ride. Sun on one of the white sand beaches gracing the coastline around San Carlos Mexico. This community has become a tourist mecca for some and a residence for many American snowbirds.

Mexico Photo Gallery

Click on the photo to view larger