The Copper Canyon - Stunning

Over 65,000 square km, 7 separate canyons with one at a depth of 1800 metres, the Copper Canyon is larger than the Grand Canyon.  The views are spectacular. Our first official glimpse was a morning ride over a very windy rough road to El Cerro Del Gallego to see the incredible view of Urique Canyon the deepest in the Copper Canyon.

We were then off to the Mirador Hotel or as our guide called it “The Eagle’s Nest”-why? When sitting out on the balcony you are sitting over the edge of the canyon.  The hotel is lovely with a great fireplace in the main area and a terrace overlooking the canyon. Beautiful decor and outstanding service. One of the waiters even joined in for the songs that Emanuel reluctantly played for us.  Since it was Valentines, it was all quite a festive occasion.

Delicious chicken lasagna 

No time to waste and we were off for a walk to catch some more views.  Those who were brave ventured down to see the homes of the people hidden along the wayside.  The rest enjoyed the view from our balcony.

Our hotel

The canyons just did not fail to impress - weather it was sunset, sunrise, the view from the balcony, the view from the cable car or the view from the walk- no disappointments, just one marvel after another.

Happy Flag Day Canada

Besides the stunning views there were opportunities to learn about the culture. The entire region is known as Tarahumara.  The people are actually called Ramamuri

 and they have a claim to fame for being able to run long distances. So what - well they do it in sandals made from tires.  They live very isolated and for many years had very little to do with the tourists.  That is changing and we went to visit one community to learn more about their good and the art of basket weaving.  This community even had a documentary made about them and some of the women had travelled to Europe.  The pines they use for baskets don’t exist in the area so they need to walk 5 hours to bring them back and it is definitely not flat.