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HIGHLIGHTS
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DURATION
13 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • A mountain bike holiday on the slickrock trails of the Tarahumara
  • Singletack biking ecstasy in Mexico`s Copper Canyon
  • Adventure mountain biking with big canyon descents
  • Cross-country biking nirvana biking at Creel
  • Holiday and relax at the atmospheric Sierra Lodge 
$2135USD
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Mountain Bike into the Copper Canyon

This is a fantastic mountain bike holiday to the famous Copper Canyon (Barranca Del Cobre) of Mexico. This spectacular region of Mexico is fast becoming known for its superb mountain biking. Some of the best and most varied cycling in the world can be found at Copper Canyon.
This is a fantastic mountain bike holiday to the famous Copper Canyon (Barranca Del Cobre) of Mexico. This spectacular region of Mexico is fast becoming known for its superb mountain biking. Some of the best and most varied cycling in the world can be found at Copper Canyon. The biking ranges from slickrock and technical singletrack around Creel to cycling rough jeep roads, with challenging climbs and monster descents as we bike into the Copper Canyon. A natural wonder, Copper Canyon is in fact made up of twenty canyons. Collectively they are at least four times larger than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, as well as being every bit as impressive. In addition, there are all the technical biking delights you could ever want. We begin with a series of superb day-rides around Creel, which combine with Copper Canyon to make this a classic biking holiday. The trails along the rim of El Cerro de la Estrella and from Batopilas to Cerro Colorado are cross-country cycling ecstasy. With descents over 1800m/6,000ft, we can expect to encounter a range of temperatures and scenery, from the cool pine forest of the highest elevations to near arid sub tropical conditions in the canyon's depths. The dramatic mountainous terrain of Mexico known as the Sierra Tarahumara is part of the Sierra Madre in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is the traditional home of the Tarahumara Indians, Mexico's second largest native Indian group, with a population of around 80,000. The Tarahumara provide the Copper Canyon region with a fascinating cultural element. They are a reclusive people, living traditionally in caves and stone houses, usually high up on the canyon sides and often in the most remote and inaccessible valleys. Their way of life is based on hunting, farming and the raising of goats and cattle. Running has always been an integral part of Tarahumara life, providing a means of communication between their widespread settlements. Athletic prowess is obviously valued by these people and they have traditionally devised competitions which last for days, involving the kicking of a small wooden ball to a 'goal' which might be a hundred miles away. If you're a regular and competent mountain biker looking for a cycling holiday jam packed with adventure, excitement and some top draw biking, then come and discover Mexico and bike the Copper Canyon for yourself.

NOTE: Prices and itineraries shown for trips departing in 2013 may be subject to change although we will endeavour to keep any price increases for 2013 trips to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.
Day 1: Arrive Chihuahua
Rendezvous at the group hotel in Chihuahua City. A single group transfer will be provided from Chihuahua Airport to the group hotel in the late evening. KE Land Only services begin with overnight accommodation in the group hotel. Meals included: None.
Day 2: To Creel with a bit of Cristo Rey
After breakfast, we have an interesting drive to the small western-style Mexican town of Creel. Located on a plateau at around 2316 metres, Creel is named after a former governor of Chihuahua who was responsible for the construction of the railway. In the 1940's and 50's Creel was an important railhead for silver and other minerals extracted locally. The town has a pleasant atmosphere and is an interesting place to walk around. With around 3000 inhabitants, Creel has a nice eclectic mix of Tarahumara Indians, many of whom wear traditional dress, Spanish Mexicans and others with European backgrounds. However, over the next few days we will also come to know Creel as a mountain biking nirvana. Once we have checked into our lodge accommodation, we can build up our bikes and get ourselves ready for our first taste of Mexican mountain biking. What better way to start than with the famous La Onza and Cristo Rey race courses. Just to make it even more interesting we will take in some more singletrack and include plenty of slickrock, manzanita scrub and forest sections. Creel is fast becoming renowned for its variety of trails, fast terrain and short power climbs. Ride distance 15 km (9 miles). Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
Day 3: Lakes and Monks
Today, we ride out towards Lago Arareco and The Valley of the Monks. Straight from town, the route starts out on a bumpy jeep trail through pastoral countryside and some forest, which provides fleeting glimpses down into the valley below. The valleys and canyons in this area feature an abundance of pine trees and bizarre rock formations, including the many caves that have been the traditional home of the Tarahumara Indians. We will have the opportunity to combine exhilarating singletrack riding and slickrock climbs throughout the day. Arriving at the Valle de los Monjes (Valley of the Monks), there is a particularly impressive rock formation that resembles a row of 30 metre-tall monks. Continuing on forest trails, we descend steeply to the Conchos River, the only one in the area that flows to the east (Gulf of Mexico). This is because Creel lies on the Continental Divide. Apart from the rainy season (July, August and September) it has little flow. We have lunch at a canyon overlook. In the afternoon there are options of riding easier rolling jeep roads, or trails as technical as you can handle. The choice is yours. Returning, satiated, to our lodge, we will once again take supper here. Ride distance 40 km (25 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 4: Tararecua Outlook
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the trail and head for Tararecua Canyon. Enjoying a sweet mix of rocky backroads and bumpy forest singletrack, we can marvel at the magnificent views of the canyons beneath us. We take lunch on trail and, after a rest, carry on riding through this area of exquisite singletrack heaven where mountain bikes are very rarely seen and the riding offers plenty of challenges. Again there is an easier option for the group if required. Returning to our lodge in the late afternoon, we will take supper in town. Ride distance 40 km (25 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 5: The big descent !!!!!!!!!
After breakfast, we load up the support vehicle, for the short drive to La Casita. Here we take a gravel road to Kirare for lunch, with the unmissable option of an excellent singletrack up and along the northern rim of Batopilas Canyon. Along the way there’s the delight of exploring traditional Tarahumara farms and the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of these delightful people. Back on the gravel road once more, it’s time to buckle your seatbelts, as just beyond Kirare the landscape unfolds to reveal the breath-taking expanse of the Batopilas Canyon. The descent is fast and furious through dizzying switchbacks, as we plummet over 1800 metres, which really gets the adrenalin pumping. As we descend to the tiny bridge that crosses the Batopilas River, you can feel the increase in temperature. Directly across the chasm, the Seven Steps, an imposing rock face, rise precipitously toward the heavens. Perhaps it was here that Father Sun and Mother Moon of Tarahumara legend, descended to earth to bless their children. Feeling charged with energy, we cycle a short way up the other side of the canyon to our overnight stop near La Bufa (1000m). Here, we stay in a charming guesthouse overlooking the grandeur of the valley and look forward to an evening reliving the amazing descent. Home cooking and a warm welcome round off a memorable day, as we enjoy our dinner beneath magical stars (depending on group size there may be an option of sleeping outside under the stars with sleeping bags provided). After dinner sit back and relax to appreciate the superlative views that La Bufa is renowned for. Bougainvilleas and tabachine (a flowering tree) are among the tropical vegetation. There are parrots, rosy boas, deer and even the rare and elusive jaguar in this area. Ride distance 45 km (28 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 6: Balmy Batopilas
After a hearty home cooked breakfast, we set off on a pleasant ride through the canyon to Batopilas, which is generally downhill but with the odd stiff climb. Then alongside the Batopilas River, with opportunities to stop off for a swim. We will also be watching out for the hidden cave houses of the Tarahumara on the cliff sides. We aim to reach our hotel in Batopilas in time for lunch. After checking in at our charming hotel, we will freshen up and relax for a while in what is now a sub-tropical/desert climate (at around 500 metres above sea-level) where bananas, papaya and mangoes can be found growing. After the last few days spent higher up in the forest zone our time in this serene 19th century silver-mining village will feel remarkably different. The silver mines of Batopilas were some of the richest in Mexico. In the 18th and 19th century, both Spaniards and Mexicans gained great wealth out of the area and the colonial splendour of this remote town is still quite visible. In the late afternoon, we can take a leisurely ride on a gravel road to the nearby Jesuit mission of San Miguel de Satevo, known locally as the 'Lost Mission' as there are no records describing its existence. Believed to have been constructed in the 1760's, the mission is one of the canyon's best preserved and its setting, beside the Batopilas River is stunning. From here, we return to our hotel, taking supper in town and soaking up the laid back atmosphere of the town plaza. Today, the town of Batopilas only has around 800 inhabitants, but in its heyday at the end of the 19th century, it had up to 7000 inhabitants. Ride distance 40 km (25 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 7: Cerro Colorado
Today, we will take an adrenaline packed round trip on a mixture of dirt roads and singletrack in the Cerro Colorado area. Our route involves some climbing and includes several splash crossings of shallow streams, which are great fun to try on your bike, in the heat of the lower canyon. En route, we will see Tarahumara villages, explore some airy singletrack mule routes along rock cliff edges and have the chance to take a refreshing dip in one of the rivers. We will find a scenic spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Returning to our hotel deep in the heart of canyon, we can also explore one of the old mining shafts (bring your torch) and the ruined hacienda where the silver ore was processed into silver bars. Dinner in town. Ride distance 30 km (19 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 8: The Copper Canyon Challenge. Batopilas – Kirare
There are a number of options today, depending on the group and the prevailing conditions. Those that wish to attempt the challenge need to leave by 6 am to retrace their steps back out of the canyon before the day gets too warm. The full challenge riding out to La Casita is just over 60 km (38miles) with a climb of almost 2300 metres - good luck! Alternatively, there are shorter options after a more leisurely breakfast. Back at La Casita and the end of the jeep track, we load the bikes up for the short drive to our overnight stay at the spell binding Sierra Lodge, where a real western welcome awaits us. The lodge lies at altitude of 2400 metres, right on the Continental Divide, nestled against the site of a small pine-scented valley, with a stream rushing by the front door. Staying here is almost like travelling back in time to the days of the wild, wild west. This rustic jewel is built of rich-toned varnished logs, where you can relax in log chairs on the tiled front porch and look out as the Cusare River winds its way around huge boulders before dropping off a 30 metre cliff, into deeper canyons. Keeping the lodge as authentic as possible, there’s no electricity, so each room is warmed by a log stove and lit with kerosene lamps. Having checked into the lodge in the mid-afternoon, we are free to relax in these ambient surroundings. But, for those who are still feeling energetic, there are more fantastic singletrack trails to explore down to the waterfall. After hot showers, we head over to the dining room where the fire will be roaring in the stone fireplace and the aroma of freshly brewed strong coffee fills the air. Time for margaritas on the porch and then dinner. Ride distance (longest option) 60 km (38 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 9: Cranking it up back to Creel
Leaving behind the charm of the Sierra Lodge, we normally spend the morning exploring the local sights of the area including; the fabulous painted caves, the old mission and a short but exciting ride to the local waterfalls of Cusarare. After lunch, we pick up some excellent singletrack trails, crossing the surrounding mountains via slick rock and little used tracks as we head back towards the town of Creel. Ride distance 40 km (25 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 10: Creel to El Salto Gorge
After breakfast we head towards the beautiful, cascading waterfalls of El Salto. Today’s ride can be varied to suit the group’s abilities and wishes, utilising our experienced guides who will introduce us to trails as challenging or as relaxing as required. There are options of challenging singletrack climbs and descents, rocky drop-offs and loose and very sketchy mule tracks. Alternatively, a more gentle approach can be taken on a quiet back country jeep track. We spend the night near El Salto at a refugio-style cabin. The cabin is scenically situated near a spectacular river chasm, where the water has created some dramatic rock pools and steep sided walls. With a fireplace to keep the chill of the night air away and a BBQ outdoors to cook on if conditions allow, there can be no finer place to enjoy the night sky. The support vehicle will have brought all of our gear to the cabin, including sleeping bags. Ride distance 30 km (19miles). (B,L,D)
Day 11: Crossing the Continental Divide and the Silver Trail
On this final day of biking, we aim to finish our epic journey on a high note. After breakfast at our cabin, we set off on a rarely-used dirt road to the small town of Sisoguichi, originally the hub of the area but now overtaken by Creel and quietly forgotten. To remind us of the town’s previous importance, we find a picturesque mission in the sleepy town. We then continue along the old road towards Carachic. We’re now travelling across the mountains and through a variety of small towns and villages before descending down the eastern flanks to the town of Carachic itself. Carachic once was a main station along the historic Silver Trail. We’ll stay in comfortable cabins just outside of town on a private lake. During this day we have several climbs and ultimately a long downhill to finish our Copper Canyon ride on a high note. Ride distance 60 km (38 miles). (B,L,D)
Day 12: Return to Chihuahua
A leisurely morning, during which we will pack our bikes for the journey home. We will then drive to the group hotel in Chihuahua, arriving in good time to be able to explore some of this prosperous and attractive city. Cowboy boots and hats are the norm here. Perhaps the city’s best-known attraction is the museum of the Mexican Revolution, which is located in a mansion once owned by Pancho Viila. Tonight we will have a banquet in town to celebrate the conclusion of our bike extravaganza. Viva !!!! Shots of tequila are optional! (B)
Day 13: Depart Chihuahua
KE Land Only services end after breakfast. In the late morning, a group transfer to Chihuahua Airport is provided. (B)
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Nikki Marriott, Hereford, UK
Arturo is the best Mountain bike guide I've every had. He was at all times exceptionally professional, accomodating, caring, looked after all the groups / bike needs , was an amazing source of knowledge and an incredibly competent biker. HGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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mark helme, Hereford, UK
Arturo,was brilliant,he was also a mine of information
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Tom Malins, Canterbury, NZ
Our trip leader was a well organised, flexible person. Able to tailor rides to competency and fitness levels of clients. Excellent attention to detail regarding client comfort, peripheral needs (shopping etc), excellent knowledge of natural and cultural history.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • Two experienced mountain bike guides including at least one from the USA
  • Single timed Chihuahua Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 13
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • 12 nights hotel and lodge accommodation
  • One or more support vehicles and drivers
  • All meals except 1 dinner and 1 lunch in Chihuahua
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas (if required)
  • Tips for drivers and other staff
  • Chihuahua Airport transfers (other than timed group transfers)
  • Meals in Chihuahua City
  • Departure taxes (if applicable)
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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