Copper Canyon - 2005 Easter with the Raramuri Tribe

Easter with the
Raramuri Indians

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the most exciting fiesta in the Copper Canyon region. Thousands of Raramuri Indians leave remote ranchitos (small villages and settlements) to walk hours, even days, to isolated religious centers where they participate in ceremonies that originated with Jesuit priests over three centuries ago.
This very special trek of moderate difficulty gives you the opportunity to both experience and participate in this incredible cultural event. Walking on trails worn down by centuries of residents, you will feel the energy of the Raramuri in a way that few have.
Please note that these celebrations are an authentic expression of faith for the Raramuri --few, if any, other outsiders will be present, and we ask that all visitors be properly respectful of the Raramuri and their beliefs.
Easter with the
Raramuri Indians

A Classic Canyon trek

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Los Mochis and transfer to the Hotel El Fuerte
Meet your Copper Canyon Adventures guide at the Los Mochis airport and immediately escape the noise and traffic of this young agricultural city with your transfer to El Fuerte, a charming and historical city vibrant with heritage and tradition.
Enjoy welcome cocktails/beverages and dinner at the Hotel El Fuerte, an island of comfort and seclusion only a block from the heart of Colonial El Fuerte. Beautiful and warm, the Hotel El Fuerte prides itself on personal service and attention to detail.
To complement this wonderful hotel, take a stroll after dinner to the "Plazuela" of El Fuerte, a short distance away. This wonderfully maintained central plaza is indicative of both the pride of El Fuerte’s citizens and the richness of their history.
Welcome to Mexico—enjoy!
Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad
You ride the Copper Canyon train after breakfast today, enjoying tremendous views from one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
The three-level loop at Temoris is especially photogenic—so be sure to bring lots of film!
The destination today is Bahuichivo, the station serving Cerocahui and the Paraiso del Oso Lodge, your hosts for the Easter trek. Members of the lodge will meet you at the station.
Tranquil and refreshing, I am sure you will enjoy the warm, comfortable rooms at the Paraiso del Oso—with kerosene lamps, plush comforters and pillows, you will certainly feel pampered.
If you are interested, this afternoon you will have time for a short walk to the "Cave of the Crosses", once the home of Rarámuri Indians. Well-preserved and striking, this cave will give you an idea of one way the indigenous peoples of this area live.
Dinner will probably be served around the campfire, an ideal setting for enjoying both the mountain atmosphere and great hospitality of your hosts, Doug and Ana Rhodes. In addition, if you like stargazing, this is a great place for it, and the lodge has a professional telescope at your disposal.
BLD

Day 3: Warm-up hike around Cerocahui
Today we stretch our legs in hikes around the Oso to get ready for our trek to the Easter Celebrations at Guadalupe Coronado.
There are a wide variety of great hiking options today, from a full-day hike exploring remote Rarámuri cave dwellings, to climbing nearby rock formations and visiting Rarámuri friends in a nearby valley. We will discuss the options today and decide which is best.
BLD

Day 4: The trek begins--to Huicorachi
After breakfast, you will begin what is likely the most unique trip in the Copper Canyon area—the three-day descent into the Urique Canyon.
Hiking and riding on trails established centuries ago by the Spaniards, you will discover another hidden side of the Copper Canyon, with remote villages, farms and Rarámuri Indians living as they always have.
It will be a memorable experience for many reasons-for the panoramic views and for the great trails, of course, but most of all for the interesting people you will meet.
This is especially true in Huicorachi, home to one of our favorite canyon vistas, but more importantly, to our friend Dona Naty, A Rarámuri lady who is our host at her home (the fields nearby are our campsite). Friendly and outgoing, chatting with Dona Naty will be a highlight for you due to her warmth and down-to-earth nature.
(Hiking today: 5.5 miles/8.8 km--6 hours; elevation change -1411'/430m)
BLD

Day 5: Hiking the Arroyo Hondo to Naranjo
Lunch will be at a wonderful canyon overlook. After a swim at Arroyo Hondo, you will arrive in Naranjo, an incredibly beautiful farming village surrounded on three sides by canyon walls, late in the afternoon. There you will camp in the orchard of the Mancinas family, with whom you will also dine. Breaking bread with this lovely, warm family will be one of the highlights of your Copper Canyon Adventure, as will the fresh fruit from the orchard.
(Approx hiking today: 3.5 miles/5.6 km--5 hours; elevation change -2530'/772m)
BLD

Days 6-8: Arriving at Guadalupe Coronado for the Easter celebrations
After a leisurely breakfast with Meleton and his family, we will continue our descent to the bottom of a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, arriving in the old mining town of Urique for lunch.
(Approx hiking on day 6: 4.3 miles/6.9 km--6 hours; elevation change -2100'/640m)
All can enjoy a swim under a spectacular 400-ft-long suspension bridge before moving on to Guadalupe Coronado this afternoon, a Rarámuri village that will be a center for the Easter Ceremonies.
Distant drumbeats signal our approach to the village. These booming drumbeats combine with the isolation to create a wonderful feeling of living history. Entering town, you will encounter Indian men painted black and white: they represent devils who personify the evil associated with the crucifixion.
As dusk approaches, more devils arrive. Armed with wooden mock weapons, they attack the church, cackle, dance and carry on as if possessed. Meanwhile, officials with wooden lances protect the church and ensure that things do not get out of hand. Darkness and the lighting of campfires signal the start of processions lasting the entire night.
All will participate in the fiesta, join the candle-lit processions, enter the incense-filled 17th century church to participate in activities and observe the humble offerings and centuries old statues of saints.
The beating of drums lasts the night then pandemonium breaks out in the form of ceremonial wrestling between devils and men representing good. Eventually the devils lose and their "king", a colorful effigy of Judas, is burnt along with other symbols of the evil side of Easter. Devils are then rounded up and ceremonially whipped (no blood drawn nor harm done) as they are herded into the church to be cleansed, washed and returned to society as normal people.
Leaving Guadalupe, you will pass through Urique and then climb out of the canyon (by vehicle!) to spend the night at Cerro Gallegos, the most beautiful of all canyon-rim viewpoints. On Easter Sunday, you will return to the Ranch for a farewell party.
BLD each day

Day 9: Return to El Fuerte
You have the morning free and then have lunch before you leave on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad for your trip back to El Fuerte. The timing of our return trip should provide some great photo opportunities, as you will be seeing the most dramatic part of the trip in the late-afternoon sun.
Your final night in Mexico will be spent at the Hotel El Fuerte, truly a great place to return to!
BLD

Day 10: Departure for home
You will be transferred to the airport in Los Mochis after breakfast, and there assisted with checking in for your flight back to the U.S.
Thanks for coming! We look forward to staying in touch.
B

Trip price includes:
The services of a personal bilingual guide for the entire trip,
Round-trip first-class travel on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world,
All lodging (including your sleeping bag, ground pad and tent while on the trail),
All meals as noted above,
All tips to drivers, wranglers, restaurant staff, maids and baggage handlers,
Pack horses or mules to carry all the heavy gear (you just carry a day pack and water),
All transfers upon your arrival in Los Mochis, and
A detailed trip information package with maps and supporting documentation.
Trip Prices (based on at least four travelers in the final group; in US dollars):

$295 single supplement (if you want your own room/tent throughout the trip)

Not included in trip price:
Transportation to and from your home to Los Mochis, Mexico (airport code LMM), where the trip begins (but we can give you tips on how to get the best airfare),
Personal purchases such as souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks and alcoholic beverages,
Mexico tourist card ($22 per person; normally added into the price of your airline ticket),
Tips for trip guide.