Mata Ortiz: Northern Mexico
Birding and Pottery
Birding in Alamos -
Tropical Deciduous Forest
and Rio Mayo
Cultural Tour of Mata Ortiz: Pottery & People
The Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico: Museums, Galleries, and Great Food
Costa Rica: Birds, Rainforests, and Wildlife
Alaska: Birding from Denali to the Sea
C
opper Canyon is also known as Sierra Tarahumara, named after the area's semi-nomadic inhabitants who live in the cliffs, mesas and caves of the canyon. The Tarahumaras (Spanish name) or the Raramuri (their own name) are descendants of the tribes of Northern Mexico that fled from the Spanish during the conquest by taking to the mountains.
A
s the Spanish encroached on their civilization, the shy and private Tarahumara retreated to the inaccessible canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara. After mineral wealth
was discovered, many areas where Tarahumara Indians lived became desirable lands for mining companies, forcing the Tarahumara once again to head farther into the remote canyons. Today, the Tarahumara are Mexico's second largest native Indian group with between 50,000 & 70,000 people. They live in caves, under cliffs and in small wood and stone cabins in remote areas.
T
he Tarahumara are renowned long-distance runners, having surprised many by winning races wearing their tire-soled sandals. Walking and running is their only mode of transportation and many of the small communities are far apart. The Tarahumara are very religious and desire their privacy and respect if you should happen to come upon one of their festivals. Two larger events are Semana Santa (Easter Week) and the Fiesta Guadalupana in December. There are also other celebrations where tesguino, an 
alcoholic beverage made of corn and grasses, is enjoyed by the Tarahumara.
T
hough best known for its mile-deep Copper Canyon, Mexico's northern Sierra Madre actually embraces 15 major canyon systems (barrancas) within an area of 75,000 square kilometers. Of the seven canyons considered "most notable", our trip takes in one of the deepest. This route offers everything from magnificent views to Indian cave houses and rock art, 
birdwatching, visits with Indian families, gold mines, pine and oak forests, subtropical canyons and perhaps even a hot spring or two. Beginning in Los Mochis, our adventure takes us to El Fuerte, the famous Copper Canyon train ride, and on into the Sierra Madre. Led by experienced naturalist guides, you'll set out on an unforgettable six-day burro-supported trek into the very heart of the Copper Canyon wilderness.