Nine Days Along Chepe with Descent into Urique Canyon (Chihuahua to Los Mochis, Saturday to Sunday)

We have just returned from our Copper Canyon trip, and want to thank you for your excellent arrangements of our itinerary. Everything worked out very well. We especially appreciated your detailed information. (We met some people from San Diego who were using your information in the same format, and they also were pleased with the way you had organized the material.) We are also enjoying the beautiful book on Parks of Northwest Mexico. We read it before the trip, and are enjoying it even more now that we have been there.

We hiked to a pristine waterfall, pouring thousand of gallons of clear water at least 100 feet down into a canyon. The two of us and our young guide were the only ones there; a refreshing solitude difficult to find amidst the bustle of our work-a-day lives.

Finally I have a moment to sit down and write flowery words about our trip to the Copper Canyon. Actually, it was such a profound experience that I have needed time to digest all we saw, did and thought. We were so incredibly taken care of we wanted for nothing. During the entire trip we were educated and exposed to cultural, geological and historical aspects of this magnificent area of the world.

The excellent planning and assistance, all provided by you, was surpassed only by the exceptional and professional tour contacts in Mexico. The rail trip on the Chihuahua Pacific defies description. I have been a rail buff and subscriber to Trains Magazine for two decades. I am a veteran of countless rail trips in several countries, but the Chepe is unquestionably numero uno. More importantly, the rail line welcomes rail fans, has a tour guide on each Vista Train, and cab rides were but a bribe away! The seven-thousand foot descent in 90 miles on the west slope makes even our California Zephyr route seem bland by comparison.

We realized on the way home, that with the exception of the train time, we only spent a total of one hour doing touristy things. We enjoyed opportunities that few others get to experience. The guides were very gracious and knowledgeable at all the locations. The food was superb. I enjoyed the molé at the Rio Vista Lodge more than any that I have had anywhere in Mexico or the U. S. We gave the kitchen staff at the ranch a round of applause the last night that we were there.

Our trip to copper Canyon was a wonderful experience and enjoyed by all six of us. The scenery was spectacular, the lodgings and food great. Primarily though, I wish to commend Canyon Travel. The service you provided us was extraordinary. The itinerary was the most complete we have ever had. We were met at each station, our rooms were always ready and we were catered to in a very special way. Thank you for this. Canyon Travel is on my recommended list!

Canyon Travel does have many friends in Mexico. Our Copper Canyon trip via Chihuahua Pacific Railroad was spectacular!! The lodging and staff at each destination was excellent. We can't say enough about Maria at Mansion Tarahumara. The EL Fuerte stop was a definite plus. Encourage others to stop there. We wished we could have had more time to spend. Your guide book and maps plus all the helpful tips and hints really topped the trip off. Thanks again for the personal touch.

Well our Copper Canyon Family Gathering is now a memory, a series of memories. I wanted to write to tell you how pleased we all were with this experience of a life time. We thought it the perfect choice for our group - just enough guiding - lots of adventure - great hiking to satisfy everyone's level - and delicious food. And, of course, scenery beyond compare! The birthday celebration for George was one we'll all remember all our lives. The piñata was great fun and the delicious turkey dinner served by candlelight was wonderful. I'm enclosing a portion of a letter Laura wrote to me after their return home. I thought that even though it was meant for me it would interest you. "I sure came back to work feeling well rested. I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the fact that everything on the trip went so well. I still cannot get over it. I'm not sure if everyone was as amazed by that as I was.... perhaps it is the planners who feel it most profoundly since they realize all the details that have been arranged and have room to go awry. Anyway I just can't imagine a better time, smoother travel, a more spectacular setting, more cordial guides, more comfortable company, or a grander celebration. Well maybe more consistent hot water. We are so very fortunate, aren't we? It really blows me away. - Laura" Thanks to Canyon Travel for arranging such a memorable tour.