Copper Canyon: And the verdict is.....

Copper Canyon--- after over a year and a half of talking about wanting to go... we finally did! It all started when we were looking at a kids magazine and it mentioned it.

Anyways, here it is.

We got up Saturday at 3am to catch our 6am flight. Smooth easy flight... then to the bus station. While we were well aware that we got ridiculously ripped off over the taxi, he was very nice and even took us to the next stop because we missed the 8am bus by 10 minutes (so we didn't have to wait 2 hours).

Five hour bus ride. When your tired. Is rough. But we made it to Creel. A really itty bitty town. Cute though. We called our hotel who came and picked us up and took us the three blocks to the hotel- think tall man in cowboy hat in a little car! =)

It was a great hotel. Served hot and really nice breakfasts too!

 

After we settled in to our hotels, we got some lunch and then walked around the town- which took about 5 minutes =) 

We immediately noticed how traditional the woman of the area still dress and how some of the men look like the typical "mexican" you think of when you watch the movies. On a horse, wearing a cowboy hat and drinking a beer! (ha)

We ran across the tour agency we booked tours on (3 Amigos- HIGHLY RECOMMEND) and went to talk to them. We told them we didn't have plans for the afternoon. So, they convinced us to go biking for 4 hours, handed us a map, and sent us on our way.

 

We ended up having a great time! Only a little "miss placed" -- we took the scenic route, ok? We saw a lake, Valley of the frogs (where the rocks looked like frogs), Valley of the mushrooms (can you guess? all the rocks were mushroom shaped!), An giant elephant shaped rock, caves, rock formations, a beautiful forest. So great! We ended it as it was sprinkling and got back to 3 Amigos ONE MINUTE before a down pour of hail!

Can you see the elephant?

The next day we got up early to find coffee... nope, nothing in the town opens before 10 or stays open after around 5! But, we got on our tour for the day. We had the same guide for this one and the next day... very knowledgeable. He took us to the bottom of Copper Canyon, some different look out sites, a water fall (which i am sure would have been WAY prettier in the wet season), and a couple pueblos. We even hiked, with our 12 year old friend to see a little hot spring. Cool to see... the hike was a little rough! All in all a day that brought many different sites, sounds, experiences, and cultures!

 

The third day, we were headed through the canyon stopping at some really cool over looks and off to an adventure park. This was my favorite day! The scenic views were breath taking, and sometimes just sat there admiring how incredible the canyons were. We couldn't get over how big our God was.

 

There were tons of things we could have done at the park--- zip lines, cable cars, horses, playground area. But we chose 4 wheelers! We had a guide who took us to one of the highest over looks. Showed us where you can see the three major canyons connect. Where an indian village is. AND where they still have their "rituals and sacrifices". It was amazing!

 

Next stop, our hotel for the night. Everyone suggested we stay at this hotel because its the best on the canyon. We thought about not staying there because  of the price. BUT--- we were SO glad we did. Everyone has a balcony overlooking the canyons where you can just sit and enjoy the view.

 

We did do some hiking around the hotel that afternoon, had a great dinner and watched the sun fade into darkness from our room!

Up at 5:30am to see the sunset from our balcony...ok wrapped in a blanket and in our door because it was about 40 degrees! 

 After checkout we headed out to the train. The train was an hour late. So everyone there was just hanging out. Not the worst thing in the world.

The only real disappointment of the trip was the train, unfortunately. We took second class, because we had been told by nationals that its basically the same and half the price. We got on and was getting ready to pay when we leaned that locals pay 120 pesos (10 bucksish) and then they charge people without a identification from there 790 pesos (70 bucks). We even tried to use our FM3 visas. But no. 

My only suggestion: if you go, skip the train- take the bus- use the money to do another tour!

All in all... a fantastic trip. We really had a great time- it was worth the wait to go! 

Tons more pics on my facebook and even more on my computer .... if your interested! 

I couldn't stop taking pictures!