Copper Canyon, Mexico: Mountain Bike Eco Tour

Southwest of El Paso, Texas, in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, is Copper Canyon. At four times the size of Arizona's Grand Canyon, covering an area of 25,000 square miles, it is a fantastic getaway for the avid mountain-biker. It is inhabited by the Tarahumara Indians, who number about 50,000 and are scattered throughout the region in small settlements. Copper Canyon offers a rare glimpse of this fascinating culture, as well as breathtaking scenery and great mountain-biking. A mountain bike tour through this majestic region is an adventure back in time (not to mention some of the best mountain biking on the planet).

Itinerary

Day 1: After flying into El Paso the night before, we will pick you up early from your hotel room and head into Mexico to Creel, your first night's destination. We will have a relaxing dinner and take in the town.

Day 2: Today we will get on our bikes after a cooked breakfast and explore plenty of single track as we venture into the 'Valley of the Monks'. This is a fantastic area filled with large rock formations. We will have lunch on the trail and rideback to town past Lake Arareco.

Day 3: We begin the 7,000ft descent into the Batopilos Canyon. We will eat lunch perched on the canyon wall, looking down at the river that we will later 'downhill' to for a refreshing swim. Then we climb the last mile to the small village ofLa Bufa where we will spend the night at a beautiful hacienda.

Day 4: After exploring some hiking trails and a hearty breakfast in La Bufa, we will continue our descent to the historic and tranquil town of Batopilos, stopping along the way to cool off in your guide's favorite swimming holes secluded from the road. Once in the town of Batopilos, which has a population of approx. 800 people, you will have a chance to take a good lookaround before dinner.

Day 5: Today we have a short ride to the 'Lost Mission of Satevo'. It was built by the Jesuits around 400 years ago, but no one knows for sure the exact date, or why it was built. From here you can carry on exploring the trails, play with the children who are always fascinated by our arrival, or head back to town for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 6: We will bike up a side canyon to the remote village of Cerro Colorado, then have lunch at one of the local lady's houses. The ride is highlighted by great single track, multiple river crossings, breathtaking scenery and plenty of curious children.

Day 7: For those that still feel the need for more biking, your biggest challenge yet: the 70km climb out of the canyon. Today you can bike as little or much as you like - the van will pick you up when you're done. Tonight we will drive to a hotel in Chatemoc.

Day 8: We drive back to El Paso and drop you back safely to your hotel.