Tarahumara into an epic world
11 Days | Chihuahua, Mexico
Take a look at where we're going
Yes! All those shots are of the same canyon! There truly is no place like this out there.
Take a look at where we'll be going
A mind blowing, spectacular canyon that has remained hidden to the outside world
QUICK DETAILS
SKILL PREREQUISITES
ITINERARY
Group Orientation – City of Chihuahua
We’ll begin our journey with a check-in at our designated hotel. Most travellers land a day or two prior to leave buffer time in the event of any travel delays. Once everyone is settled in, we’ll go out as a group for a welcome meal at a local authentic taco spot. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your new friends who will embark on this expedition with you! We’ll have a group orientation in the afternoon which will provide a comprehensive overview of the trip plan, and an understanding of the exciting week ahead. We’ll also go to a grocery store to pick up some fruits, snacks and any other last minute items needed for the expedition. The day will finish off with a gear re-pack at our hotel to make sure packs and gear are ready and good to go for an early departure the following morning.
Canyon Entry – Indigenous Sierra Madre Norte
We’ll start the day with a 5:30 am departure in 4×4 vehicles, heading to a remote indigenous village in the heart of the Copper Canyon. The ride will take us approximately six hours. Extra bags and luggage will be left in secure storage at the hotel. Upon arrival at the village, we will set up and rig our rafts along the side of the river. Before setting off, we’ll conduct a paddle safety talk. This first paddle day involves navigating shallow waters as we embark on our first stretch of river, a 9km journey to our first campsite, The Spire Camp. This spot will be across the river from an indigenous family’s home. Over the years we have camped here, the local children enjoy watching us set up and cook dinner. It’s a truly unique experience to stay and share this space with the native Tarahumara people. Our campsite, surrounded by distinctive rock pillars and spires, will offer us a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes we’ll encounter over the next week.
Full Paddle Day – High Alpine Frontier
Our mornings on the river begin with a group breakfast. Most folks choose to bring backpacking meals, for which we’ll be boiling water using Whisperlite stoves. Following breakfast, we pack up and rig rafts for consistent 9:00 am camp departures. Today, we have a 12km paddle ahead of us. As we journey farther into the canyon, we’ll witness its gradual transition into an even more remote and serene environment, reminiscent of an old western movie. Along the way, you’ll notice fewer settlements, with the occasional home showcasing the unique construction techniques of the Tarahumara people, built using mud and rock! The natural rock formations of the canyon become increasingly unique. By now, the feeling of being in another world will have truly settled in. Depending on water levels and the pace of our group, we will camp on a stunning elevated hillside offering gorgeous views.
Full Paddle Day – Great Copper Canyon
Today, the terrain will truly showcase the grandeur of Las Barrancas del Cobre, the Copper Canyon. Spanning approximately 27,000 km², based on sheer area the Copper Canyon is in fact the largest canyon system in the world! Today, our paddling distance will be 12.5 km. We’ll encounter our first portage of the trip. This rapid narrowly channels water through a chute with a significant drop, which might be navigable by advanced paddlers at higher flows. We’ll carry our gear on River Left (RL) for about 200 meters over smooth, flat sandstone terrain, with a bit of light scrambling to reach the water level again. From there, it’s a short paddle downstream to our campsite. We call this spot Copper Canyon Camp, and it’s nothing short of stunning with its grand views of the canyon. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the majestic beauty of this spot.
Full Paddle Day – Jurassic Confluence & Ancient Hieroglyphs
Today is full of excitement. We’ll cover another 12.5 km as we bid farewell to our campsite and continue navigating down river. The landscape will transform into what can only be described as a prehistoric, jurassic-style canyon. Around noon, we’ll take a short scramble up to see some ancient indigenous hieroglyphs! These incredible glyphs, painted on a rock wall by the Tarahumara people, were spotted by our friend Tatiana during our October 2023 expedition. After admiring this piece of ancient history, we’ll continue paddling. If the water levels are low enough, we’ll get to soak in a hot spring on the side of the river. Further downstream, we’ll reach the Jurassic Confluence, where a neighbouring river boosts our water flow by around 60-90%. This added flow will make the rapids even more thrilling from this point forward. We’ll likely stop for lunch at the confluence, where we might encounter indigenous people washing clothes along the river. With some fun rapids ahead, we’ll make our way to our next camp. This beautiful beach is surrounded by towering canyon walls and offers us another stunning and serene spot to end the day.
Full Paddle Day – Red Canyon & Sandstone Gorges
We’ll awake with the breathtaking sight of enormous canyon walls just outside our tents. Today’s journey covers a 7km paddle. Our first stop will be a small road bridge that is used to connect two remote villages. We’ll take a break here for a snack and use the bridge as a vantage point to enjoy the stunning views. This spot can serve as a re-supply location or an emergency access point if needed. After our snack, we’ll continue downstream into a spectacular stretch of the canyon known as Red Canyon. This narrow gorge, made up of smooth sandstone, is our second portage of the trip, which we’ll navigate on River Left (RL). If the water levels are low enough, we might even paddle through the entire Red Canyon, which will be a thrilling experience, something we’ve only done twice before. Following this, we may stop for lunch to refuel. We’ll then face a challenging section of rocks that will take us some effort to navigate and get through, but our efforts will be rewarded with an incredible section of canyon featuring towering sandstone walls and formations. We’ll have multiple campsites to choose from in this breathtaking area.
Full Paddle Day – Crossing The Amazonian Gates
Get ready for a thrilling 12km paddle day as we tackle the most challenging rapids of our expedition. This is where all the preparation from the prior days pays off, as we navigate increasingly technical runs with confidence. The scenery, which has been awe-inspiring so far, somehow continues to get even more crazy. We’ll venture through a section of the river that is so surreal that it’s difficult to put into words. We call this section The Amazonian Gates. An absolutely epic and spectacular stretch of the canyon that entirely makes us question reality! The geology is absolutely fantastic all throughout this day. We’ll take scenic stops and have ample opportunities to capture stunning photos and videos. We’ll then finish off at one of the most incredible campsites we’ve ever experienced—Triassic Camp. It’s a truly remarkable spot, and we’re excited to share this unforgettable place with you.
Extraction – Desert Tribes
Today’s journey begins with a short but scenic 2km paddle downstream from Triassic Camp to our planned extraction point at Desert Tribes Road. If road conditions prevent us from being extracted here, we’ll continue to a river junction 26km away, which will be our longest paddle stretch. With no planned stops or obstacles, and wide river, we should be able to reach the junction in under four hours. Once we reach our designated extraction point, we’ll deflate the rafts, pack up our gear, and prepare for pickup by our transport vehicles. We’ll then embark on a 3-hour drive back to the City of Chihuahua. Upon arrival, we’ll check back into our original hotel and be reunited with our luggage. After freshening up, we’ll gather for a celebratory taco dinner as a group, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared.
Copper Canyon Train – Chihuahua to Creel
Post river, we’ll find ourselves waking up at the hotel in Chihuahua, reintroduced to civilization. We’ll prepare for a day of scenic travel starting with a 7:00 am departure on the renowned Tren Chepe, heading towards the charming mountain town of Creel. This town is one of Mexico’s Magical Towns, Pueblos Mágicos, known for its unique cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Creel is situated at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) in the Sierra Madre Occidental and is a gateway to the Copper Canyon region. Upon arrival in Creel, we’ll check into our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to relax and explore the town at our own pace, soaking in the local atmosphere and discovering the beauty of this scenic mountain town.
Full Day in Creel & Barrancas
After getting a feel for the magical town you now find yourself waking up in, today we have the opportunity to spend the entire day experiencing what really makes the Creel and Barrancas region so unique. We can take a morning shuttle to one of the rims of the canyon, where as a group we can partake in some thrilling and adventurous activities including the largest swing-style zip line in the world, a via ferratta, and a spectacularly scenic cable car ride. All of which will provide a completely new and stunning perspective of the canyon system we just traveled through! We might also choose to wander around the charming streets of Creel, visit local shops, and savor regional cuisine at quaint eateries. Check out the museums and learn about the indigenous Tarahumara people, where you can also experience their traditional way of life and craftsmanship. If you’re not feeling up for that, you can sit back and relax at the hotel. You have the entire day to do whatever you want. Depending on what everyone decides, we’ll typically head out to a farewell dinner in the evening as this is our last full day together as a group!
Final Day of the Trip – Creel to Chihuahua
As our journey comes to a close, we hope you leave with lifelong memories and new friendships from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’ll depart Creel at 8:00 am in a private shuttle van for the drive back to the City of Chihuahua. The travel time from Creel to the City of Chihuahua is approximately 4 hours, so please ensure you allow ample time when booking your flight home. Most travellers opt to fly out the following day, but if you can secure a later evening flight on this day, it would be ideal. Our team will have an Airbnb booked on the west-central side of the city, so if you have a flight in the evening, you’ll be welcome to hang out and or leave your luggage here in the meantime. Depending on your travel arrangements, we’ll assist you in arranging transportation to Chihuahua International Airport in time for your flight.
PERSONAL PACKING LIST
Lightweight is best. If you and someone in your group decide to share a tent, you’ll benefit from having less weight to carry, and more space amongst you in your packs.
The sleeping bags that work best for this trip are bags designed for summer months. These tend to be light and compact sleeping bags. Look specifically for bags that are categorized as “ultralight” or suitable for backpacking, as they can compress down to a minimal size. Sleeping bags that are rated for temperatures below 9c/48f might be excessive for this trip; however, individual preferences vary, so choose based on your comfort with nighttime temperatures. Avoid bulky sleeping bags so you can allocate more space for food and other gear in your pack.
Keep in mind we will be in and out of water everyday. Choose footwear that is comfortable while wet, and comfortable enough for the final hike out of the canyon. Adidas Terrex Hiking Shoes are a great choice, and can be worn throughout the entire trip. Another good option are Solomon Trail Running Shoes. As we walk along the river, our shoes will get small rocks in them, so we recommend decent hiking socks or NRS Hydroskin 0.5 socks. You can also bring some sandals / slides for at camp. We don’t recommend rafting in sandals as you’ll need good traction and entire-foot protection while walking on and around rocks.
We will be getting wet every day while on the river. Water clothing during the day is best. Be sure to bring at least one long sleeve shirt and leggings / pants to protect against sunburn, and river safe sunscreen. We also recommend bringing a swim suit, lightweight rain jacket, light puffy jacket or fleece and dry clothes for camp / evenings. Merino wool is best for quick drying and smell resistant properties.
Our drinking water along the river will come from both natural springs and river water. You’ll need to bring a filtration system before being able to safely drink from water sources on this trip. There are an array of filtration systems on the market, but bringing a water bottle that doubles as a filter might be the best option for you. We recommend the LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle – plastic version.
If you already own a filter such as a pump filter that attaches to your water bottle, that works great as well.
We avoid bringing squeeze bottle filters as they are susceptible to punctures and often have smaller filters attached.
Any personal belongings left unprotected will get submerged and wet at some point on the river. Whether you want to have quick access to your camera gear, or snacks and sunscreen consider bringing a small < 12L drybag which you can keep in between your legs while paddling.
We will be boiling water for meals two times per day–for breakfast and dinner. The best meal solution is backpacking meals. These are pre-made, freeze-dried and dehydrated meals that are prepared simply by adding water. Popular brands include Mountain House, Good To-Go Meals and Backpackers Pantry. We will spend 7 days on the river. We recommend bringing 2 meals per each day on the river.
Small, inflatable, compact and light pads are best. Sea to Summit and Therm-a-Rest are two brands we would recommend.
Our guides use the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow.
Like all nights out camping in the wild, a headlamp is a must. We recommend the Black Diamond Storm series headlamps.
We recommend bringing a long spoon or a long spork. The Sea to Summit Alpha Spork is a great utensil and is long enough to comfortably eat out of backpacking meal pouches! Depending on the food you plan on bringing into the canyon, you might also consider bringing a foldable knife (if you must bring a knife be sure to bring some tape to prevent it from accidentally opening while inside your pack).
This is an optional item. If you choose to bring one be sure to pick a lightweight option. We recommend the Helinox Chair Zero along with the Chair Zero Groundsheet to avoid having the chair legs sink into the sand.
We recommend bringing a small, lightweight and quickdrying towel. The REI Co-op Multi Towel Light is a good example, but anything similar or made with microfiber is a good bet. Look for towels that are marketed as “lightweight”, “quick-dry”, “ultralight” or “microfiber”.
We’ll be directly exposed to sunlight for most of the day during the expedition. Please be sure to bring sunscreen that has River Safe or Reef Safe, and Biodegradable properties. Products that meet this criteria are typically water-resistant, but be sure to double-check, as we’ll be in and out of the water consistently throughout the day.
If you choose to bring shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap of any kind, be sure to bring a biodegradable product. This will be a requirement if you plan on packing any soap related products onto the river. Products that meet this criteria are typically marketed as “outdoor”, “biodegradable”, “environmentally safe”, “plant based”, “eco friendly” or “organic”.
Although not perfect, the use of these biodegradable products helps minimize our impact and limit the introduction of harmful chemicals into the rivers and water bodies we’ll be traveling through. As a member of this group, one of your main goals will be to promote responsible outdoor ethics, and do your part to ensure that future generations can enjoy these environments.
Our commitment to leave no trace means whatever we pack in, we pack out, including any human waste we produce.
There are 2 things you’ll need: WAG Bags and a 4″+ diameter plastic cylindrical container with a lid. You might also consider bringing a Large Ziploc bag wrapped with duct tape to pack out feminine hygiene items and / or excess toilet paper.
Our waste management procedure in the canyon is as follows: We will poop and deposit our toilet paper into the Wag Bags. When finished, we will seal or tie up the bag and put it inside a container which we’ll pack out of the canyon.
An all in one solution is a product by Cleanwaste called Toilet In A Tube, and can can be found here. WAG Bags can be found here.
These are some awesome Leave no Trace resources we recommend checking out:
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Included
-
Guide Services
-
Fees and Permits
-
Transportation
-
Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
-
Canyon extraction
-
Packrafting gear: pack-raft, paddle, lifejacket, helmet & 65L drybag
-
Pack-raft, paddle, lifejacket & helmet
-
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
-
Camping stoves, gas and pots for boiling water
-
Luggage storage during the expedition
Not Included
-
Airfare to and from destination
-
Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
-
Personal gear (included in Personal Packing List)
-
Backpacking food (meals on the river)
-
Meals (backpacking food and meals on & off-river)
GETTING THERE
Your final destination airport is Chihuahua International Airport (CUU). Most incoming flights to CUU are domestic, from cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. International arrivals come in from either Dallas or Denver. Your flight itinerary will most likely include a transfer or connection in any of these cities. Flight times from Dallas to Chihuahua are around 2 hours and times from Mexico City to Chihuahua are around 2.5 hours.
Chihuahua International Airport is located 22km/13mi approximately a 24 minute drive to the hotel where our group will be staying and meeting on Day 1 - Group Orientation Day. Hotel information will be provided in advance.
We highly recommend landing at least a day prior to the start date of the expedition in case of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances. You can easily find clean and reliable airport taxis upon arrival outside the airport. They typically charge no more than $15 USD to take you anywhere in Chihuahua City. Hotel and restaurant recommendations will be made if you are landing prior to the expedition.
SKILL PREREQUISITES
GETTING THERE
Most travelers coming from abroad will need to take a connecting flight at either Mexico City International Airport or Guadalajara International Airport before landing in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. Your final destination Airport is Angel Albino Corzo International Airport. Flight times from Mexico City to Tuxtla are around 1.5 hours and times from Guadalajara to Tuxtla are around 2 hours.
Angel Albino Corzo International Airport is located 32km/20mi (approx. a 35min drive) to downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, where our group will meet at hotel and attend orientation.
We highly recommend landing at least a day prior to the start date of the expedition in case of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances. You can easily find clean and reliable airport taxis upon arrival outside the airport. They typically charge no more than $15 USD to take you anywhere in Tuxtla. Hotel and restaurant recommendations will be made if you are landing prior to the expedition.
QUICK DETAILS
SKILL PREREQUISITES
ITINERARY
Group Orientation – City of Chihuahua
We’ll begin our journey with a check-in at our designated hotel. Most travellers land a day or two prior to leave buffer time in the event of any travel delays. Once everyone is settled in, we’ll go out as a group for a welcome meal at a local authentic taco spot. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your new friends who will embark on this expedition with you! We’ll have a group orientation in the afternoon which will provide a comprehensive overview of the trip plan, and an understanding of the exciting week ahead. We’ll also go to a grocery store to pick up some fruits, snacks and any other last minute items needed for the expedition. The day will finish off with a gear re-pack at our hotel to make sure packs and gear are ready and good to go for an early departure the following morning.
Canyon Entry – Indigenous Sierra Madre Norte
We’ll start the day with a 5:30 am departure in 4×4 vehicles, heading to a remote indigenous village in the heart of the Copper Canyon. The ride will take us approximately six hours. Extra bags and luggage will be left in secure storage at the hotel. Upon arrival at the village, we will set up and rig our rafts along the side of the river. Before setting off, we’ll conduct a paddle safety talk. This first paddle day involves navigating shallow waters as we embark on our first stretch of river, a 9km journey to our first campsite, The Spire Camp. This spot will be across the river from an indigenous family’s home. Over the years we have camped here, the local children enjoy watching us set up and cook dinner. It’s a truly unique experience to stay and share this space with the native Tarahumara people. Our campsite, surrounded by distinctive rock pillars and spires, will offer us a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes we’ll encounter over the next week.
Full Paddle Day – High Alpine Frontier
Our mornings on the river begin with a group breakfast. Most folks choose to bring backpacking meals, for which we’ll be boiling water using Whisperlite stoves. Following breakfast, we pack up and rig rafts for consistent 9:00 am camp departures. Today, we have a 12km paddle ahead of us. As we journey farther into the canyon, we’ll witness its gradual transition into an even more remote and serene environment, reminiscent of an old western movie. Along the way, you’ll notice fewer settlements, with the occasional home showcasing the unique construction techniques of the Tarahumara people, built using mud and rock! The natural rock formations of the canyon become increasingly unique. By now, the feeling of being in another world will have truly settled in. Depending on water levels and the pace of our group, we will camp on a stunning elevated hillside offering gorgeous views.
Full Paddle Day – Great Copper Canyon
Today, the terrain will truly showcase the grandeur of Las Barrancas del Cobre, the Copper Canyon. Spanning approximately 27,000 km², based on sheer area the Copper Canyon is in fact the largest canyon system in the world! Today, our paddling distance will be 12.5 km. We’ll encounter our first portage of the trip. This rapid narrowly channels water through a chute with a significant drop, which might be navigable by advanced paddlers at higher flows. We’ll carry our gear on River Left (RL) for about 200 meters over smooth, flat sandstone terrain, with a bit of light scrambling to reach the water level again. From there, it’s a short paddle downstream to our campsite. We call this spot Copper Canyon Camp, and it’s nothing short of stunning with its grand views of the canyon. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the majestic beauty of this spot.
Full Paddle Day – Jurassic Confluence & Ancient Hieroglyphs
Today is full of excitement. We’ll cover another 12.5 km as we bid farewell to our campsite and continue navigating down river. The landscape will transform into what can only be described as a prehistoric, jurassic-style canyon. Around noon, we’ll take a short scramble up to see some ancient indigenous hieroglyphs! These incredible glyphs, painted on a rock wall by the Tarahumara people, were spotted by our friend Tatiana during our October 2023 expedition. After admiring this piece of ancient history, we’ll continue paddling. If the water levels are low enough, we’ll get to soak in a hot spring on the side of the river. Further downstream, we’ll reach the Jurassic Confluence, where a neighbouring river boosts our water flow by around 60-90%. This added flow will make the rapids even more thrilling from this point forward. We’ll likely stop for lunch at the confluence, where we might encounter indigenous people washing clothes along the river. With some fun rapids ahead, we’ll make our way to our next camp. This beautiful beach is surrounded by towering canyon walls and offers us another stunning and serene spot to end the day.
Full Paddle Day – Red Canyon & Sandstone Gorges
We’ll awake with the breathtaking sight of enormous canyon walls just outside our tents. Today’s journey covers a 7km paddle. Our first stop will be a small road bridge that is used to connect two remote villages. We’ll take a break here for a snack and use the bridge as a vantage point to enjoy the stunning views. This spot can serve as a re-supply location or an emergency access point if needed. After our snack, we’ll continue downstream into a spectacular stretch of the canyon known as Red Canyon. This narrow gorge, made up of smooth sandstone, is our second portage of the trip, which we’ll navigate on River Left (RL). If the water levels are low enough, we might even paddle through the entire Red Canyon, which will be a thrilling experience, something we’ve only done twice before. Following this, we may stop for lunch to refuel. We’ll then face a challenging section of rocks that will take us some effort to navigate and get through, but our efforts will be rewarded with an incredible section of canyon featuring towering sandstone walls and formations. We’ll have multiple campsites to choose from in this breathtaking area.
Full Paddle Day – Crossing The Amazonian Gates
Get ready for a thrilling 12km paddle day as we tackle the most challenging rapids of our expedition. This is where all the preparation from the prior days pays off, as we navigate increasingly technical runs with confidence. The scenery, which has been awe-inspiring so far, somehow continues to get even more crazy. We’ll venture through a section of the river that is so surreal that it’s difficult to put into words. We call this section The Amazonian Gates. An absolutely epic and spectacular stretch of the canyon that entirely makes us question reality! The geology is absolutely fantastic all throughout this day. We’ll take scenic stops and have ample opportunities to capture stunning photos and videos. We’ll then finish off at one of the most incredible campsites we’ve ever experienced—Triassic Camp. It’s a truly remarkable spot, and we’re excited to share this unforgettable place with you.
Extraction – Desert Tribes
Today’s journey begins with a short but scenic 2km paddle downstream from Triassic Camp to our planned extraction point at Desert Tribes Road. If road conditions prevent us from being extracted here, we’ll continue to a river junction 26km away, which will be our longest paddle stretch. With no planned stops or obstacles, and wide river, we should be able to reach the junction in under four hours. Once we reach our designated extraction point, we’ll deflate the rafts, pack up our gear, and prepare for pickup by our transport vehicles. We’ll then embark on a 3-hour drive back to the City of Chihuahua. Upon arrival, we’ll check back into our original hotel and be reunited with our luggage. After freshening up, we’ll gather for a celebratory taco dinner as a group, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared.
Copper Canyon Train – Chihuahua to Creel
Post river, we’ll find ourselves waking up at the hotel in Chihuahua, reintroduced to civilization. We’ll prepare for a day of scenic travel starting with a 7:00 am departure on the renowned Tren Chepe, heading towards the charming mountain town of Creel. This town is one of Mexico’s Magical Towns, Pueblos Mágicos, known for its unique cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Creel is situated at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) in the Sierra Madre Occidental and is a gateway to the Copper Canyon region. Upon arrival in Creel, we’ll check into our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to relax and explore the town at our own pace, soaking in the local atmosphere and discovering the beauty of this scenic mountain town.
Full Day in Creel & Barrancas
After getting a feel for the magical town you now find yourself waking up in, today we have the opportunity to spend the entire day experiencing what really makes the Creel and Barrancas region so unique. We can take a morning shuttle to one of the rims of the canyon, where as a group we can partake in some thrilling and adventurous activities including the largest swing-style zip line in the world, a via ferratta, and a spectacularly scenic cable car ride. All of which will provide a completely new and stunning perspective of the canyon system we just traveled through! We might also choose to wander around the charming streets of Creel, visit local shops, and savor regional cuisine at quaint eateries. Check out the museums and learn about the indigenous Tarahumara people, where you can also experience their traditional way of life and craftsmanship. If you’re not feeling up for that, you can sit back and relax at the hotel. You have the entire day to do whatever you want. Depending on what everyone decides, we’ll typically head out to a farewell dinner in the evening as this is our last full day together as a group!
Final Day of the Trip – Creel to Chihuahua
As our journey comes to a close, we hope you leave with lifelong memories and new friendships from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’ll depart Creel at 8:00 am in a private shuttle van for the drive back to the City of Chihuahua. The travel time from Creel to the City of Chihuahua is approximately 4 hours, so please ensure you allow ample time when booking your flight home. Most travellers opt to fly out the following day, but if you can secure a later evening flight on this day, it would be ideal. Our team will have an Airbnb booked on the west-central side of the city, so if you have a flight in the evening, you’ll be welcome to hang out and or leave your luggage here in the meantime. Depending on your travel arrangements, we’ll assist you in arranging transportation to Chihuahua International Airport in time for your flight.
PERSONAL PACKING LIST
Lightweight is best. If you and someone in your group decide to share a tent, you’ll benefit from having less weight to carry, and more space amongst you in your packs.
The sleeping bags that work best for this trip are bags designed for summer months. These tend to be light and compact sleeping bags. Look specifically for bags that are categorized as “ultralight” or suitable for backpacking, as they can compress down to a minimal size. Sleeping bags that are rated for temperatures below 6c/42f might be excessive for this trip; however, individual preferences vary, so choose based on your comfort with nighttime temperatures. Avoid bulky sleeping bags so you can allocate more space for food and other gear in your pack.
Keep in mind we will be in and out of water everyday. Choose footwear that is comfortable while wet, and comfortable enough for the final hike out of the canyon. Adidas Terrex Hiking Shoes are a great choice, and can be worn throughout the entire trip. Another good option are Solomon Trail Running Shoes. As we walk along the river, our shoes will get small rocks in them, so we recommend decent hiking socks or NRS Hydroskin 0.5 socks. You can also bring some sandals / slides for at camp. We don’t recommend rafting in sandals as you’ll need good traction and entire-foot protection while walking on and around rocks.
We will be getting wet every day while on the river. Water clothing during the day is best. Be sure to bring at least one long sleeve shirt and leggings / pants to protect against sunburn, and river safe sunscreen. We also recommend bringing a swim suit, lightweight rain jacket, light puffy jacket or fleece and dry clothes for camp / evenings. Merino wool is best for quick drying and smell resistant properties.
Our drinking water along the river will come from both natural springs and river water. You’ll need to bring a filtration system before being able to safely drink from water sources on this trip. There are an array of filtration systems on the market, but bringing a water bottle that doubles as a filter might be the best option for you. We recommend the LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle – plastic version.
If you already own a filter such as a pump filter that attaches to your water bottle, that works great as well.
We avoid bringing squeeze bottle filters as they are susceptible to punctures and often have smaller filters attached.
Any personal belongings left unprotected will get submerged and wet at some point on the river. Whether you want to have quick access to your camera gear, or snacks and sunscreen consider bringing a small < 12L drybag which you can keep in between your legs while paddling.
We recommend bringing a small, lightweight and quickdrying towel. The REI Co-op Multi Towel Light is a good example, but anything similar or made with microfiber is a good bet. Look for towels that are marketed as “lightweight”, “quick-dry”, “ultralight” or “microfiber”.
We’ll be directly exposed to sunlight for most of the day during the expedition. Please be sure to bring sunscreen that has River Safe or Reef Safe, and Biodegradable properties. Products that meet this criteria are typically water-resistant, but be sure to double-check, as we’ll be in and out of the water consistently throughout the day.
Small, inflatable, compact and light pads are best. Sea to Summit and Therm-a-Rest are two brands we would recommend.
Our guides use the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow.
Like all nights out camping in the wild, a headlamp is a must. We recommend the Black Diamond Storm series headlamps.
We recommend bringing a long spoon or a long spork. The Sea to Summit Alpha Spork is a great utensil and is long enough to comfortably eat out of backpacking meal pouches! Depending on the food you plan on bringing into the canyon, you might also consider bringing a foldable knife (if you must bring a knife be sure to bring some tape to prevent it from accidentally opening while inside your pack).
This is an optional item. If you choose to bring one be sure to pick a lightweight option. We recommend the Helinox Chair Zero along with the Chair Zero Groundsheet to avoid having the chair legs sink into the sand.
If you choose to bring shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap of any kind, be sure to bring a biodegradable product. This will be a requirement if you plan on packing any soap related products onto the river. Products that meet this criteria are typically marketed as “outdoor”, “biodegradable”, “environmentally safe”, “plant based”, “eco friendly” or “organic”.
Although not perfect, the use of these biodegradable products helps minimize our impact and limit the introduction of harmful chemicals into the rivers and water bodies we’ll be traveling through. As a member of this group, one of your main goals will be to promote responsible outdoor ethics, and do your part to ensure that future generations can enjoy these environments.
Our commitment to leave no trace means whatever we pack in, we pack out, including any human waste we produce.
There are 2 things you’ll need: WAG Bags and a 4″+ diameter plastic cylindrical container with a lid. You might also consider bringing a Large Ziploc bag wrapped with duct tape to pack out feminine hygiene items and / or excess toilet paper.
Our waste management procedure in the canyon is as follows: We will poop and deposit our toilet paper into the Wag Bags. When finished, we will seal or tie up the bag and put it inside a container which we’ll pack out of the canyon.
An all in one solution is a product by Cleanwaste called Toilet In A Tube, and can can be found here. WAG Bags can be found here.
These are some awesome Leave no Trace resources we recommend checking out:
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Included
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Guide Services
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Fees and Permits
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Transportation
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Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
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Canyon extraction
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Packrafting gear: pack-raft, paddle, lifejacket, helmet & 65L drybag
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Cook stoves, gas and pots for boiling water
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Luggage storage during the expedition
Not Included
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Airfare to and from destination
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Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
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Personal gear (included in Personal Packing List)
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Optional activities in Creel & Barrancas
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Meals (backpacking food and meals on & off-river)
GETTING THERE
Your final destination airport is Chihuahua International Airport (CUU). Most incoming flights to CUU are domestic, from cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. International arrivals come in from either Dallas or Denver. Your flight itinerary will most likely include a transfer or connection in any of these cities. Flight times from Dallas to Chihuahua are around 2 hours and times from Mexico City to Chihuahua are around 2.5 hours.
Chihuahua International Airport is located 22km/13mi approximately a 24 minute drive to the hotel where our group will be staying and meeting on Day 1 - Group Orientation Day. Hotel information will be provided in advance.
We highly recommend landing at least a day prior to the start date of the expedition in case of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances. You can easily find clean and reliable airport taxis upon arrival outside the airport. They typically charge no more than $15 USD to take you anywhere in Tuxtla. Hotel and restaurant recommendations will be made if you are landing prior to the expedition.
Out of this world
OUT OF THIS WORLD
It's really real.
This canyon we’ll be venturing down is one of the most epic and wild canyons in all of North America. We’ll float through beautiful high altitude mountain range, inhabited only by the Tarahumara people, Indigenous natives to this region. Challenging to access, and extremely remote, you’ll be amongst the first people to ever packraft this river. A truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as some of the local settlements we will float past have never interacted with people from the outside world! The canyon itself is difficult to access due to remoteness and lack of human contact, so to experience the entirety of the river, a lightweight, inflatable kayak known as a pack-raft is necessary. Pack-rafting is a relatively new sport, and because of this there are places out there that have been able to remain hidden and untouched.
No experience needed
The canyon provides you with a gradual progression of difficulty, allowing you to develop your paddling skills in a fun and engaging way. People with no paddling experience have done this trip, and by the end they’re looking like pros. A good attitude comes above any physical skill on this trip!
DIY Journey
This is a DIY journey! Meaning you will be required to carry your own raft with your own gear; you will be responsible for setting up and taking down your own camp; cooking your own meals on the river, and packing your own gear to and from the canyon.
Pueblo Mágico
After our group exits the river, we’ll make our way back to Chihuahua, where the next morning we’ll board the breathtaking Copper Canyon Train to Creel, a picturesque mountain town nestled in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara. Known as one of Mexico’s “Magical Towns”, we’ll spend two days exploring the town and it’s surroundings before taking making our way back to the city of Chihuahua to finish off this spectacular trip.
Connect
This 11 day experience will challenge you, introduce you to like-minded adventurers, and leave you with memories of a place still hidden from the outside world. This adventure is designed to push you beyond your comfort zone, making every day a journey of personal growth and exploration. Along the way, you’ll forge deep connections with new friends who share your passion for pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown.
Connect
This 11 day experience will challenge you, introduce you to like-minded adventurers, and leave you with memories of a place still hidden from the outside world. This adventure is designed to push you beyond your comfort zone, making every day a journey of personal growth and exploration. Along the way, you’ll forge deep connections with new friends who share your passion for pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown.