Copper Canyon
 

Has anyone visited the Copper Canyon in Mexico. What advice would you give to a first time visitor - the do's and don'ts.

Did you want to do it on your own, or as we did..we took the Grand Circle tour: Northern Mexico/Copper Canyon 2 years ago. Check out their tour at www.gct.com Or for a 'do it yourself' tour go to www.giveaminute.org and then click on the Copper Canyon sponsor. There is information there on how to do it your self. You will NOT be disappointed.

I may be going in February, but I will definitely join a tour. I am interested in do's and don'ts too.

As for all first time visits, read as much as you can about the area. Check Amazon.com.
If you enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, DO go, but DON'T expect to see much of the canyons from the train. As nice as it is, it only gets near the canyons at Divisidero.
DO spend time at the hotels near the railroad, do some of their tours and hikes. The hotels can provide the guides.
DO take the long windy trip down to Batopilas. Well worth while. It means spending a night in Creel, which is a pretty town.
DO spend some time in El Fuerte. Stay at the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo. It is very much like the Spanish Posadas.
DO spend some time at Posada Barrancas Mirador. Views are fabulous over the Canyon.
DO stay at the Hotel Mision in Cerocahui, a real Mexican village. The trips from there, arranged by the hotel can give you one of the best feels for the canyons. The nearby waterfall is well worth the hike.
DON'T drink the water. A lot of these areas are quite rural.
DO take anti-diarrheals with you.
It helps to know a little Spanish, but this is not essential.
You can go by guided tour or self directed. We prefer the latter and made our arrangements through Pan American Tours in El Paso--(800)876 3942; www.panamericantours.com. They made our arrangements and they were flawless. Or, if you prefer, you can backpack the area. It is rugged!

Addendum:
DO take a lot of film or flash cards, whatever is your preferance. Close ups, vistas, the people are all very photogenic.

Do go to <b>http://www.coppercanyon-mexico.com/</b> for good info.

Do put 'copper canyon' in the search box for a lot of good advice.

Do tell us more what your interests and ideas are. ((R))