9 days / 8 nights
1-2
6 / 2
84% / 16%
1,440 mi / 2,317 km
This region of Chihuahua, Mexico has been dear to us for more than four decades. The Copper Canyon complex spans 25,000 square miles of deep, rugged canyons, high mesas, and cool pine forests. Beyond its stunning beauty, it is home to the Rarámuri (Tarahumara), a tribe of indigenous Indians, renowned worldwide for their legendary long-distance running prowess, whose presence makes this 4WD adventure far more than a drive. These wild Sierras once sheltered Pancho Villa and Geronimo, illuding capture. A rich history of mining gold and silver dating to the era of the Spanish Conquistadors lends to the romance and character of this Mexico adventure. KaravanADV has crafted a route that balances challenge and reward, perfectly suited for overland vehicles, delivering jaw-dropping panoramas and the unmistakable feeling of being in a truly remarkable place, at a truly remarkable time.
October 2026 INEOS Grenadier Owners (exact date to be announced)
March 06 - 14 Oct 02 - 10
Itinerary, inclusions and amenities are subject to change based on availability at time of booking.
Rendezvous in El Paso, Texas at the Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport where you can expect a casual briefing followed by dinner.
Entering Mexico by way of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, border crossing formalities should be uneventful with KaravanADV having provided in advance all necessary instructions on requirements. The drive will be primarily on paved roads as we head south to be staged in Chihuahua City for our access to the Sierra Madres and the Copper Canyon region.
We’ll get a taste of dirt this day, exiting the highway through the large Mennonite Community of Cuauhtemoc, a meandering series of dirt roads will eventually re-connect us with pavement at the village of Bocoyna. Higher elevations, reaching 7,000 ft and the pine forests dropping the temperatures as the day ends. Destination, the rim of Copper Canyon.
Ample time is allowed to permit you to take one of the world's longest zipline flights in the Adventure Park, the descent into the canyon soaring at nearly 80 mph.for nearly three minutes! Should you not want that adrenaline pump, you can take the cable car. We then mount up and get a little dirty, driving to the old Spanish mission village of Cerocahui, climbing to a high mesa where below at the end of a serpentine road is our stay for the night, the village of Urique. It is far off the tourist path, so expect an authentic sleepy little once mining town along the river’s edge.
This will be our most challenging driving segment, across the mountains to the old mining town of Batopilas. There will be sections of rocky surfaces, just the kind to urge an engagement of your lockers. Once at the crest, it is downhill where you will cross the river and then to the village of Batopilas, where you will step back a couple of hundred years. This is the REAL Mexico. We’ll be here for two nights. During our stay we will take a rugged drive to a village 12 miles distant from Batopilas, the remoteness allowing us to experience the Tarahumara in a most native state. This is what we came for.
You will appreciate the two nights in Batopilas. Now it is time to ascend out of the canyon. The road was paved about ten years ago, however it is already showing signs of deterioration and rock avalanches are common. Eventually connecting to the main road known as the Gran Vision highway, it is a series of twisting curves that will take us to the railroad town of Creel, the gateway to the Copper Canyon.
Pavement all the way this day as we point north. This was Geronimo’s stomping grounds, warring with the Mexicans, then fleeing across the border into the USA, only to be run back into Mexico to vanish in the Sierra Madres. Our stay is in a delightful village known as Old Casas Grandes. There should be time to visit the archeological site of Paquime and learn of the Mormon settlers who first came here in 1885. Count on a fine dinner celebration for our final night in Old Mexico.
Back to the USA, participants have the option of exiting Mexico via Douglas, AZ, the town of Columbus or near El Paso at Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
3 vehicles / 6 persons
7 vehicles / 14 persons
272 miles / 438 km
60 miles / 96 km
El Paso, Texas USA
Altitudes vary from a high of approximately 7,400 ft to low in the canyon depths of about 1,800 ft. Temperatures at higher elevations can reach near freezing at night with warming through the day. In the canyon bottoms highs into the 90°F/32°C range are not uncommon. The rainy season is commonly from August through October. Winter months can experience snow at higher elevations. Heat conditions in the canyon bottoms make travel there in summer undesirable.
1180 miles / 1900 km
84% paved / 16% unpaved
Use of personal 4WD vehicle
With this application, you are soliciting to participate in a KaravanADV event. We will follow up to advise you of the status of the event and at that time, will request additional information and a deposit to confirm your booking.
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PASSENGER #1
PASSANGER #2
Although we’ve been wandering through the Sierra Madres and Copper Canyon regions of Mexico for many years, we’re looking to explore some new routes, gather some great video and photos and start some “buzz” in the INEOS Grenadier community. Scouting tours are usually value priced too. Inquire about our scouting tours and select dates exclusively for Grenadier owners.
Yes. Definitely. The Copper Canyon is an experience to be shared. Although the itinerary will include a couple stays where accommodations are “standard” in category, all are quite acceptable for any traveler who is willing to sacrifice luxury in the interest of a uniquely authentic adventure. We will seek the best!
Classification 1- 2 according to the onX Trail Rating System The roads connect remote villages or served one time as mining accesses.They are expected to be deteriorated due to seasonal rains. Possible low water crossings. This is NOT rock crawling, nor are there any radical approaches or grades.
The region of the Sierra Madres has been known for over a century as a growing region for cannabis and opium poppies. And, from the beginning, these “territories” have been contested, resulting in confrontation between various criminal groups. Historically, these groups steer clear of molesting travelers, well understanding that the response from authorities will be increased pressure on their operations. It is a “rough neighborhood” however in our decades of travel there, we have not had a single negative occurrence that could be considered threatening.
We feel that it would serve the group best if we travel in at least close proximity. There will be opportunities to explore on your own and we’ll happily tell you when and where.
Yes. Of course.
Given that there is no camping, and the off road conditions are not expected to be technically challenging, the emphasis should be on comfort and reliability. Consider that parts and service will be difficult to locate. Look for pre-tour information packets to provide additional information on this subject.
Unless you have medical conditions that require a sensitivity to altitude, this tour should not be a problem. Our highest overnight stay will be at 7,350 feet in Creel. As a comparison this is 500 ft. less than Aspen, Colorado. Please consult with your doctor should you have any concerns.
We recommend SquareMouth as a valuable resource to compare reputable companies to find the exact coverage for your individual needs. You are urged you to undertake your own research, to find the right insurance for your needs. Evacuation insurance is mandatory on all KaravanADV tours and events.
Your USA carrier will not cover you once you are in Mexico.You will have to purchase additional insurance for your vehicle while in Mexico. We will provide you with a number of carriers for your consideration.
It is good to be current on tetanus and diphtheria. Also world travelers all agree that it is prudent to have the latest in hepatitis innoculations. No other shots are required however you should consult with your physician.
A current passport, or a passport card, is required. You will obtain a travel permit (FMM) at the border (a fee will be charged). Additional documents for vehicle temporary importations such as current ORIGINAL registration and ORIGINAL title will be needed. We’ll further detail instructions and requirements in our pre-tour information packet.
Yes. Actually private customized tours are our specialty. We are in a position to satisfy your particular requests. For example travel dates, destinations, inclusions, style and special interests, can all be addressed to meet your needs. KaravanADV has a wealth of logistics experience and global resources. Start by filling out this simple Custom Private Tour Inquiry Form , and look for a speedy response.
