subject: Mexico' s Copper Canyon and Low Waters On The Amazon [print this page] Mexico' s Copper Canyon and Low Waters On The Amazon
If you are looking for a different kind of holiday then the Copper Canyon, Mexico is the destination. You need time, but as I discovered onmy recent familiarisation trip, the effort is hugely rewarding, and you can relax and pamper yourself in a 5* luxury beach resort on Baja California afterwards.
The Copper Canyon is a vast network of canyons and valleys with the highest point falling in the region of 8000ft and said to be five times the size of Arizona's Grand Canyon. A charming train journey takes you through tunnels, over bridges and past sparkling lakes, but the famous train is just the tip of the iceberg. Nothing quite prepares you for the spectacular view on arrival to El Mirador Hotel a view which you can enjoy from the privacy of your own balcony from sunrise to sunset.
Take time to delve deeper into the maze of canyons visit historic towns such as Batopilas, founded in the early 17th Century and the first town to receive electricity after the capital. A boom in Silver mining meant large fortunes were made, and a remote and elegant colonial town was established. Sadly the fortunes ran out, and today a faded grandeur remains, with a community stronghold of some 2000 people who survive through trading with neighbouring communities and subsistence farming.
Tarahumara Indians are the indigenous group in this area, usually seen weaving baskets from pine needles. The Tarahumara's are famous for their endurance running and many families still live in caves within the canyon.
Steppes can arrange a visit to the Copper Canyon by private driver and guide. Alternatively a number of incredible multi day treks can be organised, and are no doubt one of the best ways to visit this striking region. Combine a trip to the Copper Canyon with a few nights on the beach at one of the superb resorts in southern Baja to unwind in style. If you travel in February, you will be able to tie in some fantastic whale watching on the Baja's Pacific Coast.
Not long now until I venture out to North Peru tomorrow. Lan Airlines have been wonderful and offered me a higher luggage allowance to cater for my extra luggage for charitable centres in Peru. Stuff Your Rucksack set up by Kate Humble, is a great way of helping children suffering from poverty first hand by packing a spare bag full of goodies.
'Amazon Promise', 'Skip' and 'Hand In Hand' are all charities that I shall visit helping support their worthy cause with childrens clothes, footballs, medical supplies and of course stationary.
This weekend I shall be in the Northern Amazon, Iquitos,which is suffering from the lowest water levelsin 40 years which means that my gifts shall be even more greatly received at this hard time. It is hard to believe that some 6 months ago southern Peru was suffering from extreme rains. The landslides caused by the rains meant many lost their homes and access was cut off to the countries most iconic landmark, Machu Picchu.
Having recently attended the LATA foundations Peruvian meeting in the Peruvian Embassy, I learned more of thedevastation the floods brought. Even down to the washing away of Cochineal beetles which caused the cost of the dyes used by the local women, to triple.
While I am in Lima I shall attend the Travel Mart Latin America so I shall keep you posted to the news this enchanting country has to offer- watch this space....
