MEXICO'S COPPER CANYON
Birding the "Train to the Sky"

$3275 (2009 fee). 12 days
From Los Mochis. Limit: 12
Good accommodations, warm to cool climate, easy to moderate terrain. Our staff travel agents can book your air travel for this tour. Contact us at (800) 728-4953 for more information.

See our triplist for 2008 or 2007 or 2006.

The carved landscape of Copper Canyon by guide Chris Benesh

Our primary goal will be to watch birds in their natural environment.  First and foremost are the Mexican endemics of the area, such as Rufous-bellied Chachalaca, Elegant Quail, Mexican Parrotlet, Lilac-crowned and Thick-billed parrots, Military Macaw, Russet-crowned Motmot, Black-throated Magpie-Jay, Happy and Sinaloa wrens, and Striped Sparrow.  Then there are the colorful resident birds including Elegant and Mountain trogons, Eared Quetzal, Vermilion and Tufted flycatchers, Rose-breasted Becard, Magnificent, Broad-billed, White-eared, Blue-throated, and Berylline hummingbirds, and Blue Mockingbird.

The canyons, or barrancas, of the Sierra Madre Occidental are some of the wildest country in North America.  Although there are several canyons involved, the area far surpasses the Grand Canyon both in sheer size and in depth.  The Chihuahua-Pacific railway, which we will take through the canyon, traverses some of the most scenic and rugged country in North America.  This train ride has been described as the “eighth wonder of the world,” or what we like to call “the train ride to the sky.”

The local Tarahumara Indians are considered the most traditional indigenous tribe remaining in North America and are the best-kept secret of the tour.  Fifty to sixty thousand strong, many of them still wear traditional clothing and are also wonderful artisans specializing in basketry, pottery, woodworking, sewing, and embroidery.

We’ll combine birding—we should see over 230 species—train spotting, scenic viewing, cultural enhancement, hiking, and shopping in an adventure designed to have something for everyone.  Come explore this remarkable part of Mexico with us.

• 1+ 800-728-4953
• 1+ 512-263-7295
• 1+ 512-263-0117 (fax)

Field Guides Incorporated, 9433 Bee Cave Road, Building 1, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78733

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