Exploring Mexico’s Copper Canyon, Sumidero Canyon and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries of Michoacan
Though Mexico is North America’s southernmost nation, sharing the continent with Canada and the United States of America to the north, Mexico is both culturally and geographically highly contrasted to both its northern neighbors. It is a world of great diversity, with a different language, very distinct modus vivendi, and a variety of geographical intensities that provide for a beautiful and stimulating travel experience.
For those travelers wanting to get off the beaten track and discover some unique, natural beauties and resources, Mexico offers a wealth of choices. Following are a few suggestions for special Mexican adventures that you will never forget.
Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
1) Mexico’s Copper Canyon surpasses even the Grand Canyon in grandeur and scope. The Copper Canyon, or Barranca del Cobre, is located in the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico. It is a network of several deep gorges covering 65,000 square kilometers, with spectacular views, cascading waterfalls and tremendous natural beauty. It is serviced chiefly by El Chepe railroad running from Chihuahua City to Los Mochis in the neighboring state of Sinaloa, as well as a few small and winding roads. It is a hiker’s and nature-lovers paradise. There are many special tours offered by travel agents and tour companies that provide transport to the area and that include portions of travel on El Chepe as well as by other land vehicles. Hiking tours are also available to those wanting to walk the spectacular mountains and gorges. Budget at least three days and up to two weeks for this adventure experience.
…read more about the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua
Monarchs on the ground
2) Sumidero Canyon – Just north of Tuxla Gutierrez in the state of Chiapas, the Cañon del Sumidero is a spectacular chasm measuring 13 kilometers in length with cliffsides more than 1,000 meters high. Boat tours are available from Tuxtla or Chiapa de Corzo which take small groups along the Grijalva River at the base of its towering walls, surrounded by bird and other wildlife including monkeys and crocodiles. This excursion is an easy trip that takes only 3 or 4 hours.
…read more about the Sumidero Canyon of Chiapas
3) The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries of Michoacan – Every year, between the months of October and March, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the north to the mountains of the interior of Mexico. A hike into these high-altitude territories to see the trees laden to the breaking point with clumps of gently fluttering butterflies is an awe-inspiring experience. The trek can be made by foot or by horseback and requires an adventurous spirit, a sturdy constitution and the better part of a day to accomplish, counting the time you’ll want to just sit and contemplate the butterflies and the peacefulness of the surrounding scenery.
…read more about the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries of Michoacan.
Further reading and followup:
- Tarahumara of the Sierra Madre: Survivors on the Canyon’s Edge
- Mexico’s Sierra Tarahumara: A Photohistory of the People of the Edge
- History of Copper Canyon and the Tarahumara Indians: Unknown Mexico and the Silver Magnet
- Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, Vol. 1 (Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas & Yucatan)
- The Last Monarch Butterfly: Conserving the Monarch Butterfly in a Brave New World
- The Monarch Butterfly: Biology and Conservation
- Imagine a World Without Monarch Butterflies: Awakening to the Hazards of Genetically Altered Foods
