Spring is an enjoyable holiday season for many and it has an uncanny ability to lift one’s spirit through its colors, activities, and irresistible travel deals. Among the many spring break vacations available, the Copper Canyon in Mexico is one of the destinations that could make your vacation special. So read on to discover why you should choose the Copper Canyon of Mexico for your upcoming spring break getaways!
About the Copper Canyon in Mexico
The Batopilas Canyon or Copper Canyon of Mexico is part of a network of six separate canyons, each spectacular on its own and offering a wide range of adventure activities. Although the name suggests that the gorge may have some connection to copper mining, this is not the case. The name derives from the copper and green lichens that fill the canyon system.
Why travel to Copper Canyon of Mexico for spring break getaways
You may often wonder why travel to Copper Canyon. Well, since the Copper Canyon in Mexico is at an altitude of 8,000 feet, harsh temperatures are usual, but during spring break vacations you can enjoy the fresh, cool morning air plus plenty of sunshine for daytime activities.
It must be taken into account that the Copper Canyon region has two distinct ecosystems, split into two areas:
- The alpine climate spreads to the highlands, with mild temperatures from April-October and rain showers in July-September. Between November and March, this area faces much colder weather, including snowfall. And, at higher altitudes, snowstorms are frequent during winter.
- There is also a subtropical climate in the lower levels of the canyon, which makes it very hot and humid from May to July.
Therefore, should you plan spring break vacations at Copper Canyon in Mexico, your trip will be just at the right time, and you’ll face less extreme weather conditions. Plus, the breathtaking scenery is beautiful during spring!
Other unique features of the Copper Canyon in Mexico
The presence of the Raramuri or Tarahumara Indian culture is another unique feature of the Copper Canyon rim. These semi-nomadic people are living in cave dwellings. Their livelihood depends primarily on farming and cattle ranching.
Apart from the native population, the local wildlife is also a major attraction to the audience. Many migratory and resident birds, mammals, and reptiles call the Copper Canyon area home. It is also worth checking out the beautiful fauna in this near-pristine area.
The Copper Canyon train ride during spring break vacations
You’ve probably heard of a train trip through the Copper Canyon in Mexico. The Chihuahua Pacifico, El Chepe for short, is Mexico’s only passenger train. Snaking its way through the region, the Copper Canyon train runs between Ojinaga and Los Mochis, in the state of Sinaloa, near the Sea of Cortez, but the passenger service starts in Chihuahua City. There, you can board the Copper Canyon train as early as 5.30 in the morning. (Don’t worry, you can have a hot breakfast on board. El Chepe has a dining car and a bar!)
The Copper Canyon train ride will take you from sea level to more than 8,000 feet as the train passes through the Sierra Madre Mountains. Statistics vary, but there are over 75 tunnels and over 30 bridges. The views are spectacular, and you can see farmland, Indian dwellings, hills, canyons, rivers, springs, and waterfalls during your Copper Canyon train trip. You can also stand between the cars for a better view, some fresh air, and a few great photos.
El Chepe always stops in the town of Divisadero, so that passengers can get out and see the view. As the name suggests, Divisadero is at a dividing point between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. You can see three canyons down there: Copper, Urique, and Tarahumara. At this stop, you’re probably going to do some souvenir shopping. The Sierra Tarahumara Indians sell their handmade goods, and you’ll find some food stands as well.
This 15-hour train ride through the Copper Canyon in Mexico is a dream trip for most travelers, but it’s perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. And since El Chepe is not a sleeping train, you can discover hotels along the way and enjoy trail rides, climbing activities, unique canyon rides, local music, food, and shopping.
Read more about the Copper Canyon train ride ->
How to get ready for Copper Canyon spring break vacations
- Make sure your passport is valid to be able to travel to Mexico for your spring break getaways.
- Read travel tips and learn to fly like a pro to get the best plane ticket deals.
- Book your accommodation in advance. You can get excellent hotel deals in Chihuahua via my affiliate, Booking.com.
- Stay safe during your spring break vacation at the Copper Canyon in Mexico and get travel insurance. We use SafetyWing for all our travels and have also become affiliated with them. You too can spend only $37/month to travel safely all over the world when you buy travel insurance from SafetyWing.
- Pack comfortable casual clothes, like jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. Also add a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you plan to go hiking and/or horseback riding, make sure you bring adequate shoes.
- Make sure you plan layers when packing because temperatures can vary a lot. For example, there’s air conditioning on the Copper Canyon train ride because it’s hot outside. However, the nights are so cold you may have to turn the heating on at your accommodation.
- Add protection against the rain. Tropical rain showers can occur in the evenings and afternoons.
- Bring a swimsuit. Some of the hotels have hot tubs and/or swimming pools. Check out the amenities list before leaving on your spring break vacation. You might also want to take a dip in some of the beautiful rivers around the Copper Canyon of Mexico.
- During day trips, you will need a backpack or some other sort of travel bag to carry your stuff around. If you don’t have a lot of space, I recommend the Ultralight Sea to Sky Pack. When empty, you can fold it to fit in your pocket!
- Contact your cell provider to talk about coverage at the Copper Canyon of Mexico to avoid any blackouts.
- Last but not least, consider getting a guide. They can handle luggage, tickets, queues, local culture, language, and currency. Plus, they know where all the good places and the good water are! T
Spring is the perfect time to see all facets of the Copper Canyon in Mexico. Due to the pleasant weather enjoyed during spring break getaways, you can also choose to go horseback riding, trekking or hiking. This way, you also get a glimpse of the vast and magnificent flora in the region.
Sidney Child loves to travel and experience the world. She’s 24 years old and during college, she was lucky enough to study abroad. Sidney considers herself fortunate because she had traveled to 20 countries in the last 5 years.
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