| On board Mexico's Chihuahua al Pacifico train,
travelers view the unraveling of a series of canyons -- four
times larger than the Grand Canyon in the United States.
The majestic views from the canyon rim require patience as
often the view is obscured by white clouds and mist. Amid holes
in the clouds you may catch a glimpse of magnificent gorges
with pockets of life weaved into the expansive views.
A flash of bright colors drew my eyes to the colorful stream
of adolescent Tarahumara (or Raramuri) Indian girls. The Tarrahumara
are a famous nomad people who inhabit the canyon. This peaceful
culture, known for their love of running, now takes regular
trips on the Copper Canyon train.
Groups of girls walk up and down the aisles selling their
crafts. They take a daily business trip by boarding the eastbound
train and then catching the westbound train to return to their
homes. The girls wear traditional clothes and they pass kids
with Nikes and jeans. They're not going to ask travelers if
someone wants to buy their wares. They wait to be asked. Some
of the passengers smile as the girls pass. Most of the girls
do not return a smile, and they never barter.
A new train is expected to be in service soon. It will be
a departure from the broken windows and the mud-splattered windows
you find on the older train. But it will also be a departure
from the locomotive whose windows have been glanced through
by past adventurers. There are rumors of a high speed train
complete with onboard exercise equipment -- but until then,
travelers have the old stand-by, and remember, the view is always
better on the south side of the train.
A unique characteristic of the Canyon is its appeal to both
active and passive travelers. The train allows for visual delights
with little fuss. Sedentary folks need not leave their train
seat. Yet endless possibilities for hiking and cheap travel
make this a great stomping ground for the more adventurous.
For those looking for luxury, there are beautiful accommodations,
with meals and tours included.
The train brings together the different travelers, making for
an interesting point to exchange stories. For some, researching
and planning this trip can be exhilarating. The various unknowns
make for interesting surprises along the way. However, for those
with limited time, there may be less tolerance for unpredictable
experiences. For travelers who don't speak Spanish, I would
especially suggest a pre-arranged tour. Various companies offer
packages for independent tours.
CANYON TRAVEL
Before this trip, I researched different companies offering Copper
Canyon trips. The ideal company would possess an interest in providing
clients a combination of 1) awareness and concern with local societal
and environmental issues, 2) professionalism and dependability
with clients. My research led me to Canyon
Travel.
Many companies offer Copper Canyon as one of many destinations. Columbus Tours
specializes in this region -- offering only Copper Canyon tours.
Owner Emilio Kifuri is a member of the Ecotourism Society and
has been interviewed by Frommers, the New York Times, CNN, Travel
Weekly and countless others.
Conversations and interactions with him were impressive. But
could this be as good as it sounded? His concern for the area,
and with providing a rewarding experience seemed clear. Would
he really live up to all the hype on "my" trip?
Mr.Kifuri was generous in his assistance with this familiarization
trip, understanding my need to be objective in my impressions.
I had high expectations for this trip with Columbus, and my
expectations were more than satisfied. Step-on guides offered
an unforgettable display of professionalism, service-mindedness,
and knowledge. In the choice of accommodations, Columbus Tours
considers issues such as disposal of sewage, employment of local
citizens, and attention to service. They have provided interest
free loans to assist local lodge owners. The attention to detail
and the pride taken by all involved was unique from any company
I have traveled with.
There is no doubt that seeing the Copper Canyon is unforgettable
in its majesty and rich culture. Also impressive, is finding
a company which cares for the people who live in a visited area,
and who accepts the responsibility which comes with providing
foreign visitors with an authentic and rewarding experience.
QUESTIONS
To all travelers to the Copper Canyon, and other destination,
I suggest taking an active interest in your surroundings. Your
questions can draw attention to the importance of preservation
and conservation of the unique environment you visit. Following
is a list of possible questions.
I encourage you to demonstrate to caretakers of these lands,
that there are value and rewards in taking responsibility for
their fragile environments.
- Is there a community or hotel recycling program?
- What materials get recycled?
- How is kitchen waste disposed of?
- What is done to treat and dispose of sewage?
- Do guests have an option to decline daily washing of towels
or bed linens?
- Does the hotel contribute to conservation?
- Does the community have organized group meetings? Does the
hotel participate?
- What percentage of employees is drawn from the local community?
- Is management made up of local residents?
- When the lodging is filled, where do they refer clients?
- What materials were used in constructing the accommodations?
- Where do local families go to educate their children?
- What tours or educational activities are there for visitors?
- In preparing meals, where does produce come from?
- What are the common forms of local land use?
- Employee turnover?
- What are the closest medical facilities?
- What is the relationship between the local hotels and lodges?
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