Hike to the lost hacienda of Wa'Chahuri - Spring 2009

By bus Presidio/Chihuahua then by train to Creel/Temoris, by bus, van then on foot or horseback to Wa’Chahuri, and return - $890
Departs February 4, 2009
Highlights: Train ride across the Sierra Madre mountains; Wa'Chahuri: the lost hacienda in the forgotten canyon of the SIerra Madre; experience wilderness travel; sharing simple Mexican life; mastering the challenge.

Copper Canyon Train

February 4-13, 2009
$890

Strenuous small group adventure led by Jim Glendinning

For those who want the ultimate backcountry experience and the privilege of sharing the life of people living as they did in the past, there is nothing quite like the hike or horseback ride to "The lost hacienda in the forgotten canyon of Wa'Chahuri".

Lost Hacienda

Somehow, forgotten by time, and hidden for 170 years in the mountain fastness of the Sierra Madre Occidental, is a cluster of buildings, some whitewashed and in use, some in ruins, on a terrace above an orange grove at the bottom of a deep canyon. This is the lost hacienda at Wa'Chahuri.

Wa'Chahuri is the dwelling place of seven simple people who have lived most of their lives in true wilderness. It is their home. The rhythm of life here is slow. These folks tend to be quiet and shy. Today, the isolation is broken only by the welcome arrival of occasional travelers like you who have guts and a sense of adventure to undertake the journey. They understand you as visitors who will become friends. They will share with you the simple food they eat, mostly beans, fresh corn tortillas and oranges.

February 4, Wednesday.

Leave Alpine, Texas and drive to Presidio on the border. Cross the border to Ojinaga and catch a bus to Chihuahua City (3 hours). Lunch. City tour. Overnight at El Campanario Hotel.

February 5, Thursday.

On the Train

Board the second class Copper Canyon train at 7:00 a.m. and travel past apple orchards near Cuatemoc before climbing into the sierra. Arrive around mid-day in Creel (7,625 feet). Check in at Margarita’s Hostel. Spend the afternoon hiking around this lumber village turned tourist center.

February 6, Friday.

We board the train early afternoon and traverse the Sierra Madre, passing through 37 tunnels and over 87 bridges. Late afternoon arrival at Temoris station where we catch a bus for the 50 minute ride to the village. Here we meet Lico our guide, and drive one hour in his pick up to Batosegachi where spend the night in a private cottage. We eat a simple supper of rice, beans and tortillas at Lupita’s house next door.

 

February 7, Saturday.

Typical Terrain

Meet the other pack handlers, load the burros, check the horses' tack and start a long day’s hike on rough trails across two canyons. We camp at the junction of two rivers.

February 8, Sunday.

Heading upstream, the horses swim across the river to reach the end of canyon. Late afternoon we reach some terraced fields, then an orange grove and finally the hacienda of Wa'Chahuri. Overnight in the guest rooms or outside on the porch.

February 9, Monday.

Flora

A day to relax, or for bird watching, bathing in the river or picking oranges.

February 10, Tuesday.

Time to explore the mountains which encircle the hacienda, or head upriver.

February 11, Wednesday.

Up before dawn, today we must negotiate the river crossing, recross two canyons and be back at Batosegachi before nightfall. Continue by truck to Temoris. Overnight in a local hotel.

February 12, Thursday.

Leaving Temoris

We catch a local bus to Temoris station and board the eastbound Copper Canyon train. Overnight in Creel, at the hotel we stayed in previously.

February 13, Friday.

We catch an early bus for the 5-hour trip to Chihuahua City. Transfer to another bus for Ojinaga. Cross back to Presidio to rejoin our cars. Arrive back 8.00 pm in Alpine. End of trip.

 
Included in the price:

All transportation, accommodation as noted above. All meals except three. Tour Leader. Local guides and pack handlers. Horses, burros and cooking equipment.

Not included:

Tourist card ($20), tips and insurance (I will recommend an agent).

Price: $890 per person.

Deposit of $150 per person by December 1, 2008 will secure a place. Balance of $740 due by January 1, 2008. Cancellation fees: up to January 5, 2008, the deposit is forfeit; after that date the full amount. Please make payments to Jim Glendinning, 904 N 11th Street, Alpine, TX 79830. I will send out two information bulletins after receiving your deposit, with details of what to wear/bring, spending money, tourist card requirements, and insurance.

 
Note: all trip applicants have to read previous written accounts of the trip and speak with at least one person who has done the trip. This hike or horseback ride, like all other similar ones in the Copper Canyon, is for experienced hikers only or riders who have experience in the backcountry. There are no helicopters available for evacuation, no trail markers, no trail maintenance, etc. The trails are steep and slippery, with loose rock and many stream crossings.

 
For those who have the time, energy and sense of adventure, this has been described by some as a life-changing experience, a magical place for those who know the secret of Mexican off-road travel. Visiting Wa’Chahuri is for extraordinary few folks…. You know who you are.

Email or phone Jim Glendinning for more information and space availability.
jimglen2@sbcglobal.net            432.837.7320