Copper Canyon in Chihuahua is one of the largest canyons in the world. Home to the Raramuri indigenous people and also among the 5 largest in the world not only does it offer great views and an interesting cultural experience but it also hosts an adventure park fit for those who like adrenaline boosts, and hopefully are not afraid of heights- unlike me.
Soaring high above ground adrenaline junkies will enjoy the park
Why would I then decide to put my life in hands of a few strangers and a cable that can snap at any moment, making me free fall to a certain death? The answer is quite simple: YOU. No, I’m not kidding. I might not know you, but when I learned that my fear of heights would be tested and that I’d be zip lining across several gorges in one of the largest canyons in the world I had to find an excuse that would keep me from chickening out- and what better reason than you, a reader of this blog? After all this blog is about travel, adventure, and stepping out of the comfort zone to overcome challenges that you won’t find everywhere, or every day for that matter.
Overlooking Copper Canyon, a few zip lines into the adventure.
When I described my experience running with the Tarahumara I explained that one of the things that I enjoyed most was observing and learning about the them, the local indigenous people world famous for their endurance running capabilities, and fortunately the zip lining adventure also allows you to see and mingle (if ever so slightly as they are extremely reserved) with Raramuri children who reach out to observe and sometimes ask for money, without insisting or bothering at all. In fact they don’t mind having pictures taken, and if you show them after their candid smiles will warm your soul.
Most of these children have runny noses without being sick and have aggressive sunburns on their feet, yet love to smile if given the smallest chance.
I had zip lined before coming here a few times, but this was by far the tallest and longest I had in my life. Unlike in other places there is only one cable per line, but you are strapped twice and gloves and helmet are provided (not that the helmet would be of much help if you fall). I was in a party of 7, and one of the members decided this was not for him, and decided to take the cable car halfway down the valley. From there we would trek another 30 minutes all the way to the bottom where we were hoping we’d be cleansed by a shaman in preparation for the marathons we’d be running the following day (yours truly decided last minute to run 21km in flip flops, twice the longest I’d ever run).
They were smiling before this picture was taken, and OK with the photo, but this is how they pose. We were next invited into their home, which was obviously very basic but had everything they need to endure the long and cold winters. About 6 meters from the house was a small stream that brought crystal clear water from the mountains.
Eventually it was my turn, and no matter how hard I tried to pretend that the task at hand was a piece of cake my fear of heights began to play mind games again. But I didn’t let it win. I thought of you, dear reader, and reasoned that if none of the previous participants had died there I wasn’t going to either. I had to do this and overcome the challenge, knowing that once over I’d be happy with myself and…who knows? Maybe I would even enjoy it as I had done in the past? Following instructions I was strapped twice to the cable, leaned back, I ducked my knees… and I was pushed over the abyss. The anticipation to the cliff was the most intense of feelings, but only a few seconds into the zip line I noticed that all was good, I relaxed, and enjoyed the views and speed. Sure, there’s always some apprehension, but I did enjoy it.
Considering my options: should I go for it or not? The great views are a perfect excuse to not go anywhere...
The itinerary also includes crossing a couple of hanging bridges, with great views
See? Even local girls prefer to enjoy the great views instead of hanging from a cable 500 meters above ground for no real reason.
Once we reached the end of the zip line itinerary we walked to the bottom of the valley looking for the shaman who was supposed to be waiting for us. Unfortunately he wasn’t, but it didn’t bother us too much because we had the chance to see how some of the Raramuri live in basic homes, and what their world is really like.
Posing for the pic on a hanging bridge.
After spending a few minutes in the area we retraced our steps and walked to the cable car, which then took us back to the beginning of the itinerary.
Flying above the trees in Copper Canyon, and enjoying every bit of it!
Copper Canyon Adventure Park is a great way to enjoy a thrill in a spectacular environment, making up for some unforgettable memories. While those with fear of heights might find it daunting it is a good opportunity to test yourself and return home knowing that you have overcome a challenge and have actually had fun along the way. The tour takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete and I recommend you bring water and a cap or hat as the sun is very strong here. Don’t forget your camera and return home saying the you zip lined Copper Canyon, one of the 5 largest in the world!
my experience in Copper Canyon
Hi Federico,
This looks like a fun trip! Although it’s to extreme for me!
The only time I’ve claimed a canyon, is in Arizona, great experience but I was nervous.
Good fun anyhow!
There is only one word for this post and that is WOW!!! The pictures are amazing but I am so scared to see this. It is so damn deep down there and I am not willing to even experiment with it. However, you got zipped and yes that is a big deal for me, you rocked it completely.
Omg omg omg omg. I have zip-lined twice and feel like I never will again. It’s those hanging bridges that do me in! Once I’m strapped in, I’m fine. Although, the second time I went, it was in extreme wind, which was terrifying. Good for you for facing your fear! Were we worth it lol.
Absolutely Abby, absolutely 😉
Whoa! I love ziplining and I thought I’m an adrenaline junkie but that hanging bridge really scares me.lol
haha…Gotta tell you that the scariest for me was the tandem zip line. Hanging from a cable just over 1km long more than 500 m above the valley can be intimidating!
The magnificent view is worth the risk though.lol Did you bring a camera while on the zip line?
I did! The pictures where I appear were taken by one of the guides who was hanging from another zip line a couple of meters from mine…
Wonderful pictures of Copper Canyon, Zip Lining is exciting & adventurious but I doubt I can do it. It is actually very scary LOL but looking at the pics seems very exciting, may I should try it once. Good post, thanks for sharing.
This is exciting & frightening too. I love watching Ziplining but actually doing it is frightening. I don’t want to zipline but these photos of Copper Canyon make me want to put it back up on this year’s to-do list. Adventurous post, thanks for sharing.
I’m not a fan of ziplining but this looks so beautiful!
This looks so fun!
Wow that ‘was extremum’!
80 km/h – what? I would not want to get stuck!
I’ve now been on 4 ziplines and said I was done after the last one in Mazatlan, but you know, I would make an exception for this one. 🙂
The canyon looks spectacular.
Wow, I can’t believe someone turned back! Things must have been intense up there 🙂
I don’t want to zipline but these photos of Copper Canyon make me want to put it back up on this year’s to-do list.