Welcome to Copper Canyon Tours

Announcing the Newest & Best Tour Ever of the Copper Canyon at a price you’ll LOVE ! ! ! 

Update 2-12-12

This was a very nice couple that rode the bus down from Tucson to enjoy a nice tour of the copper canyon. Lots of spaces open and this is part of the best time weathe-wise to visit, so come on!

Update 12-13-11

More guest comments:

We had such a wonderful time on the Camp David tour of Copper Canyon. Despite press to the contrary we always felt safe and well taken care of. Our host, David Warner, couldn't have been kinder or more thoughtful. Supper was ready, even though we came in late our first night. Rooms at Camp David were clean and spacious, the coffee hot, and conversations fun and interesting. Our second day we had a terrific time at the Pacific shore, walking the white beach and exploring the dunes; David bought freshly caught fish for our evening meal, which was scrumptious, grilled with olives, tomatoes, onions.

The next four days on and off the train were full of breathtaking sights and learning the culture of the Tarahumara Indians. The guides reserved for us were knowledgeable, sensitive to our needs and quite fluent in English. We always felt very safe and secure. Our rooms, the second and third nights away from Camp David were literally on the edge of Copper Canyon, and the sight of the moon rising over that magnificent vista is never to be forgotten. Thank you, David, for putting together such a memorable trip!

Virginia S., New Hampshire, US
Bill H., Ontario, Canada

Update 12-05-11

Here are another couple that enjoyed the great tour I provide in the Copper Canyon. So what are waiting for; come on!

Hi David, We are back home in the mountains of Arizona. We totally enjoyed the Copper Canyon tour you planned out. This destination had been on our list for 10+ years. We chose this trip because it had less travel time and more variety starting with Camp David, your beach home then on up to the canyons and small villages. All unique experiences compared to the beach resort areas we normally go to. Loved how friendly and hospitable everyone was everywhere we went.

Best Regards,
Linda and Bill

Update 11-29-2011

Lot's to add in this update. First, a recommendation from a recent guest:

If you're going to do a Copper Canyon tour, David is the way to go. We checked different tours before deciding on David's tour. Met some other people that booked through other travel agencies, after talking with them it just confirmed that we made the right decision with Camp David.

Cheers.....Pancho and Lynda

Here are a very couple of friends that just visited the copper canyon and the beach . Both said they really enjoyed the longer tour.

Here is Richard from Dutch Harbor Alaska enjoying a dune buggy ride at the beach.

Richard and I enjoyed some great fresh shrimp while at my beach house that made up a very wonderful and relaxing day.

Update 10-19-2011

This couple from Arizona drove down to my lodge and had wonderful time in the Copper Canyon. They both even took the ZIP LINE--which is the longest in the world--down into the canyon! It is a great place to visit, and very safe.

Update 10-5-2011

Another satisfied guest! They write:

Our trip was nothing less then spectacular. Our pictures don't do the Copper Canyon justice. This has to be one of the best trips we have been on as far as hospitality, organization and scenery goes. It is interesting that people north of the boarder talk about all of the violence in Mexico when I just read this week that the murder rate in Orlando Florida was worse then most cities in central Mexico. While Mexico's well documented problems with drug related violence shoiuld not be underestimated, nor need they be exaggerated or sensationalized. On that note we felt perfectly safe and well taken care of.

Thanks again David, for a truly wonderful experience.

Pancho and Lynda Deriger

Update 10-3-2011

These are some real nice folks that just got back from the 6 night tour of the canyon and loved it all.

Update 4-29-2011

There are 17,000 motorcyclist coming to Mazatlan this week and all riding their motorcycles from all over the USA and Canada. As you can see the violence you hear about is just gang related and most of it on the border. It is very safe or as safe as any place to visit. Don’t let the fear broadcasted from the media scare you from a fun filled vacation here in Mexico.

Update 4-26-2011

Here's another testimonial:

Hello, Dave,

Remember this solo traveler who came a day early and enjoyed the peacefulness of your camp before leaving early next day for the trip to the Copper Canyon? Thank you so much for taking care of the travel arrangements and making my trip enjoyable. Raechel and John from Michigan were the ideal travel companions. Together we had a great time riding the train to the Copper Canyon area, and our conversations are something I will remember with pleasure for ever.

I can assure solo travelers that they will have a wonderful time. Safety is NOT an issue. The plane trip Houston – Mexico City – Los Mochis went smoothly, and a taxi driver was waiting for me at the gate. The personnel on the train was courteous and very professional, and the hotel staff could not have been nicer.

Again, Dave, thank you. I will certainly recommend the trip to my friends.

Erda Hillmann
Houston, Texas

Update 4-18-2011

Here's a recent letter from one of our Copper Canyon Tour clients:

Hi Dave,

Our trip the first part of March was great. We enjoyed the beach, the train ride, Copper Canyon and the airboat ride. We had nice lodgings and very good food. It was a wonderful trip and we felt very safe and secure. Everything went as planned. Everyone was very friendly at each place we stayed & did all they could for us.

An example of how the flexible approach makes it an experience: At Hotel Paraiso del Oso, when we took the ride to the view points over the canyon we did have engine trouble & the driver had to call for another vehicle. The free time waiting was used to visit the home of Tarahumara Indians, where we toured, saw a vulture chick being raised by chickens and bought a few baskets – great experience. The train had very few people, so we could sit wherever we wanted. Visited the lounge car & ate in the dining car – had excellent meals both directions. Due to the low occupancy rates we were never in crowds. Service was great.

Now is the time to visit Copper Canyon and your tour is a very fun way to see it! The Airboat ride is wonderful for anyone interested in wildlife. It's well worth staying an extra day. We left the Camp David compound and wandered around in Ahome; walked to the square and into shops. Never felt unsafe or threatened.

I. & J. Terry from Denver.

P.S. I've attached a couple of pictures from the airboat ride. Remember these are just from a Panasonic Point & Shoot.

Update 3-30-2011

Another testimonial from one of our visitors:

Hi Dave,

I have to tell you, and I have told everyone around here, what a wonderful time we had on the Copper Canyon Tour that you arranged for us. Visiting your home and your ocean home was a treat including your monkey and dogs. The fact that you have the most comfortable beds anywhere in Mexico was a real surprise. The food was terrific and Bernice and her son just added to the atmosphere.

The train ride was very comfortable with spectacular views and the Hotel Paraiso de Oso was definitely different with the bunny in the court yard, the bear in the mountains (stone), and the individual wood stoves in each suite to keep you warm on cool mountain nights. The drive to view the Urique Canyon was very interesting along with the visit to a small Tarahumara boarding school with only one teacher. The mothers take turns bringing dinner to the children each evening.

Our next stop was the Hotel Mansion Tarahumara ''El Castillo" and yes it looks like a castle. Our room was right up at the top. Right on the edge of the Canyon. What a view to wake up to each morning. It was incredible!!! The tours to see the area were wonderful and gave us a very good feeling for the Tarahumara life. (I have no desire to live in a cave as they do.) Then it was back to Camp David for more wonderful food and then the flight home and many hours spent viewing our pictures with friends.

Thanks again for a terrific time!!

Margaret & Ron Collier

Update 3-27-2011

One of our guests has posted a photo album of beautiful pictures taken at Copper Canyon. Click Here to see them! The guest's comments are below:

Thank you so much for a wonderful time at your Camp David and your ocean front residence at Sea of Cortez. We really enjoyed our time and the great arrangements you had made for us as we travelled deeper into the Copper Canyon. I made a mistake in checking my camera as I had not taken 1,800 pictures but substantially less (some 500). Nevertheless, I got quite a few good ones and have uploaded them on our album website. You can download all of them or just some from the collection by clicking on the download button at the top of the screen.

Our trip was truly unforgettable experience with so many unbelievable sites to see. We have already started to spread the word around regarding your wonderful arrangements. It truly felt like visiting a friend although we had never met before. Bernice's cooking was also outstanding. So much so that we are now trying to loose the extra pounds we added to our weight at Camp David.

All the very best,

Dag and Karin

Update 3-22-2011

Another note from a happy guest:

Hi Dave,

You really made us feel right at home. The arrangements you made with other resorts were excellent. We never saw any indication of violence – just a lot of friendly people. The train ride to the new tram was very good. We definitely recommend this trip.

Vic & Connie

Update 3-14-2011

Today we had some early arrivals relaxing in the shade after breakfast

Update 3-12-2011

Here's another testimonial from one of our clients.

On the first of March we traveled to the Sea of Cortez to Copper Canyon Tour in Mexico. We had a great trip all the way, with great service, great courtesy, great accommodations, and at no time did we feel threatened or unsecure.

We feel that now is the time to travel this area for a great time and a memorable experience, and not the usual tourist crowds.

L.& D. Ainslie

Here are some guests relaxing at the beach safe as can be.

Update 3-8-2011

Boy did we have fun on this airboat adventure with lots of pictures taken on the very fun ride thru the 35,000 acre marsh .

Update 3-7-2011

I will post some more of the clients reviews after their tours with me so you can see there is no problem with safety here on my tours .

Hi David,

I have wanted to respond to you for quite some time, but did not find the time.

We enjoyed your hospitality immensely, and you sure went the extra mile to make sure we had a good stay at your place.  We could not have been treated any better, and the situation in Mexico with drug cartels never entered our mind during our vacation.

Alice Ernst

Update 3-3-2011

This is a letter we received from a recent customer:

Throughout our tour arranged by David Warner, all went as it was described in the website. We were met at the airport in Los Mochis. A large sign saying "Camp David" as soon as we entered the airport left no cause for concern.

Camp David itself is clean, comfortable with a very friendly David and his wonderful help. The food was wonderful. We were taken by van to the train station. This is a real plus as the train leaves before dawn.

The train ride itself is fabulous, with beautiful scenery, comfortable seats, a dining car and a bar car. I didn't want the ride to end. We had fun talking with other tourists and with the very knowledgeable and friendly crew.

Our first stop was at the Hotel Paraiso del Oso in Cerocahui. Again we were met at the station and taken directly to the Hotel. The Hotel was charming and very comfortable. Doug made us feel very much at home, and we truly enjoyed the tour to the rim of Uribe Canyon as well as the tour of Cerocahui and the boarding school for the little Tarahumara Indian girls. Again, the food was great.

On the train again, only for about an hour this time, and we arrived at our destination of two nights, Mansion Tarahumara. We loved the dining area and we were thrilled with our room which had a great view of Copper Canyon. WE did have to climb a bit to arrive at our room. To us it was worth it. However, there are several rooms closer to the main lodge. The food again was great. We were served lunch as soon as we arrived. At this site, we took a walking tour of some Tarahumara homes, a ride on the brand new cable cars, visits to various lookout points in the canyon, and a wonderful driving tour with Jorge to a valley where the Tarahumara live in community. We loved our time with the staff at Mansion Tarahumara. We were then escorted back to the train station for the 8 hour trip back to Camp David. We had a wonderful day at David's beach house on a beautiful and pristine beach.

One of the highlights for us that I did not expect is that the area around Los Mochis is so agricultural and we saw lots of Mexican countryside on our drives to and from the beach.

My husband and I were taken in the van to Los Mochis airport and on our way home. We truly did feel safe while we were on David's tour. We enjoyed all the people that we met on our trip, particularly the couple that we were on the tour with. At each place on the tour, we were expected and warmly welcomed. The Copper Canyon area is truly awesome.

There are no ATMs so I would suggest that you take cash is small amounts. I would have liked to buy a little more from the Tarahumara women, but I did not have many 1, 5 or 10 dollar bills. In all, we could recommend this tour and we are really glad that we finally got to Copper Canyon!

Sincerely, Rita Andres

Update 3-2-2011

Here are some very fun clients from Denver area getting ready to enjoy a nice beach walk.

You will never miss a meal as they are far too good to miss!

Update 9-7-10

The weather is just turning very nice now in the canyon and that, along with the NEW TRAM to the bottom of the canyon, will make your vacation to the copper canyon even more exciting. Don’t just sit around, get up and move while you still can. My tours start every week, all year long, without fail!

Update 7-5-10

I’m very proud to announce that a very good, long-time friend of mine, Mario Lopez Valdez, was elected Governorship of Sinaloa, He has great interest in serving the needs of tourism. I will also be working with him in helping to expand tourism here in Sinaloa. My tours are very safe for all involved, so join up with me and enjoy the best Copper Canyon tour there is!! Thank you for your interest in Camp David tours .

Update 5-7-10

This morning I had the very distinct honor of receiving the very first plaque of appreciation from the Sierra Tarahumara tribe to an a American for helping them in improving their education and awareness program.The drum you see is used in special ceremonies within their very private way of life in the deep woods of the Sierra Mountains. What a honor and blessing!!

Update 5-5-10

Here we have four guests at the dinner table right after a large good meal. To bed early tonight for the train ride up into the beautiful Copper Canyon on a very sunny morning, with all the glory of it! Fun, safe and exciting for all. Join us soon for the tour of your life. I hope to see you soon, and thanks for taking the time to look at my website.

Update 4-28-10

These wonderful guests, including a VERY NICE gentleman, 'Fred,' enjoyed a great day at the beach before going into the canyon. Then on the return Sandy, pictured by my hotrod car, got a fast lift to the airport as she had to leave early to get back to Hong Kong. Live while you can live and don't miss the Copper Canyon while you are still able to travel. It is very save here so don't worry!!

Update 4-16-10

This very nice group of friends and family just had a wonderful time here at Camp David and in the beautiful Copper Canyon this week. More coming in this Monday. Please join us on a tour you will remember the rest of your life!

Update: 3-26-10

I have a FUN tour with 2 couples already signed up starting the 3rd of May as arrival day . The weather will be in the high 70s to low 80s here just right for the beach part of the tour and in the canyon 60s to70s . What are you waiting for sign up now !  None of us are getting any younger !! Here is a email I just got from Sandra that just finished her tour with her husband Wayne from B.C Canada  

“We are home safe and sound/it is still a little too winter like though.

We just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to see the copper canyon and all its glory. We were amazed and still are with all we saw.

I will never forget Jan walking down into the canyon our first afternoon at el Castillo/victor was so wonderful (we were so lucky to have him for our stay there). Jan was uncertain as to her footing and if she could do it or not, as we approached the canyon edge this excited voice surfaced and she managed the walk with an  amazing exuberance.

All the accommodation/ food/travel/guides, were superb.

You have left us with wonderful memories and wanting to return. Wayne has mentioned numerous times he would have liked to have spend another day or two at diegos,he kept looking at the mts and wanting to climb them/guess that’s the hunting guide coming out in him.

i could go on and on.................

I hope to hear from you soon .

Thanks,
Dave

Customer Comment: 2/18/09

Thanks again for your good planning of our trip to Copper Canyon in late March.

As you know, we wondered about safety given recent developments along the US/Mexico border. Reason said, those problems are largely drug based and we were going no where near all that. Of course, that's exactly how it worked out. We never had a moment's concern.

Everywhere we went the Mexican people treated us graciously and warmly. The small towns, the train, the accommodations were calmer and safer than many places in the US. So much for safety.

As to the rest of the trip, a few kudos: - Our brief time at Camp David gave us a chance to meet you, a most remarkable person who is lots of fun. Berenice was a fine hostess and our meals were just right - especially the grilled corn on the cob.

- We especially enjoyed our time at the Sea of Cortez...bright sun, great waves for body surfing, and warm breezes for reading under your beach-side cabana.

- The Chihuahua-Pacific train was a delight. Clean, almost luxurious seating, nice Club Car plus good food in the Dining Car. Of course the views are jaw dropping.

- Our 3 nights in the Canyon worked perfectly. Our rooms were simple but inviting and somehow just right. The Mexican specialties we had at every meal reminded us how good REAL Mexican dishes are. The Guides were terrific in both places: knowledgeable, energetic, and willing to tailor to our interests.

We wish you - and your extended family at Camp David - all the best this year and in the years to come.

Kathy and Mike Krug

Introduction

You’ve come to the right place for information about Copper Canyon, the land of extraordinary beauty and ancient cultures.  We provide train tours on the world famous Chepe line, better known as the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad, and offer senior discounts, group rates, and family vacations.   Our tours include lodging and tourist visits to Barranca del Cobre, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Cerocahui, Creel, and the Sea of Cortez.

Copper Canyon is the name that is used to reference the canyons of the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico.  A more proper name might be “ Sierra Tarahumara”  since the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre in Spanish) is but one of six massive gorges in the area that covers 64,000 sq. kilometers or 25,000 square miles.

On a map, this journey looks like a simple train trip between Chihuahua and the small city of Los Mochis in Sinaloa, near the Sea of Cortez.  In fact, this Adventure showcases not only one of the world’s great engineering feats, but also some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, and the most primitive aboriginal culture left in North America.

A Personal Message From Your Host in Mexico, Dave Warner

The tour that I am offering is a personalized adventure. I live here in Mexico full time and repeatedly visit the Copper Canyon to make sure that the facilities and guides my clients experience are only the very best. If you're the type of person who doesn't like main-stream tourism, you have found the right web site and I promise you will LOVE my tours. You will be provided with "off-the-beaten-track" experiences to enhance your Copper Canyon visit. All tours are suitable for seniors as well as anyone who is interested in authentic Mexican and Indian cultures.

Tour Information

Lodging Information

For Pricing

For Reservations

For General Information

Our tours offer more days and nights in the Copper Canyon System than any other tours. Your vacation is not wasted in places such as El Fuerte or Chihuahua that are way out of the canyon system.

Camp David-N-Mexico also offers free WiFi service, so bring your laptop, and stay in touch with the world.