Excursions

Excursions From Alamos

Excursions in and around Alamos include visits to the mining town of La Aduana, the Mayo villages of Etchojoa, Teachive and Masiaca, the Estero de Agiabampo (Estuary) at Novapatia, Huatabampito, and Copper Canyon.

La Aduana

A short distance from Alamos is the picturesque mining town of La Aduana waiting impatiently to charm you with its little stone houses resting in the middle of the forest in the Cuchujaqui Biosphere Reserve. The charming mountain village is built around Virgen Balvanera Church, a seventeenth century Jesuit temple that is part of our historic heritage. A “miracle cactus” grows high on the west wall of the church. The stones beneath are saturated with wax from offering candles. Aduana’s Fiesta de Nuestra Senora de la Balvanera is in late November. A small shop that showcases beautiful local handicrafts, mineral specimens, and folk art is located next to the church.

Follow the stream or the road and explore the remains of the silver and turquoise mine, the old source of wealth that drove development in the area. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view, which will definitely be worth the climb.

Ask area businesses about tours of the reserve. Friendly locals offer tours through the natural paradise that dominates the region, which is home to hundreds of plant and animal species.

La Sierrita

Only 4 Kms. from Alamos is an Eco Ranch where one can experience ranch life such as milking cows, collecting eggs, making ‘panela’ cheese, horseback riding and much more.

Lake Tetajiosa

Boat rides, guided birdwatching, lakeside camping are available, only 37 Kms. away.

Masica ans Teachive

These local indigenous Mayo villages are a short distance from Alamos. The Mayo are a proud people, who have successfully fought to retain their language and customs. Today, the Mayo earn their living mainly in agriculture and craft sales. A visit to these villages will offer an insight into the Mayo culture and an opportunity to see artisans at work. Of particularly note, are the masks which continue to be used for religious ceremonies. Blankets and rugs are made of wool dyed with local plants. Horse’s manes and tails are woven into rope products. Willow and mesquite furniture as well as wooden sculptures will be found on this excursion. Easter
Week ceremonies and dances at the Masiaca Church are colorful and traditional.

Etchojoa – Casa De La Cultura Museo

The Mayo Indian Museum displays the private collection of Leonardo Valdez Esquier which includes ceremonial masks, clothing, drums, deer rattles, and various other items of importance to the Mayo culture. Located about an hours drive from Alamos.

Huatabampito

A short 55 mile drive from Alamos is the beach community of Huatabampito. Long stretches of beach are full of surprises for beachcombers while the beachfront Restaurant El Mirador offers seafood specialties such as Grilled Red Snapper and Crab Tostadas to be enjoyed with a cold beer. El Mirador has RV hook-up facilities as well as a small 4 room hotel.

Estuary of Agiabampo

Surrounded by one of the few remaining pristine stands of Pitayal or Organ Pipe forest on the Sonoran coast, the Estero de Agiabampo is also a vast mangrove system, on the Sea of Cortez.

Virtually all of the wintering herons, egrets, ducks, pelicans and shorebirds of North America can be found in the estuary. Birds of special note include Elegant & Gull-billed Terns, Blue-footed Booby, Mangrove Swallow, Mangrove Vireo, and Mangrove Warbler. Crested Caracara, Harris’ Hawk, and White-tailed Kite are abundant in the surrounding Pitayal forest.

Pangas can be hired and kayaks are available to explore the mangrove system and beach comb on the Sea of Cortez. Dolphins abound.

Navopatia Field Station operates a research station here during months of November to May. They provide rustic accommodations with meals cooked in solar ovens.

Macoyahui – Nahuibampo – Chorija

The Jesuit mission is historical and unique architecturally along with the local indigenous traditions make this a once in lifetime adventure. Kayaking, also available. Contact: Spiro Pavlovich; Cell Phone: (647) 404-5265

El Fuerte and the Copper

Alamos is on the Camino Real connecting it to the famed silver mines of the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua, a complex of canyons 5 times the size of the Grand Canyon, since colonial days and perfect extension to a trip to Alamos

Traveling to El Fuerte, Sinaloa, the jumping off point for the Copper Canyon, is an easy two hour journey where you can begin the Copper Canyon experience renown for its spectacular scenery and its people, the famed Tarahumara.

The Chihuahua al Pacifico Train can be boarded at El Fuerte, a small colonial town and “Pueblo Magico” on the El Fuerte River. There are numerous ways to plan a trip to the Copper Canyon from Alamos. Following are some suggestions.

Hotel Posada Del Hidalgo

A magnificent refurbished colonial mansion and museum. Constructed by Don Rafael Alamada in 1890 to be the grandest building in El Fuerte.

Refurbished by Roberto Balderrama, premier hotelier and pioneer promoter of the Copper Canyon and train, El CHEPE since the 1960’s.

Hotel Posada del Hidalgo has beautifully decorated suites, bar, restaurant, gardens in the center town and a perfect spot to launch your visit to the Copper Canyon.

Amigo Trails

The only Tour Operator with offices inside the Copper Canyon offers a range of services including in-depth itineraries from local design experts and professional historian bi-lingual guides.

Amigo Trails offer independent, guided and group trips with an emphasis on quality and comfort.

Copper Canyon Lodges

In the land that time forgot, at the edge of civilization—from high country trails to a subtropical canyon floor silver town; where travelers explore hidden caves, hot springs, missions, and walk ancient Tarahumara Indian trails.

Copper Canyon Lodges has been in the hotel and hospitality business for over 30 years, bringing authentic cultural and hiking opportunities to adventurous, independent travelers, and providing socially responsible employment to their neighboring folks. Roberto and Martin are your consummate hosts at the Sierra Lodge near Creel and the Riverside Lodge in Batopilas.

“There are hotels that are merely places to stay, and then (rarely) there are Hotels with a capital ‘H’ that seem to embody the very essence of where they are. This turns out to be one of the latter…” excerpt from the timeless article in National Geographic Traveler.