The most magnificent view of Urique Canyon. A wonderful virgin landscape setting in the middle of the mysteriously beautiful Tarahumara Indian countryside. The charming village of Cerocahui is located at the edge of Urique Canyon - the deepest canyon in the system - in a valley dotted with apple orchards. The village is about 8 miles from the Bahuichivo train station where the Chihuahua al Pacifico stops daily.

The 900 local inhabitants experience a way of life many of us yearn to live. Cerocahui is an "ejido" (government-established community cooperative) dedicated to forestry. Additional occupations are ranching, farming and service businesses such as grocery stores. Mining once provided employment but the last local mine, the "Sangre de Cristo", folded in 1963.

Cerocahui was first visited by outsiders in 1679 when the Jesuit Padre Pecoro stayed here for a short period and reported the Indians were not ready to accept his faith. On the 23th of November 1680 the Jesuit priest father Juan Maria de Salvatierra arrived in Cerocahui.

The enthusiastic Italian priest began the teaching of Christianity and started construction of the mission church. He remained in the area for 10 years then went on to found the Church at Loreto, the first mission established in Baja California.

The Jesuits continued their work in Cerocahui until 1767 when they were recalled to Spain as the result of political differences with the Spanish King. Orders to close the mission were sent out by messengers from Mexico City — the Jesuits had but one month to leave the country.

We have no more recorded history until 1936 when the Jesuits returned in the form of the dynamic Padre Andres Lara, the man generally credited with founding Cerocahui. By 1940 Padre Lara had begun work on the decrepit church of Cerocahui which was - at the time - a tumble-down structure of adobe walls. Reconstruction of this church continued until its dedication in 1956. In 1941 the good Padre founded the Tarahumara Indian Boarding School which continues operation today. The school burned in 1957 and was reconstructed in 1963.

The Padre died in Guadalajara in 1976 and his remains were taken to the religious cemetery in Sisoguichi. On March 11, 1997 his remains were returned to Cerocahui where they presently rest in the walls of his beloved church.

On October 26, 1961 President Lopez Mateos inaugurated the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, providing the first real public transportation to Cerocahui. In 1968 the Hotel Mision was opened.

Trek to Huicochi, Cerocahui's Waterfall. "Huicochi" in Tarahumara means "place of many trees." Experience a memorable 5 miles round-trip walk (3 hours) along the river to this beautiful waterfall at the end of a box canyon. Enjoy swimming in the summer. Moderate to difficult hike.

The old "Sangre de Cristo" gold mine is named for the red soil. There is an abundance of natural beauty along the way. Moderate to difficult hike, approximately 3 1/2 miles round trip.

Walk to "Las Cascaditas" (the Little Waterfalls) in rainy season. Along the way visit a sawmill, some Tarahumara ranchos and an old cemetery. There are nice swimming holes at the waterfalls. Moderate hike, approximately 2 miles round trip (90 minutes).

Hike to the lookout of "El Valle del Leon" (the Valley of the Lion). This moderate hike provides magnificent views of the town and valleys (2 miles or 2 hours round trip).

The Jesuit Mission of San Francisco was founded by Father Juan Maria de Salvatierra in 1694. Salvatierra was the first white man to reach the bottom of the canyon in 1695. The Mission church is in front of the hotel.

Tour a private Tarahumara Indian girls boarding school next door to the hotel. The girls will sing in the Tarahumara language for groups.

Ride to "Cerro del Gallego Urique Outlook", providing the most sweeping view of the Copper Canyon sytem readily available for tourists. Standing at a 7,500 feet elevation look into Urique Canyon, the deepest canyon in the system. The mining town of Urique is nestled below, along the river. Also included in the tour is a cave home - now serving as "The Basket Shop" - a Tarahumara rancho and the "Virgencita" (Little Virgin) Spring. 22 miles round trip (3 1/2 hours). This is a must!

Visit the 1724 gold and silver mining town of Urique. Tropical fruit, corn, peanuts and coffee abound. See the old kiln, church, cemetery and plaza with spectacular views along the way. Urique is at a 1,590 feet elevation.

Travel by bus, van or train to Posada Mirador Hotel on the rim of the actual Copper Canyon. It takes about 4 hours by bus and 1 hour by train from the nearby station of Bahuichivo.