    The region's geological splendor is remarkable.
The Sierra Tarahumara is in fact a maze of 200 gorges which combine to
form a series of six massive, interconnected canyons, or barrancas.
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This canyon system is four times larger than
the Grand Canyon in the United States. Four of its six canyons are deeper
than the Grand - some by over 1,000 feet.
The vast deposits of minerals, including copper,
gives the strata of the rock a colourful texture and interesting
formations. An incredible variety of ecosystems further distinguish the
region. Highlands are home to snow-covered mountain peaks, sparkling lakes,
and enormous stands of old-growth Ponderosa pine and oak. The area's
plunging gorges sprout wild rives, towering waterfalls and sub-tropical
forests. Semi-arid coastal plains to the west support large sugar cane and
rich vegetable farms. |
  The average altitude here is 2275 meters above
sea level, while the highest point is 3306 meters above sea level.
Volcanic activity gave rise to the great geological faults which
provoked fractures in the earth's crust creating deep cracks. The result
of millions of years of evolution is the great systems of these canyons.
A notable feature of this railroad is the train looping over itself, and
a 180° turn inside solid rock. It took 90 years & $90,000,000 to
complete. |
 
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We arrived at Posada Barrancas, amidst snow on the ground, and
checked into the Mirador Hotel. This Spanish style hotel clings
to the side of the canyon boasting a magnificent view. |  |
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This is the view that we saw from the lobby of the hotel. A rainbow plunging
into the cold canyon depths was an unexpected treat. |   |  |
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  Our rooms were spacious and each had a private
terrace overlooking the canyon.
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We walked down a stone path to the
Chino Caves, a Tarahumara Indian village clinging to the side of
the rock. |
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   Tiny
dirty dwellings housed whole families who scratched their living from the
canyon. A small child finds warmth from her dog.
Tarahumara families still use caves for
habitation and construct houses, grain stores and pens inside.
They keep warm at night by heating the stone walls behind their dwellings
with fires burning during the day. |
    The
Tarahumara are known for their basket weaving and women and children are
everywhere selling their wares
We took a tour by van into Divisadero where the Tarahumara
Indians traveled many miles through the snow in their sandals to sell
their baskets. |
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   The Tarahumara (Raramuri,
as they called themselves) Indian culture are semi-nomadic people number
around 50,000, many are predominately cliff and cave dwellers seeking out a
meager substance from simple farming, ranching, and handicrafts.
Men are noted for their
remarkable running ability, competing in grueling races that stretch
non-stop for over 100 miles at times.
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