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.

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.

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.

Our rooms were spacious and each had a private terrace overlooking the canyon.

We walked down a stone path to the Chino Caves, a Tarahumara Indian village clinging to the side of the rock.

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.

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.