Discover the Top 9 Amazing Fun Facts About Mexico's Copper Canyon!

1. Foot Throwing Fun

You may have heard of beer pong, but have you ever tried "foot throwing"? It's the Rarámuri people's favorite pastime where they literally kick back, or well... kick forward: Copper Canyon's indigenous Rarámuri community engages in a unique traditional practice, known as rarajipari, where they kick a wooden ball while running in relay races that can last hours or even days without a break. Women also play a version of the sport with a stick and hoop, showcasing their athletic prowess in both endurance running and hunting skills.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Copper-Hued Canyons

If Copper Canyon walked into a bar, everyone would be struck by its "copper" hair, only to later find out it wasn't quite what it appeared to be: In reality, Copper Canyon isn't named for its copper deposits, but for the coppery hue of its walls, a name bestowed upon it by American prospectors in the late 1800s. Funnily enough, the canyons have mostly been mined for gold and silver since the 17th century, with Mexico currently reigning supreme as the world's top silver producer!
Source => visitcoppercanyon.com

Did you know the first Europeans to witness the Grand Canyon compared its rocks to the great tower of Seville? Discover more fascinating facts about this natural wonder!

=> Fun Facts about The-Grand-Canyon

3. Rebellious Mine-Teen

In a mockery of its own name, Copper Canyon – it turns out – has more than a few screws loose when it comes to the precious metal it's actually known for! The canyon is more like a rebellious teenager, resisting its copper destiny and gallivanting with its shinier friends, silver and gold: In reality, Mexico's Copper Canyon system is primarily mined for gold and silver, with copper only playing a small supporting role. The name comes purely from the gorge's copper-like hue, giving those walls a high-class luster without ever lifting a finger in the copper mines.
Source => visitcoppercanyon.com

4. World's Longest Zip Line

Hold on to your sombreros and get ready for some serious zip-lining fun at the speed of a fajita 'bout to be gobbled up: The Copper Canyon ZipRider in Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre, Chihuahua, Mexico, holds the title for the world's longest zip line at 8,379 feet, boasting a 1,450-foot vertical drop and a heart-pounding top speed of 84 mph. Riders have the privilege of soaring above three stunning canyons – Del Cobre, Tararecua, and Urique – during this exhilarating, 2-minute and 20-second airborne escapade.
Source => ziprider.com

5. Chutes and Ladders Railway

If ever there was a railway that could be described as a very expensive game of "Chutes and Ladders," this would be it, my friends: The Copper Canyon railway boasts an awe-inspiring engineering marvel that took a whopping 90 years and 90 million dollars to create, stretching across 390 miles with 39 bridges and 86 tunnels in its path. Not only does it serve as a vital freight link between Chihuahua and the coast, but thrill-seeking tourists can hop on the First Class Express train and enjoy 7 scenic stops along the way to its final destination. All aboard for a ride that's equal parts wild, historic, and ridiculously picturesque!
Source => coppercanyon.com

6. Wild Morning Commute

If you think your morning commute is a wild ride, it's time to buckle up and head to Mexico: Copper Canyon's railway took a whopping 90 years and 90 million dollars to complete, featuring 390 miles of track, 39 bridges, and 86 tunnels, all to connect the Pacific Ocean to Chihuahua's central desert.
Source => coppercanyon.com

7. Marathon-Worthy Tribe

Lace up your sneakers and get ready to eat the dust of the Raramuri tribe: Copper Canyon's indigenous Tarahumara people have been outrunning marathoners ever since oxen were the latest craze in agriculture. Today, these Canyon dwellers can still be spotted tilling the land in traditional attire, cultivating crops, or selling handmade treasures to visitors who can't help but admire their timeless skills.
Source => internationalliving.com

8. Treasure Trove of Puns

Strike it rich or bust? Copper Canyon turned out to be a "mine" of precious metals and a treasure trove of metal puns: Originally discovered for its silver and copper deposits in the mid-1800s, this geological gem has produced millions of pounds of copper, lead, and zinc, while also gifting the world with significant amounts of gold and silver. Nowadays, the mine prides itself on its porphyry copper and skarn copper deposits, catching the eye of miners and explorers since the early 1900s.
Source => westernmininghistory.com

9. Holy Beer Fiesta

Pass the holy brew, Batman! Copper Canyon's very own Tarahumara Indians have turned their secret beer recipe into a divine act of getting sloshed: During their Easter Week celebrations, they make and drink "tesguino," a sacred corn beer that they believe was taught to them by God. As they guzzle down this holy libation, their "large souls" are chased out, leaving only their "little souls" - much like inebriated superheroes who can barely stand but are filled with divine purpose. Come, be a beer-ific witness to this spiritual shindig, where participants dance and carouse to the rhythm of "bosasa" - the Raramuri way of saying "fill up, be satisfied, be contented."
Source => npr.org