Most people take Copper Canyon trips to enjoy the beautiful landscape or to take part in one of the many outdoor activities the mountainous terrain has to offer. When you’re out on one of these trips, your guides are likely to tell you a little bit about Copper Canyon’s traditional inhabitants, the Tarahumara — or more correctly as they refer to themselves, the Rarámuri; but here’s a little information to get you started.

The Rarámuri are a semi-nomadic people. Some Indians from the upper sierra seek warmer climates at the bottom of the canyons during the winter months, although this practice is changing as they build better shelters or housing that shield them from the winter months.

Their staple diet consists of occasional wild game, fish, beans, squash, and corn, with the occasional consumption of beef and goat only during ritualistic purposes.

The Raramuri are, for the most part, a private people. While some communities welcome the government assistance in rebuilding roads, restaurants, and lodging, others firmly stand by their independence and are wary of any attempt at intervention. The Rarámuri maintain their simple lifestyles by building their homes far into the canyons and as far away from the public as possible.

It is for this reason that the Mexican government highly recommends that if you see a native inhabitant when visiting Copper Canyon, you ask for permission before taking their photo or crossing into Tarahumara land.

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