s of the construction techniques of that time. There is also a round grain storage
area behind the structure closest to the mouth of the cave.
The road forks just before crossing the suspension bridge at the bottom of the Huapoca
Canyon on the way to Cueva Grande. The left fork descends to Agua Caliente de Huapoca, a
small thermal spring on the river bank. Its warm waters flow to a little soaking pool and
continues on to the river where there is a natural swimming hole. Agua Caliente de Huapoca
is reputed to cure a variety of ailments but it is perfect for sore feet after walking
along the uneven trail to Cueva Grande.
It is difficult to find a taxi driver to make the trip to La Rancheria where
there are some fine ruins that cover an extensive area at the base of the Sirupa Canyon.
Located 50 Km south of Madera (a two hour drive one way), there is a lengthy walk (another
two hours each way) along a rough trail. A daytrip to La Rancheria requires a minimum of 9
to 10 hours with relatively little time to explore. The Sirupa Canyon is better visited on
an overnight trip which also allows time to visit the site of the old San Andres de Sirupa
Mission. It was destroyed during the Tarahumara uprising of 1690 and all that remains is
the shell of a hacienda that was constructed there in 1830. However, the surrounding
landscape is particularly beautiful and makes the half hour trip from the village of
Sirupa worthwhile. Nearby, the thermal springs of Agua Caliente de Sirupa gush from the
Sirupa River bank that is a good spot for camping.
Best Times to Go:
Spring and fall have the best balance of cool sierras and warm
barrancas. The beginning of fall is especially beautiful when the poplars and alders of
Madera begin to change color.
Madera possesses a basic tourist infrastructure and is the closest
town to the archaeological sites. It is reached from the nearby cities of Nuevo Casas
Grandes, Cuauhtemoc and Chihuahua by local bus. See the Getting There section
of the Sierra Tarahumara for general information about traveling to the Copper Canyon
region from Mexican and US cities.
By car, Madera is located to the south of Nuevo Casas Grandes and to the northwest of
Chihuahua. There are two main routes from Ciudad Juarez. The longer but more interesting
route follows Highway 2 westward to Janos then south to Nuevo Casas Grandes and
Buenaventura. Take Route 28 to Gomez Farias and about 11 Km out of town, watch the signs
for the turnoff to Madera. The distance from Ciudad Juarez to Madera by this route is
about 540 Km. The other is to take the toll road to Chihuahua. Exit at El Sueco and travel
to Buenaventura where Route 28 leads to Gomez Farias and Madera. This route from Ciudad
Juarez to Madera is approximately 490 Km.
||Huapoca Suspension Bridge
From Chihuahua, take the Cuauhtemoc toll road (Highway 16) for 101 Km to Cuauhtemoc and
continue along Highway 16 to La Junta. Follow the signs to Guerrero, Matachi, Temosachi
and on to Madera. The total distance from Chihuahua to Madera is about 285 Km.
To visit the ruins, a good road leads to the Cuarenta Casas site and Cueva del Puente
approximately 45 Km to the north of Madera. Cueva Grande (66 Km) and the Anasazi caves (33
Km) are reached along a dirt road to the west from the roundabout at the entrance to
Madera. Along this road just out of town, is the turnoff to the Sirupa Canyon region where
the caves of the La Rancheria complex (50 Km) are located.
Substantial walking is required to visit the cave dwellings. Hiking
boots are preferable for steep paths and loose scree especially in the rainy, summer
months. Clothing should be comfortable and season appropriate. Remember that the sierras
are cooler than the barrancas and even in summer months, a light jacket is needed. A
flashlight is helpful for exploring the interior of the dwellings as well as the recesses
of some caves. Within the canyons, bring a swimsuit and towel to take advantage of the
refreshing rivers and thermal springs. All food and water must be carried into the canyon
as no supplies are available outside of Madera.
Fi