ALL-INCLUSIVE ULTRA CABALLO BLANCO 2026
The Ultra Caballo Blanco race and the whole experience that accompanies the journey to the Sierra Tarahumara (aka Copper Canyon) is truly an ‘endurance runner pilgrimage’. It is so much more than ‘just a race’. Also, while certain aspects of the travel to Urique has gotten much easier (roads improvements etc.), the logistics of the travel, the lodging, and the “what do I need to know” can still be a significant challenge. Again, this year we offer an opportunity to truly come to know these lands and their peoples and cultures. Often used words from those who have joined us are “life changing” and “a magical week.” Joining us also helps eliminate all the pre-planning, coordination and worry that accompanies such a special adventure. Join us in our hosted all-inclusive travel package that makes the journey super easy, and even more relevant, introduces you to the lands and the peoples of the Sierra in a far more inclusive manner than would be if you were just coming down to run the races.
Come experience lands and make friends that you will love and have in your life forever! Viva Chihuahua, Viva Urique, Viva Caballo Blanco, Viva los Raramuri’s!
Full Week All-Inclusive Package (Sign up early to guarantee your journey)
Depart and return from Chihuahua
There are many flights from the US and other international locations directly into Chihuahua. Chihuahua is a large modern city but retains much of its old charm in the Centro part of the city. Everyone should be prepared and ready to arrive at the host hotel and meeting place by early evening on Sunday the 22nd at the latest as you do not want to risk a delayed flight because we hop on the bus and head to the Sierra early Monday morning at 7:00 AM. For those arriving early Sunday join us for a pre-celebration night of fun and a little Chihuahua culture it is always a great start to the adventure (and a chance to see the oldest cantina in Northern Mexico)
Monday February 23rd
6:30 - 7:00 AM: Departure from in front of the Host Hotel in Centro Chihuahua (near the Cathedral). Vans/Bus will be ready to load at 6:30. For any reason if you are not staying at our host hotel, please make sure to arrive a little early, again, we will be on time leaving to the Sierra as we have all kinds of fun planned for even this first day of travel.
7:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Riding to Areponapuchi, Chihuahua Mexico. Your van/bus will make brief stops along the route for restroom breaks and to grab some snacks. We will have one longer stop for lunch at one of three great locations (location dependent on recent rains and timing). Please do have a snack and drink for the first part of the trip or grab one at the first large store stop. Also, no need to overpack snack type items as the store will have all you need.
3:00 PM - remainder of evening: We arrive at the Mansion Tarahumara, the beginning of the vastness of the Copper Canyons and all its magic. We have a little time to settle before dinner, some of us will for sure do a little leg stretch run along the Canyons rim so you can check why we love these lands so much. We will all enjoy a nice buffet meal together (timing TBD but assume 6:00-7:00 PM) in the dining hall.
A little after dinner we will round up over by the fire and enjoy some music, friends and perhaps a little of the local above-based liquid fire water. Be careful…. It’s only night one.
Tuesday February 24th
7:00 AM: Breakfast buffet at Mansion Tarahumara. *if you are interested and up early, join us for one of the most incredible sunrises we’ve ever seen! (please join!)
8:30 – 11:00: For those wanting a nice easy run to stretch the legs, we will gather together after breakfast and head on over for a run to the Parque Adventura. These trails are hundreds of years old and follow along the Canyon rim and are as good as it gets!
12:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Depart Arepo to San Isidro Lodge. We will be making a quick stop (kind of a short u-turn) at the Divisidero Chepe station for a grab and go lunch. You can snag one or two of what may be the best gorditas on the planet from one of the ladies cooking on the woodfired cans. Yum… and don’t forget the Chiltepin Salsa! After the stop we only have a couple more hours to drive to reach our beautiful eco lodge in the Sierra.
3:30 PM - remainder of evening: We arrive at San Isidro and settle in. You will be assigned your cabin and can get unpacked and unwind from the long ride.
5:00 PM: First Temezcal group. Groups will be assigned prior to arrival. The Temezcal is medicine, it is spiritual, it offers a magical connection, or it is simply an opportunity to detox your body – whatever ‘level’ you choose to connect with the experience is totally your choice, but please, please do partisipate in these moments.
6:30 PM: Traditional Sierra Camp style Dinner at the Hawk Nest – for many a night to remember forever begins.
7:30 PM – Fireside Drumming and guitar. Sit around a warming fire atop the beautiful Sierra as the sun sets and listen to our friends play traditional and moving music and contemplate all the excitement the week ahead holds. A welcome batch (or two) of Lechuguilla Margaritas is always part of the fun.
Wednesday February 25th
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast begins at the lodge. If you wake up early, coffee is hot and ready by 7:30
9:30 AM – mid afternoon: We will have two awesome options today. The first group will take a steep descent and fun run from the lodge down to the Cerocahui Waterfall (3 miles). Play, get wet and then continue into the village of Cerocahui or head back up trail back to the lodge. For those continuing to Cerocahui (another 2.5 miles) we will explore the town, that includes the oldest Mission in Mexico. Here also, you can run back up to the lodge or catch a ride back.
We will also have a group that will visit the Raramuri School in Porochi. This is always an incredible day. The children love to come out and play with visitors, so plan on some ball and games and whatever else fun is planned. If you have small packable items (blow up balls, jump ropes etc) you would like to share that is great. Also socks, warm coats, etc.
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Final Temezcal group. For anyone that is not able to get into one of the Temezcal session on Tuesday or Wednesday, they will be offered on Thursday in Urique. For those not participating today, maybe a nap and relax after runs/hikes. Though we would say again: Do not miss the Temezcal, it will be one of your best expriences of the trip!
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner in the lodge or at the Hawk Nest.
8:00 PM – A celebration at the Hawk Nest. Traditional Raramuri music, poetry and Mas Loco stories to be had under the beautiful stars of the Sierra Tarahumara. *Check out some videos of years past on our social media!
Thursday February 26th
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast in the lodge
10:30 AM: Pack up it’s time to head down to Urique Canyon!
12:00 – 2:00: Arrive Urique and get dropped off at Entre Amigos or your hotel room.
2:00 – remainder of the day: Settle in and explore Urique. Maybe some guacamole and a cold one at Mama Tita’s? Later in the day there may also be a group that will head up to Guadalupe Coronado to visit the students at the school and the old historical Mision which is also part of the course – another chance to hang with the young corredores and corredoras.
Friday February 27th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Hike or ride/hike/run to Los Alisos. Los Alisos is a very special place. A beautiful oasis that you will visit as part of the Ultra course. We will have trucks to take us out to the foot bridge (the ride in the truck is part of the experience!). Once there we have a leisurely hot hike up to Los Alisos. When we arrive Prospero will surely welcome us to his home and share what is the best grapefruit on the planet (and maybe some frijoles and hand patted tortillas – again, don’t forget to add the chiltepin!). This (hopefully) will also be a chance to hear Prospero, and some long time Mas Locos share some Micah stories and the early days of the Ultra Caballo.
4:00 PM – night: Many Raramuri runners will begin to arrive in town. The music and festivities in the plaza will be getting rolling, so more exploring and making memories. Have a great night, but make sure you get some sleep because you will for sure want to be up early to watch and participate in the Caballitos runs and party tomorrow morning.** likely Mas Loco party and reunion at Entre Amigos (stayed tuned for details)**
Saturday February 28
7:00 AM – 1:00 AM: Caballitos Runs and party celebration!! A highlight of the week. Get up early and help support these amazing young corridores – some who have hiked in from over 25 mountain miles. Help us pass out their 100 Mile Club shirt and any other donations, run with them, cheer them on, and join the fun. Then help put a metal on each and every kid and see a smile you will remember for life. *time subject to change, confirmation will be provided or amended when confirmed.
2:00 – late evening: Urique will be in festival mode. Music and entertainment on the plaza stage that is not to be missed. Enjoy the day and the night but be sure to get back to your bed before too late as the run comes early in the morning. If you don’t need sleep, go ahead and hang out, town will be rocking most all night and not wrap up until late Sunday evening.
3:00 PM The 100 Mile race begins – be ready if you are running, come send them off with a cheer if you are not
Sunday March 1st
7:00 AM: Ultra Caballo Blanco and Urique Marathons! This is it, time to run together as one, time to run free, time to run with our Raramuri friends and experience the legendary runner pilgrimage around the Urique Canyons! The beauty awaits.
8:00 AM: Urique Ultra Caballo 21K. For those doing the half marathon today is your day! Get up, and get after it, a magical run it is. *time subject to change, confirmation will be provided or amended when confirmed.
7:00 PM: After Party at Mama Tita’s. Everyone is welcome (if you finish a little later come join as soon as you are back, no worries about being dusty and sweaty) to come and share stories of the run and the week with other Mas Locos. Dinner buffet, chips and cerveza provided – a bunch of hugs too.
Monday March 2nd
7:00 AM: Get up and pack up early, we have a long ride back to Chihuahua, and stops are short and limited. We should arrive later in the afternoon. *We do not recommend you book any flights out of Chihuahua on Monday as there could be delays on the ride back and then getting transportation to the airport. We do not include any Monday night accommodations back in Chihuahua in the package, however you can get a discount from our host hotels.