The Pros of Hiring a Pro

The complicated logistics of traveling in the region and the dearth of facilities and infrastructure mean that this is one place where a package tour really makes sense. But you can rest assured you won't see any megatour buses trundling along the canyon's dirt roads.

The California Native runs small group tours through the canyons. The 4- to 11-day self-guided trips start around $810; group trips last one to two weeks and begin at $2,330. 800/926-1140. www.calnative.com.

Copper Canyon Adventures provides private and group tours ranging from sedate to adventurous. 800/732-3023. www.coppercanyonadventures.com.

3 Amigos will plan tours based on your specific schedule, needs, and interests. 635/456-0179 in Creel; 698/893-5028 in El Fuerte. www.amigos3.com.

Highly regarded Caravan runs nine-day group tours through the canyons that begin and end in Phoenix, Arizona. Prices begin at $995. 800/227-2826. www.cravan.com.