Heritage Stories · North America
Mexico:
Communities, Culture & Canyons
A Story of Perseverance and Purpose
OVERVIEW
Mexico: Communities, Culture & Canyons
September 24 - October 4, 2026
From $4,195 USD | $5,765 CAD
Discover one of the world’s most distinctive Mennonite communities in Northern Mexico with renowned storyteller, Kennert Giesbrecht. This immersive journey explores the lives of roughly 65,000 Low German Mennonites whose roots trace back to the Canadian Prairies, and how Mennonite and Mexican cultures have intertwined over the past century while preserving strong identities.
In the Mennonite colonies of Chihuahua, we’ll connect with local communities through visits to homes, industries, and worship gatherings. The journey also leads beyond the colonies into Mexico’s dramatic landscapes, including a scenic train ride into Copper Canyon and encounters with the Rarámuri people, whose enduring traditions offer a meaningful parallel to the Mennonite story.
Kennert Giesbrecht
Tour Expert
Mexico
Countries Visited
11 Days
Duration
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Immersive Mennonite Community Life – Connect with people in the Mennonite colonies and explore the communities they’ve built, gaining insight into their culture, industries, and history today.
A Culinary Crossroads – From spicy Mexican dishes to faspa, discada, and Mennonite classics, enjoy meals shaped by a century of shared life and memorable Mennonite–Mexican fusion.
Cultural Contrast & Coexistence – Discover how communities with distinct languages, histories, and faith traditions live side by side—sometimes blending, sometimes keeping clear boundaries.
Copper Canyon Adventure – Travel by train into one of Mexico’s most dramatic landscapes, with time in Divisadero and Creel to take in sweeping canyon views and meet local residents.
Guided by a Trusted Storyteller – Journey with seasoned guide Kennert Giesbrecht, whose long-standing relationships open doors to meaningful encounters and authentic perspectives.
DAY 1 • September 24, 2026
Chihuahua City
Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at the Chihuahua airport, you will transfer to our hotel, where we will simply settle in to meet one another over our first meal together.
DAY 2 • September 25, 2026
Cuauhtémoc and the Manitoba Colony
A journey must begin somewhere; we will begin ours by seeking to understand how this colony came to be. Our understanding of their journey to Mexico begins at the Mennonite Museum in the Manitoba colony near Cuauhtémoc. Stories and artifacts will shape our understanding of the first Mennonites who sought to establish a life of purpose in Mexico. Juxtaposed onto that early history, we will set out to explore the fruit of their perseverance in daily life today.
DAY 3 • September 26, 2026
Cuauhtémoc and Enjoying the People
Immerse yourself in the joy of Herbstfest as we join the Mennonite community for their annual harvest celebration. Enjoy the aromas and flavours of market food stalls, explore fresh local produce, and experience the vibrant blend of people and languages filling the festival grounds. Afterwards, we’ll slow the pace with a visit to a local pottery studio and a drive to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the broad landscape Mennonites now call home.
DAY 4 • September 27, 2026
Cuauhtémoc and Sabbath
When we reflect on the Mennonite story in Mexico, we must remember that their perseverance to immigrate had a purpose: to pursue God. We, too, will honor that part of the Mennonite Story by joining a local congregation for a church service to witness how God is still the “central purpose” for many Mennonites in Mexico. We will continue with the theme of “pursuing God” as we visit the local Bible School and then spend some time in reflection and rest at a local park. On one of our evenings such as this, we plan to share a meal with a local group of Mennonites to fellowship and simply enjoy one another’s company.
DAY 5 • September 28, 2026
Cuauhtémoc and Work
As the community returns to their work week, we too will plunge into visiting different places of work around the colony. The colony’s character comes alive through its many workplaces—cheese production, schools, shops, the Rosenort Credit Union, and community‑focused ministries. We’ll also head to a family‑run apple orchard to learn firsthand what life and work look like here.
DAY 6 • September 29, 2026
Copper Canyon and Divisadero
Full “steam” ahead: as we hop onto the train and head to the Copper Canyon for three days of thrilling vistas, encountering other Mexican cultures and stories, and of course, enjoying Mexican foods. Our train ride will take us to Divisadero, where we will settle into our hotel to spend the afternoon in awe of the views and the night looking up at the stars.
DAY 7 • September 30, 2026
Copper Canyon and Creel
Divisadero is the perfect spot for a full day of breathtaking scenery. We’ll spend our time exploring various viewpoints overlooking Copper Canyon within Barrancas Park, where a cable car ride offers a stunning, entirely new perspective of the landscape. The region is home to the Raramuri people, and we’ll have the chance to browse their handcrafted goods at the many local market stalls. As we continue our drive to Creel, we’ll stop at several scenic overlooks that provide views distinct from those seen on the train journey in.
DAY 8 • October 1, 2026
Creel and Cuauhtémoc
Creel showcases the beauty of creation in many ways. We’ll hike to Cusárare Waterfall, visit Lake Arareco, explore unique rock formations, and learn about the Raramuri people, who have lived in this landscape for centuries. Their cave dwellings and museum highlight their cultural resilience, while our encounters in local markets reveal their modern-day perseverance. To understand the wider community of Creel, we’ll also consider the historical influence of Catholicism. We’ll visit the San Ignacio Mission and a religious art museum before returning to Cuauhtémoc.
DAY 9 • October 2, 2026
North of Cuauhtémoc
Our next adventure is to explore Mennonite colonies further away from Cuauhtémoc and see their newest ventures. Colonies like Los Jagueyes or El Valle are colonies that were established at different times than the Manitoba colony. They were purposeful in their conception and have innovative and diverse industries not seen in other colonies, like pecan and cotton farms, and a printing press. As we visit these ventures and share a meal, we’ll hear firsthand stories of adaptation and perseverance from the Mennonites who built them.
Note: We’re also exploring the option of a one-night homestay for those interested—don’t worry, a hotel will be arranged for everyone else!
DAY 10 • October 3, 2026
Return to Chihuahua City
On our final full day together, we’ll bid farewell to the colonies—and to one another. We’ll travel back to Chihuahua City and spend the evening sharing photos, memories, and a farewell dinner.
DAY 11 • October 4, 2026
Departure from Chihuahua
Farewell to Mexico! We wish you the best of return journeys.
Pricing
Registration:
Early Bird Rate until March 24, 2026
After March 24, 2026
Double Occupancy:
$4,195 USD | $5,765 CAD
$4,595 USD | $6,315 CAD
Single Occupancy:
$4,945 USD | $6,800 CAD
$5,345 USD | $7,350 CAD
Inclusions
Thoughtfully curated accommodations that support meaningful access to the people, landscapes, and stories of Northern Mexico. Stays range from premium hotels to simpler, well-kept lodgings in remote areas where options are limited. Across all locations, cleanliness, comfort, and warm hospitality are prioritized.
Land transport within the tour
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 10 dinners
Expert tour leader and local guides
All entrance fees and activities are included in the itinerary
Gratuities for drivers, guides and group meals
Exclusions
International airfare and all associated fees
Airport transfers outside of the group transfer
Lunches (6)
Beverages with meals
Gratuities to hotel staff, airport porters, or personal service gratuities not explicitly listed
Visas (if required)
TOUR EXPERT
Kennert Giesbrecht
Writer · Historian · Adventurer · Photographer · World Traveler
Kennert was born and raised in Paraguay, where he spent more than 30 years of his life. He is married to Gredel Bergen, and together they raised three children. Kennert taught history and geography (social studies) in the Menno Colony and later served as principal of a high school.
In 2002, he and his family moved to Canada, where he became Managing Editor of Die Mennonitische Post with MCC Canada. For nearly 22 years, he oversaw the paper and traveled extensively to more than 200 Low German Mennonite colonies and communities across the Americas. During this time, he also published two books: Strangers & Pilgrims – Volume II and Auf den Spuren der Mennoniten.
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.