Mexico's Copper Canyon
Tour Code: MCC
9 Day Trip
Per person rates from:
$1380 Land Only Rate
Rate includes discounts. Some taxes, fees additional. Read More.
Terms and Conditions
Departures are available from February through December 2009.
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Copper Canyon
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Tour Overview Trip Itinerary Dates & Prices Accommodations Tools & Tips
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Phoenix
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your flight to Phoenix! A complimentary transfer is provided to the hotel. A representative is available at the hotel in the late afternoon to answer questions and make dining suggestions.
Day 2 Phoenix - Tucson - San Carlos
Depart for Mexico, via Tucson for passengers joining here. Crossing the border at Nogales, travel into the Sonoran Desert, stopping in the small town of Santa Ana for lunch. Continue through the modern city of Hermosillo, known for its cathedral and murals at the Government Palace. We arrive in time for sunset in San Carlos, located where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Tonight join us for a Welcome Reception hosted by your Tour Director followed by dinner.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 3 San Carlos - Sea of Cortez Cruise - Alamos
This morning we visit a local cactus garden and learn about these amazing desert plants. Then board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortez. View a variety of local marine life and learn about their habitat. After lunch, we travel south through the rich farmlands of Obregon City to the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and the colonial city of Alamos. Designated as a National Monument, the city’s cobblestone streets are lined with Colonial and Spanish buildings. Take in the local culture at dinner with a colorful folkloric show.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 4 Alamos - El Fuerte
Alamos’ colonial history is brought to life on this morning’s walking tour, led by a local guide. Visit some of the restored mansions built when Alamos’ silver mines were some of the richest in the world. We also have the chance to meet the local Mayo Indians and learn about their language, culture and customs. After lunch our journey takes us from the desert into the tropical state of Sinaloa and the town of El Fuerte de Montesclaros, founded in 1564. Our home for the night is the charming Torres del Fuerte, a restored colonial mansion. This evening, enjoy a presentation of local traditional dances followed by a dinner.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 5 El Fuerte - Copper Canyon - Posada Barrancas
This morning we board our private rail car and start our journey on the 'Train in the Sky' into Mexico’s Copper Canyon. Taking almost 100 years to build in this rugged terrain, the rail line was originally intended as a trade route from the US Midwest to the Pacific. We travel from sea level to 7,500 ft in less than 150 miles, passing through tunnels and over spectacular bridges. The journey takes us along the precipitous Septentrion and Urique Canyons into the heart of the Copper Canyon, over four times as large as Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Disembark the train in Posada Barrancas, our home for the next two nights.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 6 Copper Canyon
We spend the entire day exploring this dramatic area, one of the last undiscovered treasures of North America. Learn more about the geological forces that created the seven individual canyons, collectively known as the Copper Canyon. A highlight today is the opportunity to spend time with the local Tarahumara Indians, a semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors have lived in the canyon’s caves for thousands of years. Learn first hand about their traditions and culture.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 7 Copper Canyon - Casas Grandes
This morning transfer to Creel via Oteros Canyon. After lunch descend from the high elevation of the 'Barrancas del Cobre' into the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Casas Grandes. This evening, we get together with our fellow traveling companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 8 Casas Grandes - Paquime - Phoenix
A morning visit to the archeological site of Paquime, a remnant of the great Chichimeca civilization and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the ancient dwellings and pyramids have been excavated and can be explored. We continue across the Chihuahuan Desert back into the US and stop in Tucson before arriving back in Phoenix late this afternoon.
Full Breakfast and Lunch Included
Day 9 Depart Phoenix
A complimentary transfer is provided to Phoenix International Airport.
Full Breakfast Included
Please note: This tour was designed to introduce you to the remote, yet stunning beauty of northern Mexico You will discover breathtaking istas and meet the fascinating descendants of the area’s ancient cultures. Knowing what to expect will assist you in preparing for this tour and will ultimately make this a more enjoyable vacation. It is important to realize that the Copper Canyon is still remote and rustic. Some of the accommodations and services on this tour are basic by American standards. Meal choices may not be as extensive as on other tours and hotel facilities may be limited. The tour reaches an elevation of 8,000 feet and requires walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some stairs. This tour is best enjoyed by the experienced traveler in reasonably good health who can take it in good humor if not all of the 'comforts of home' are readily available.
Sometimes, the train schedule and other parts of the itinerary may be subject to delays or variation due to circumstances beyond your host’s control.