Morning departure from Phoenix/ Tucson, AZ. Crossing the border into Mexico at Nogales. After a short drive, we arrive at Santa Ana for lunch. From there, we are on our way to Hermosillo, where we visit the Cathedral and the Government Palace to view the famous murals depicting the history of Sonora. Arrival in San Carlos Bay is by sunset at our hotel for the night, the Marinaterra Resort. Welcome to Mexico reception hosted by your Tour Director before dinner. (L D)
After relaxed breakfast we board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortes – keep a look for dolphins, seals and possible whales, also exotic birds as the blue-footed booby and the great blue heron. After we return we will visit a scenic lookout point rated by National Geographic as one of the top 10 in the world. Lunch pool side at the hotel. Time to relax and visit the Marina shops. This afternoon we depart for our seaside, sunset dinner (B L D)
We will depart San Carlos after breakfast. Our first stop will be at the Guaymas Pearl farm, the first cultured pearl farm in the Americas, here you will learn about the pearl oyster farming, pearl grading and quality selection. Next we travel south through the rich grain farm lands and to the foothills of the Sierra Madre arriving to the quaint city of Alamos. A living museum, the city cobblestones streets are lined with beautiful Spanish Colonial Mansions. This evening immerse yourself in the local culture at dinner with a colorful spectacle of music and folk dancing by performers in traditional customs. (B L D)
After breakfast take a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets, visiting some fabled mansions that have been restored to their original glory. The city of Alamos has been declared a national historic landmark by the government. Lunch today is at the hotel. Depart to El Fuerte arriving at Hotel Torres del Fuerte by early afternoon. Dinner and a great entertainment at the hotel. (B L D)
Early in morning, we transfer to the train station, boarding at 8:00 a.m. for the most spectacular train ride in North America, lunch on board the train, we will be arriving at Posada Barrancas by mid-afternoon. Your hotel for the next two nights is the Hotel Mirador. Tarahumara Indians culture presentation. (BL D)
Today we have time to view and interpret Tarahumara Indian arts and crafts, visit the rim of the canyon and enjoy the surroundings and the opportunity to board the new Copper Canyon aerial tramway, allowing us to descend to the Canyons and experience great views. There is time today for some optional activities: hiking, horseback riding or just relaxing. (B L D)
After breakfast, on board our motorcoach we will transfer to Creel via Oteros Canyon. After lunch in Guerrero, we descend from the mountains onto the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes. Tonight we have Mata Ortiz pottery demonstration and our farewell dinner. (B L D)
Before leaving Nuevo Casas Grandes, we visit Mexico’s northernmost archeological site at Paquime, where the ancient Grand Chichimeca civilization erected their truncated pyramids and adobe multistory apartments. We travel through the plains and cattle country of Chihuahua before reentering the USA at Douglas, AZ. Arriving in Phoenix around 7:00 p.m. (B L)
*Itinerary and hotels subject to change.