Tour Description
A journey through the Copper Canyon is truly a must for all passionate travelers. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the area while you travel through the most beautiful towns of northern Mexico. Combining riveting adventure with a reprieve from the demands of the modern world, the Copper Canyons offer a gorgeous setting for a marvelous escape.
Carved from the legendary Sierra Madre mountain range in the state of Chihuahua, a colossal network of six interweaving canyons make up what is known as the Copper Canyons, or Barrancas del Cobre in Spanish. Some of these canyons run deeper than Arizona’s Grand Canyon by a margin of over 1,000 feet. While the Copper Canyon seems to lack the status of the Grand Canyon, this Mexican treasure suffers no shortage of natural beauty. It is simply pristine. Teeming with wildlife, much of this striking landscape is virtually unexplored and unexploited.
How the Copper Canyon got its Name
Named for the color of its walls, this geological wonder spans a massive area. Consequently, much of this magnificent canyon is solely accessible by the Copper Canyon Railway. This feature alone earns the trip through the canyon a reputation as the world’s most scenic train ride. Because it covers a distance of over 400 miles, the trip takes 16 hours one way and is broken up into overnight stops along the route.
The Copper Canyon Railroad History
This railroad line was built in 1870 and runs from Kansas to Texas. Then, it continues across the border to Chihuahua and Los Mochis. Finally, the line reaches Topolobambo, one of the largest natural harbors in North America. Ninety-one years later the railroad became complete, as the tracks were joined at Temoris Station on the southwestern edge of the canyon. This is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century. Today’s route through the Copper Canyon takes passengers from sea level to over 8,000 feet in elevation. It traverses through 86 tunnels, and across 39 bridges. The longest tunnel on the course measures nearly 6,000 feet, while the highest bridge towers 340 feet over the Chinipas River. Join us aboard the CHEPE Express traveling in 1st class and exclusive access to the all-new Terrace car.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Phoenix/Tucson
Morning departure fromTucson, 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)
Day 2 – San Carlos
After a relaxed breakfast we board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortez – keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and possible whales, also exotic birds such as the blue-footed booby and the great blue heron. We are also featuring a visit to 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 After we return we will visit a scenic lookout point rated by National Geographic as one of the top 10 in the world. Lunch poolside at the hotel. Time to relax and visit the Marina shops. This afternoon we depart for our dinner to a local nearby restaurant (B L D)
Day 3 – Alamos
We will depart San Carlos after breakfast traveling south through the rich grain farm lands known as the bread basket of Mexico. Rest stop at the city of Obregon and lunch at Navojoa. Early afternoon we arrive at 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)
Day 4 – El Fuerte
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 or Posada del Hidalgo by early afternoon.A short walk with your Tour Manager to learn about the city’s history Dinner and overnight . (B L D)
Day 5 – Posada Barrancas
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning and transfer to the train station to board for our rail journey in the most spectacular train ride in North America, lunch on board the train, and 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. (B L D)
Day 6 – Posada Barrancas
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)
Day 7 – Posada Barrancas - Chihuahua
After breakfast, on board our motorcoach we will transfer to Creel via Oteros Canyon. After lunch in Cuauhtemoc, we descend from the mountains onto the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Chihuahua, the Capital of the State. We will tour Chihuahua, one of Mexico’s most historic city centers. The city’s patriotic legacy is evident while visiting the Government Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Tonight we have dinner at a local restaurant. (B L D)
Day 8 – Chihuahua - Casas Grandes
After breakfast, we depart for 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. Tonight we have a Mata Ortiz pottery demonstration and our farewell dinner. (B L D)
Day 9 – Tucson/Phoenix
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the Mexico – US border crossing at Puerto Palomas, enjoy our last Mexican lunch before our official border crossing . (B L)
Dates & Prices
2024 Tour Dates
- March 7th
- October 10th
- October 17th
- November 7th
- November 14th
- December 5th
2024 Price Per Person
- Single – $2,325
- Double – $1,995
* = All seats have been reserved by a custom group or agency. For availability on exclusive departures, please call our office at (602) 938-0951
