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 - San Carlos
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.
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 relaxed breakfast we board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of
Cortés – 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. Time
to relax and visit the Marina shops this afternoon. Dinner this evening at a local
restaurant. (B L D)
Day 3 – Álamos
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 Álamos. 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 by early afternoon. Dinner and a
great entertainment at the hotel. (B L D)
Day 5 – Posada Barrancas
Early in morning, we transfer to the train station 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. (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 – Chihuahua
After breakfast, on board our motor-coach we will transfer through Creel as we
descend from the mountains onto the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Chihuahua,
the Capital of the State. Tonight we have dinner at a local restaurant. (B L D)
Day 8 – Casas Grandes
After breakfast, 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. This afternoon we depart for Nuevo Casas Grandes. Tonight
we have Mata Ortiz pottery demonstration and our farewell dinner. (B L D)
Day 9 – Tucson/Phoenix
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. Arriving in Phoenix
around 7:00 pm. (B L)
Dates & Prices
2024 Tour Dates
- October 17th
- November 7th
2024/2025 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
2025 Tour Dates
-
- Feb 13rd
- Oct 23rd
- Nov 27th
