Mexico's Magnificent Copper Canyon
 8 Days/7 Nights ~ Motorcoach & Rail Tour February 15 - 22, 2014 or
March 1 - 8, 2014
The Barranca del Cobre, or Copper Canyon in English, is a destination unlike any other! Located in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, the canyon is actually a group of six distinct canyons joined together in the Sierra Tarahumara range. This system of canyons is four times bigger than the Grand Canyon. The Copper Canyon was formed in Sierra Tarahumara’s western portion by six rivers which drain in that area. The six rivers merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into the Cortez Sea.
There are two types of weather in the canyon. At an altitude of 8000 feet, the mountain peaks are snow-capped in winter. Meanwhile, the canyon’s bottom regions have subtropical weather. This area is the home to the semi-nomadic cliff dwellers, the Tarahumara Indians, the least acculturated Amerindians.
The "Train Ride in the Sky", providing the only access to the wilderness, is probably the most dramatic railway journey in the Western Hemisphere.
 Day 1 - Yuma or Phoenix / Tucson / San Carlos, MexicoAfter a morning departure from Arizona, cross the border into Mexico at Nogales. Travel through the Sonoran Desert, stopping in the small town of Santa Ana for lunch. Then, journey on to Hermosillo to view the Cathedral and famous murals depicting the history of Sonora at the Government Palace. Enjoy the sunset at your beachfront resort in San Carlos. Marinaterra Hotel & Spa, San Carlos. Day 2 - San Carlos / Sea of Cortez Excursion Today's highlight is a Sea of Cortez excursion. Visit a cultured pearl farm in Guaymas for a guided tour. Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the bay. Afternoon leisure time provides an opportunity to enjoy the beach and pool at the hotel. Marinaterra Hotel & Spa, San Carlos.  Day 3 - San Carlos / Aduana / Alamos Next, travel south to the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and the colonial town of Alamos. Enjoy sight-seeing during the three-hour drive through the agricultural heartland of Sonora, and the cities of Obregon and Navojoa. After lunch in Alamos, visit the town of Aduana, then return to our beautiful bed and breakfast for dinner and a folkloric program. Casa de los Tesoros, Alamos Day 4 - Alamos / El Fuerte Alamos' colonial history is brought to life on this morning's guided walking tour. A designated National Monument, the city's cobblestone streets are lined with beautiful Colonial and Spanish buildings. Visit fabled mansions that have been restored to their original glory. After lunch, journey into the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains to the town of El Fuerte. This evening, enjoy dinner and entertainment at the Hotel Torres, a beautifully restored mansion built in the late 1800s. Hotel Torres del Fuerte, El Fuerte  Day 5 - El Fuerte / Copper Canyon / Posada BarrancasToday, board your private rail car and start your journey on the “Train Ride in the Sky” into Mexico's Copper Canyon. Taking almost 100 years to build in this rugged terrain, the rail line is considered to be an engineering marvel. Travel from sea level to 7,500 ft in less than 150 miles, passing through tunnels and over soaring bridges. Disembark in Posada Barrancas, your home for the next two nights. Mansion Tarahumara, Posada Barrancas Spend the day exploring this dramatic area, one of the  last undiscovered treasures of North America. Visit the rim. Hear about the geological forces that created the seven individual canyons, collectively known as the Copper Canyon. Also, spend time with the local Tarahumara Indians, a seminomadic tribe whose ancestors have lived in the canyon's caves for thousands of years. There is time for optional activities: hiking, horseback riding, or the new aerial tram ride to the bottom of the canyon. Mansion Tarahumara, Posada Barrancas
Day 8 - Casas Grandes / Paquime / Phoenix or Yuma Today, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquime, a vestige of the Chichimeca civilization. Many of the ancient dwellings and pyramids have been excavated and can be explored. Then continue across the Chihuahuan Desert, through plains and cattle country, before re-entering the U.S.A. at Douglas, AZ. Arrive home late evening.  Escorted tour with English speaking guide includes deluxe motorcoach transportation, reserved rail car on train, 7 nights accommodations at best available hotels, most meals, taxes.
$1600 pp/double, $1925.00 pp/single $200 deposit per person payable upon booking, balance due 2-weeks prior to departure.
Insurance available upon request.
CALL 1-800-706-8687 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS  Yuma Office, 333 S Main Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 Phone Reservations (928) 783-8888 or (800) 706-8687 |
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Journey with Tour West Travel to the canyon four times larger than the Grand Canyon! Departure available from Yuma or Phoenix.
Day 7 - Copper Canyon / Nuevo Casas Grandes
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