8 Days • 18 Meals
Take an exciting journey through one of Mexico’s most remarkable natural landmarks, Copper Canyon. Enjoy glorious views during two scenic rail journeys through magnificent canyon landscapes.
Get Ready for a South-of-the-Border Adventure!
Mexico is a land of beauty, culture and history. Join us for a breathtaking odyssey as we tour the beautiful Copper Canyon and the surrounding state of Chihuahua. From sun-drenched sand dunes to tropical farmlands, you’ll explore the breathtaking splendors of this warm and welcoming country.
Enjoy one of the top scenic rail journeys in the world as you gaze out on sheer cliff walls and bask in the beautiful Mexican sunset from your perch high above the canyon floor as you spend one night at the Hotel Mirador. Savor Mexico’s world-famous hospitality as we visit Indian villages, historic civic centers and bustling modern cities. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime into Mexico’s Copper Canyon!All Aboard for a Mexican Odyssey
During our eight-day tour, we’ll explore the scenic splendors of Mexico’s Chihuahua province. At the heart of our adventure are two exciting rail journeys that take you deep into the magnificent Copper Canyon.
Nestled in the famous Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Copper Canyon is actually a collection of five major canyons. Four times the size of the Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon is deeper, narrower and more verdant than its American cousin, covering a staggering 25,000 square miles. At 5,000 feet deep, this intricate maze of gorges is home to a dizzying array of plant life, from pine-oak woodlands to giant cactus and tropical trees.
We start our journey in the city of Creel and descend into the canyon from the top of the Sierra Madres, taking in gorgeous views of cascading waterfalls and rugged cliff walls. Making a brief stop in Divisadero, a beautiful town on the rim of the canyon that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vistas, we travel west, enjoying a spectacular sunset as we arrive at our destination, the picturesque colonial town of El Fuerte.
After a day exploring in El Fuerte, including a float trip and walking tour to see the government palace and 17-th century cathedral, we board our next train to continue our tour of the canyon. From sea level, we climb 8,000 feet, passing through 86 tunnels and crossing 38 bridges along the way. At day’s end, we arrive in our next stop, Barrancas, and continue our exploration of the people and places of Chihuahua.
The Many Faces of Mexico
The scenic train journeys are only one highlight of your Mexican adventure. Along the way, you’ll explore Mexico’s kaleidoscope of captivating landscapes and fascinating people. Driving through the Chihuahua Desert, you’ll glimpse the golden, shifting landscape of the Samalayuca sand dunes as well as lush pecan orchards and rolling hills dotted with palm, banana, papaya and mango trees. You’ll also encounter the many peoples, contemporary and historic, who make up the heritage of Mexico. In Creel, you’ll meet the remarkable Tarahumara Indians. For centuries, the dignified and reclusive people have made their homes in the caves that line the canyon walls. Today, they live apart from modern culture, maintaining their ancient culture on the sheer cliffs of Copper Canyon.
We’ll also encounter the Mennonite settlers who have made the Chihuahua Desert flower by irrigating and cultivating fertile farmland in the arid landscape. We’ll enjoy lunch at a Mennonite camp and visit a traditional Mennonite store.
With a visit from the members of the fabulous Mexican Ballet Folklorico, we’ll experience the country’s rich cultural heritage as we witness performances of the traditional regional dances.
Take a Journey Back in Time
We’ll also travel into Mexico’s rich past with visits to some of the area’s historic cities. In El Fuerte, we take a float trip before taking a walking tour of its plaza with a 17th-century cathedral and governmental palace.
History will also be on the itinerary in colorful Chihuahua, a thriving city that once served as Mexico’s capital city. More than three centuries old, Chihuahua offers a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks, including murals of Mexican history, a magnificent baroque cathedral, beautifully restored colonial homes and an 18th-century aqueduct. We’ll also catch a glimpse of Mexico’s vibrant political past as we visit the former home of Pancho Villa, the hero of Mexico’s fight for freedom.
Full Speed Ahead to Adventure!
Discover the natural beauty and warm hospitality of one of the hidden gems of Mexico. Adventure awaits in the rugged beauty of Copper Canyon!
Hotel Accommodations
Day One – Wyndham El Paso Airport, El Paso, Texas
Day Two – Best Western Lodge at Creel, Creel, Mexico
Days Three and Four – Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, El Fuerte, Mexico
Day Five – Hotel Mirador, Barrancas, Mexico
Days Six and Seven – Palacio del Sol, Chihuahua, Mexico |
Day by Day
• Services of a professional tour manager
• 18 Meals (6 dinners, 5 lunches and 7 breakfasts)
• Round trip airport transfers
• $40 in Mayflower Money
Day One
• Arrive in El Paso with included transfers to your hotel
• Meet your Tour Manager at 6 p.m. for dining suggestions
Day Two
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Enter Mexico at Juarez
• Visit Mennonite country
• Lunch at a Mennonite Camp
• Dinner
Day Three
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Explore Creel on your own
• Copper Canyon train to El Fuerte
• Lunch and dinner aboard the train
Day Four
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Float trip, weather permitting
• Walking tour to see 17th-century cathedral and government palace
• Lunch and free time in El Fuerte
• Dinner at your hotel with performers from the Mexican Ballet Folklorico
Day Five
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Copper Canyon train ride to Barrancas
• Lunch aboard the train
• Dinner and Mexican serenades
Day Six
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Sightseeing on your own
• Motorcoach to Chihuahua
• Lunch en route
• Dinner at your hotel
Day Seven
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Sightseeing tour of Chihuahua
• Traditional Mexican dinner
Day Eight
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Group transfer to El Paso Airport for flights after 3 p.m.
2008 Departure Dates
September 6
November 7
2009 Departure Dates
March 1
April 19
September 8
October 22, 31
Per Person Rates
Twin $1,759
Single add $699
Triple deduct $14
Rooms for the night before the tour are available. Cost for a room in El Paso is $199, tax included. |
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