mexico's copper canyon
October 16-23, 2021
November 13-20, 2021
February 19-21, 2022
March 17-24, 2022
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Price: $1895 per person/double
$2225 per person/single
DAY ONE
Morning departure from Phoenix / Tucson, AZ. Just over the border, we will stop for lunch in Puerto Palomas. Travel through the Chihuahuan Desert to reach the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes. Visit México’s northernmost archeological site at Paquimé, where the ancient Gran Chichimeca civilization once thrived. Tonight we have a Mata Ortiz pottery demonstration and our welcome dinner. (L D)
day two
This morning after breakfast, we will leave the high planes of the Chihuahuan Desert and head for the Sierra Madre Mountains, home of the reclusive Tarahumara (Raramuri) people. Travel through Creel and over the Continental Divide along the way. As we gain altitude, you will see the landscape changing from rolling hills into rugged mountains. Arrive to Posada Barrancas and enjoy a short nature walk around the canyon rim and a presentation by your Tour Manager about the Tarahumara culture. Dinner and overnight. (B L D)
day three
Today we have time to view and interpret Tarahumara Indian arts and crafts, visit the rim of the canyon, and enjoy the surroundings. Opportunity to board the new Copper Canyon aerial tramway, allowing us to descend halfway into the Canyons and experience great views. There is time today for some optional activities or just relaxing. (B L D)
day four
In the morning, we transfer to the train station, boarding at 9:00 a.m. for the most spectacular train ride in North America. Lunch onboard the train. We arrive in El Fuerte by mid-afternoon. This evening, immerse yourself in the local culture with folk dancing by performers in traditional costumes. (B L D)
Day 5 – Alamo
day five
We will depart El Fuerte after breakfast, stopping in route for a home-hosted lunch in Navajoa before continuing on 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 costumes. (B L D)
day six
Today take a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets, visiting some fabled mansions that have been restored to their original glory. The city of Álamos has been declared a national historic landmark by the government. Lunch today is at the hotel. Next we travel north past the foothills of the Sierra Madre and through rich grain farmlands. Arrive in San Carlos Bay by sunset with dinner at the hotel. (B L D)
day seven
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 exotic birds such as the blue-footed booby and the magnificent frigatebird. This morning we will also visit the Guaymas Pearl Farm, the first cultured pearl farm in the Americas. Here you will learn about pearl farming, pearl grading, and quality selection. Afterward, we will visit the Mirador Escénico en route back to the hotel, rated by National Geographic as one of the top ten ocean views in the world. Lunch at the hotel with time to relax and visit the Marina shops. Farewell dinner tonight with your fellow travelers. (B L D)
day eight
This morning, we depart back to Arizona. Travel through Hermosillo the capital of the State, visit the Cathedral and the Government Palace to view the famous murals depicting the history of Sonora. Continue to Santa Ana, where we stop for lunch before reentering the USA at Nogales, AZ arriving in Phoenix around 7:00 p.m. (B L)