Copper Canyon may be in one of the most remote regions in Mexico, but we make it accessible. We fly into Tucson, then ride the coach into Mexico, tour the Ferromex Chepe from El Fuerte to Copper Canyon. After exploring the canyon region and nearby attractions, we fly home from Tucson.

 

Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

 

DAY 1              D

We board an afternoon flight to Tucson, and transfer to our hotel for one night.

​

DAY 2              B,L,D

A tour escort from SUN TOURS, as well as a bilingual expert tour guide, will lead this journey from start to finish. We depart in the morning from Tucson and 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.

 

DAY 3              B,L,D

Travel to the city of Chihuahua, capital of the State, which played a pivotal role in the Mexican revolution. Arrive in the afternoon and tour the downtown “Centro Histórico, visiting the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and State Capital Building with its impressive murals depicting the local history. Visit the Francisco Villa Museum, dedicated to the life and history of Mexican Revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa before dinner at a local restaurant.

 

DAY 4              B,L,D   

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 with a presentation by your Tour Manager about the Tarahumara culture. Dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 5              B,L,D

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.

 

DAY 6              B,L,D

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.

 

DAY 7              B,D

Today we 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 is at the hotel and then 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.

 

DAY 8              B,L,D

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.

 

DAY 9               B, L            

This morning we depart back to Arizona and 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 Tucson around 5:00 p.m. We transfer to our hotel in Tucson for a one night stay.

​

DAY 10              B

We return home to Albuquerque with fond memories of our tour to Copper Canyon.

​

Itinerary and hotels subject to change