The largest canyon in North America, the Copper Canyon complex provides a destination unlike any other. For those who love the unusual and seek adventure, the Copper Canyon is the answer. At an altitude of 8000 feet, the mountain peaks are snow-capped in the winter while the canyon bottom remains at tropical climate. The Copper Canyon is home to the least accultured Native Americans in North America, the Tarahumara Indians, who are semi-nomadic cliff dwellers. The "Train Ride in the Sky" provides the only access this wilderness and is one of the most dramatic railway journey in the Western Hemisphere as it travels through 86 tunnels and over 37 trestles.
DAY 1 – San Carlos
Morning departure from Phoenix/Tucson, AZ, crossing the border into Mexico at Nogalas and arriving at Santa Ana for lunch. After lunch we depart for Hermiosillo where we visit the Cathedral and the Government Palace to view the famous murals depicting the history of Sonora. We arrive in San Carlos this evening and check into the lovely ocean front hotel, the San Carlos Plaza Resort.
DAY 2– Alamos
Featured today is a Sea of Cortes yacht excursion and ample time for shopping. Lunch will be at the hotel. Early afternoon we will depart for Alamos. During this 3 hour drive you will travel through the agricultural heartland of Sonora and the cities of Obregon and Navojoa arriving to this historic city for dinner and folkloric program. Lodging tonight is at the beautiful Bed and Breakfasts, Casa de Los Tesoros and Casa Encantada.
DAY 3 – 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 along with a presentation of Mayo Indian culture. Depart to El Fuerte arriving at Hotel Posada del Hidalgo by early afternoon. Dinner and entertainment tonight is at the hotel.
DAY 4 – The Copper Canyons
Early this morning, we transfer to the train station, boarding at 7:30 a.m. for the most spectacular train ride in North America, arriving at Posada Barrancas by mid-afternoon. Your hotel for the nex two nights is the Mansion Tarahumara.
DAY 5 – Copper Canyons
Today we have time to view and interpret Tarahumara Indian arts and crafts, visit the rim of the canyon and enjoy the surroundings. There is time today for optional activites: hiking, hoseback riding, or maybe sightseeing by helicopter.
DAY 6 – Casas Grandes
After breakfast we transfer to Creel via Oteros Canyon. After lunch in Guerrero, we descend from the mountains onto the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes. Tonight we have our farewell dinner.
DAY 7 – 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 at Douglas, AZ. Arrival in Phoenix will be around 7:00 p.m.