Mexico’s Copper Canyon
November 13, 2024 thru November 22, 2024
Discover historic towns, sail the Sea of Cortez, and ride through the Sierra Madre on a scenic train journey. Immerse yourself in the Tarahumara culture, explore Chihuahua’s historic sites, and witness the ancient beauty of Paquime.
Transportation
Motorcoach
Roundtrip motorcoach transportation included.
Transportation
Rail
Copper Canyon Train
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
Activity Level 4
Active
Meals
25 meals (8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners) included
Availability
Available
Pickup/Dropoff
Roundtrip door-to-door livery service
Tour Highlights
- Hermosillo Sightseeing
- Welcome Dinner
- Cruise on the Sea of Cortez
- Seaside Sunset Dinner in San Carlos
- Guaymas Pearl Farm
- Sierra Madre Occidental
- Alamos Guided Walking Tour
- Copper Canyon Train
- Tarahumara Indians Cultural Presentation
- Copper Canyon Aerial Tramway
- Chihuahua City Tour
- Archeological Site at Paquime
- Mata Ortiz Pottery Demonstration
- Farewell Dinner
Inclusions
- Roundtrip motorcoach transportation
- Roundtrip door-to-door livery service
- 8 nights lodging
- 25 meals (8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners) included
- Admissions as described
- Marine Excursion on the Sea of Cortez
- Aerial Tramway in the Canyon
- Services of a Tour Director
- Services of a bilingual tour guide
- Baggage Handling at hotels (for one piece)
- Coach refreshments
- Taxes & gratuities for included items
- Mexican Visa entry fee
Day 1 - Tucson to San Carlos
Our adventure begins with a departure from Tucson, crossing into Mexico at Nogales. After a brief stop in Santa Ana for a local lunch, we journey to Hermosillo to admire the Cathedral and the Government Palace’s historic murals. The day ends with an arrival at San Carlos Bay, where we’ll check into the Marinaterra Resort. A “Welcome to Mexico” reception and dinner hosted by your Tour Director will round off the evening, setting the tone for the exciting journey ahead.
Meals included: (L, D)
Day 2 – San Carlos
After a relaxed breakfast, we then set sail on a private boat for a scenic cruise along the breathtaking Sea of Cortez. Keep your cameras ready and eyes peeled for playful dolphins, graceful seals, and, if we’re lucky, majestic whales. The sea also plays host to exotic birds like the blue-footed booby and the great blue heron, offering a perfect opportunity for birdwatchers.
After our sea voyage, we’ll head to a renowned scenic lookout, acclaimed by National Geographic as one of the world’s top 10, offering panoramic views that promise to be a highlight of your trip. We return to the hotel for a poolside lunch, allowing some time to unwind, soak up the sun, or explore the Marina shops at your leisure.
The day culminates with a departure for a special seaside sunset dinner, where you’ll dine with the backdrop of the setting sun painting the sky, rounding off a day filled with natural wonders and relaxation.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 3 – Alamos
We depart San Carlos after breakfast. Our first stop will be at the Guaymas Pearl farm, the first cultured pearl farm in the Americas, here you will learn about the pearl oyster farming, pearl grading and quality selection. Next, we travel south through the rich grain farm lands and to the foothills of the Sierra Madre arriving at the quaint city of Alamos. 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 customs.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 4 – El Fuerte
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the rich history of Alamos with a guided walking tour. Wander through quaint cobblestone streets and marvel at the grandeur of fabled mansions, meticulously restored to their original splendor. Alamos, a city honored as a national historic landmark, offers a glimpse into Mexico’s illustrious past and architectural beauty.
Lunch will be served at the hotel. In the early afternoon, we’ll depart for El Fuerte. Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Torres del Fuerte, a charming retreat known for its warmth and hospitality. The evening promises a delightful dinner accompanied by great entertainment at the hotel, ensuring a memorable end to a day filled with exploration and cultural enrichment.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Posada Barrancas
The day starts early as we transfer to the train station, boarding the train at 8:00 a.m. for what is heralded as North America’s most spectacular train ride. Prepare to be mesmerized by breathtaking landscapes and engineering marvels as the train winds through majestic mountains and deep canyons.
Enjoy lunch onboard as you take in the panoramic views. By mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive at Posada Barrancas, where the awe-inspiring vistas continue to unfold. You’ll be staying at the Hotel Mirador, renowned for its stunning views that capture the essence of the surrounding beauty.
The evening brings a cultural immersion with a Tarahumara Indians culture presentation. Learn about the rich traditions, customs, and way of life of the Tarahumara people, adding a profound layer of understanding to your travel experience.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Posada Barrancas
Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Copper Canyon. Begin the day by diving into the world of Tarahumara Indian arts and crafts, gaining insight into their skilled craftsmanship and vibrant cultural expressions, supplemental to what you learned the evening before.
A visit to the canyon’s rim awaits, offering breathtaking views and a moment to connect with the natural majesty of the area. The highlight of the day is the opportunity to board the Copper Canyon aerial tramway. This remarkable journey allows you to descend into the canyon, providing unparalleled views and a unique perspective of this geological marvel.
The day also offers flexibility for optional activities tailored to your interests. Embark on a hiking adventure to explore the rugged terrain, opt for a horseback ride to see the landscape from a different vantage point, or simply relax and soak in the serene beauty of your surroundings.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Posada Barrancas to Chihuahua
After enjoying breakfast, we board our motorcoach for a scenic transfer to Creel, taking in the stunning vistas of Oteros Canyon along the way. The journey continues with a stop in Cuauhtemoc for lunch.
As we descend from the mountains, the landscape transforms before our eyes into the vast expanse of the Chihuahuan Desert, leading us to the city of Chihuahua, the state’s capital. Here, we embark on a tour of one of Mexico’s most historic city centers, where the echoes of a rich patriotic legacy resonate through the streets.
Our exploration includes visits to the Government Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, each site a testament to Chihuahua’s significant role in Mexico’s history and culture. The day concludes with a dinner at a local restaurant, offering a chance to savor regional dishes.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Chihuahua to Casas Grande
We’ll start with breakfast before heading to Nuevo Casas Grandes to visit the ancient site of Paquimé, showcasing the Grand Chichimeca civilization’s architectural marvels. The evening features a Mata Ortiz pottery demonstration, highlighting local craftsmanship. Our journey culminates with a farewell dinner, celebrating the experiences and connections forged throughout our adventure.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 10 – Travel Home
Breakfast at the hotel and departure via motorcoach back to Tucson. We enjoy our last Mexican lunch before our official border crossing.
Meals included: (B, L)
Itinerary subject to change. Passport required!
Fun Facts
Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is home to over 900 varieties of fish and more than 2,000 species of marine invertebrates, making it one of the most diverse seas on the planet.
Tamahumara Indians
The Tarahumara are famous for their long-distance running ability, often covering distances of over 100 miles (160 kilometers) in their traditional foot races and hunting practices. They run in simple sandals known as "huaraches" made from recycled tires and leather.
Copper Canyon
Despite its name, Copper Canyon does not have significant deposits of copper. The name comes from the copper-green hue of the canyon walls, especially when seen in the light of the sunrise or sunset.
Copper Canyon Aerial Tramway
One of the highlights for visitors is the Copper Canyon Aerial Tramway (Teleférico Barrancas del Cobre), which offers one of the most dramatic views of the canyon. It's one of the longest and highest cable cars in the world, providing a unique perspective of the canyon's depth and grandeur.
Hotel Information
Marinaterra Resort
San Carlos, MX
TBD Hotel
Alamos, MX
Hotel Torres del Fuerte or similar
El Fuerte, MX
Hotel Mirador or similar
Posada Barrancas, Mexico
TBD Hotel
Chihuahua, MX
TBD Hotel
Casas Grandes, MX
Package Pricing
$2,955 per person
Double occupancy
Deposit: $250
$3,345 per person
Single occupancy
Deposit: $250
Final Payment Due:
August 13, 2024
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
• Roundtrip motorcoach transportation
• Roundtrip door-to-door livery service
• 8 nights lodging
• 25 meals
• Admissions as described
• Marine Excursion on the Sea of Cortez
• Reserved train seating
• Aerial Tramway in the Canyon
• Services of a Tour Director
• Services of a bilingual tour guide
• Baggage Handling
• Coach refreshments
• Taxes & gratuities for included items
• Mexican Visa entry fee
Booking Policy
PASSPORT REQUIRED
Cancellation Policy:
- None: Through August 13, 2024
- $250: August 14 – September 10, 2024
- $1,900: September 11 – October 8, 2024
- 100%: After October 8, 2024
Final Payment Due: August 13, 2024
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (520) 325-8839, or visit our Booking Policies page. Click here for more information on our booking policies.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
Please click here for more information.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Activity Level for this tour is 4: Active.
Expectations: The tour includes well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Up to 2-3 hours of walking each day. To fully take advantage of all this tour has to offer, guests need to be able to walk longer distances, climb several flights of stairs and navigate steps and uneven terrain walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators). Your itinerary can include significant changes in temperature and altitude and may require a higher number of longer travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Excursions require standing and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, expect a vigorous pace and enjoy participating in two to three hours of physical activity per day.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach/livery drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LIVERY
For your convenience, we have a (round-tour) door-to-door pickup service with each multi-day tour. (This service is not available to all clients depending on your location.) Approximately 2 to 3 days prior to the departure date you will receive a call from our office and we will tell you your assigned pickup time. (These times can vary up to 15 minutes depending on traffic.)
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
Pleasurebent Tours acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
The average daytime high temperatures during our stay in Mexico is typically in the middle 70’s and the average night-time temperature is usually middle 50’s. When we are on or close to the Sea those temperatures drop 5-10 degrees or more. Typically, the air is much more humid than in Tucson and we can expect some Fall storms. Please be sure to bring a sweater and/or rain jacket, along with good walking shoes and a hat. There are no dress codes for the areas we take you on this tour.
Inquire About This Tour
Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.
Call 520.325.8839 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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