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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 |
