Mexico's Copper Canyon (9 Days)
Day 1 - Arrive Phoenix Welcome to Phoenix! A complimentary transfer is provided to your Trafalgar hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. A Trafalgar representative is available at the hotel in the late afternoon to to answer questions and make dining suggestions.
Day 2 - Phoenix — Tucson — San Carlos Today we depart for Mexico, stopping in Tucson for passengers joining here. Crossing the border at Nogales, we travel into the Sonoran Desert, stopping in the small town of Santa Ana for lunch. From here, our journey takes us through the modern city of Hermosillo, known for its cathedral and murals along the Government Palace. We arrive in time for sunset in San Carlos, located where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Relax at our oceanfront resort, located on the white sands of Algodones (Cotton) Beach. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 3 - San Carlos — Sea of Cortez Cruise — Alamos This morning we visit a local cactus garden and learn more about these amazing desert plants. Then we board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortez. View a variety of local marine life and learn about their habitat. After lunch at a waterfront restaurant, we travel south through the rich farmlands of Obregon City to the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and the colonial city of Alamos. Designated as a national monument, the city's cobblestone streets are lined with Colonial and Spanish buildings. Take in the local culture at dinner with a colorful folkloric show. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 4 - Alamos — El Fuerte Alamos' colonial history is brought to life on this morning's walking tour, led by a local guide. Visit some of the restored mansions built when Alamos' silver mines were some of the richest in the world. We also have the chance to meet the local Mayo Indians and learn about their language, culture and customs. After lunch our journey takes us from the desert into the tropical state of Sinaloa and the town of
El Fuerte de Montesclaros, founded in 1564. Our home for the night is the charming Torres del Fuerte, a restored colonial mansion. Relax in the hotel's beautiful tropical gardens before this evening's presentation of local traditional dances followed by a delicious dinner. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 - El Fuerte — Copper Canyon — Posada Barrancas (2 nights) This morning we board our private rail car and start our journey on the "Train in the Sky" into Mexico's Copper Canyon. Taking almost 100 years to build in this rugged terrain, the rail line was originally intended as a trade route from the US Midwest to the Pacific. We travel from sea level to 7,500 ft in less than 150 miles, passing through tunnels and over spectacular bridges. The journey takes us along the precipitous Septentrion and Urique Canyons into the heart of the Copper Canyon, over four times as large as Arizona's Grand Canyon. Disembark the train in Posada Barrancas, our home for the next two nights. Our castle-like hotel offers charming rooms with fireplaces. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 6 - Copper Canyon sightseeing We spend the entire day exploring this dramatic area, one of the last undiscovered treasures of North America. Learn more about the geological forces that created the seven individual canyons, collectively known as the Copper Canyon. A highlight today is the opportunity to spend time with the local Tarahumara Indians, a semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors have lived in the canyon's caves for thousands of years. Learn first hand about their traditions and culture. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 7 - Copper Canyon — Casas Grandes This morning, we transfer to Creel via Oteros Canyon. We enjoy lunch en route before descending from the high elevation of the "Barrancas del Cobre" into the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Casas Grandes. This evening, we get together with our fellow traveling companions for a farewell dinner. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 8 - Casas Grandes — Paquime — Phoenix/Tempe This morning we visit the archeological site of Paquime, a remnant of the great Chichimeca civilization. This site was once a meeting place for the Northern indigenous cultures and the advanced Mesoamericans of the south. Many of the ancient dwellings and pyramids have been excavated and can be explored. We continue across the Chihuahuan Desert back into the US and stop in Tucson before arriving back in Phoenix late this afternoon. (Full Breakfast / Lunch)
Day 9 - Depart Phoenix Your morning is at leisure until hotel check-out time. A complimentary transfer is provided to Phoenix International Airport. (Full Breakfast)
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