El Paso
Arrive at the El Paso airport and transfer to the Marriott hotel. Meet your tour guide and staff in the lobby at 2:45 pm for registration, and then depart for downtown tour which includes the Historic Plaza Theatre, Museums of Art, History & Science, the Railroad Museum and a walk through of the Camino Real Hotel Dome Bar featuring a magnificent Tiffany window. Return to the hotel following the tour. Dinner is spent on your own. List of restaurants will be in your registration packet. Optional pre-night lodging is available.
El Paso to Chihuahua
Today’s destination is Chihuahua, capital of the state of the same name. We will travel by deluxe motorcoach from Juarez, Mexico to Chihuahua, Mexico. Upon arrival in Chihuahua we will enjoy an afternoon city tour, which provides many opportunities to explore Chihuahua’s fascinating history and exciting present. Visit colonial and revolutionary landmarks such as the home of the famous Pancho Villa, the Cathedral, the Spanish Aqueduct, murals at the State Capitol, and residential districts. This evening’s Mexican Welcome Dinner introduces a sampling of the regional fares served in this picturesque valley and features local entertainment.
Chihuahua to Cerocahui
Early this morning we board the Ferromex “ChePe” first-class train coach for our rail trip through the rugged terrain across Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains to Divisadero, otherwise known as “The Look Out Point.” Our rail trip will continue through the Copper Canyon to the charming town of Cerocahui for an overnight stay. In the afternoon we will explore the area around the hotel, including the Old Mission and a Tarahumara girl’s boarding school.
Cerocahui to El Fuerte
This morning we will travel by bus to Gallegos Urique Canyon Lookout. It is the most sweeping view of the Copper Canyon system readily available to tourists. Start at the 7500 ft. elevation overlook of the deepest canyon, Urique Canyon, and of the mining town of Urique. Interesting stops include: old Tarahumara church, a cave home, a rancho, and the Virgencita spring. 22 miles round trip; 3 ½ hours. Return to the hotel for lunch and then transfer to the train station to re-board the ChePe for our unforgettable trip to the colonial town of El Fuerte.
El Fuerte
This morning we will depart by private motorcoach and travel to Los Mochis. Lunch will be served at a local beach called “Maviri,” where we will enjoy the beautiful ocean view while we enjoy our lunch. Then we will travel to Topolobampo Bay where we will experience an extraordinary excursion boat tour, watching birds and dolphins. There will also be time to swim, so do not forget your bathing suit! Afterward, it’s back to El Fuerte for a walking tour of the main plaza, the Municipal Palace, the local church, and then it’s time for dinner at a local restaurant.
El Fuerte to Posada Barrancas
Early this morning we will board the train and admire the beautiful scenery on the return trip. The train meanders through the tunnels of the Tarahumara of the Western Sierra Madre. Upon arriving Posada Barrancas, transfer to the hotel.
The view of the three canyons that comprise the Copper Canyon makes Divisadero, “The Look Out Point,” an unforgettable stop on your journey through the mountains. This area is four times larger that the Grand Canyon and gives visitors many memorable vistas of the pristine mountains wilderness.
In the afternoon, explore the mountains and canyons where the shy and primitive Tarahumara Indians live in crude log cabins and caves. The mysterious canyons conceal Indian caves and villages, old Spanish mines, and modern villages in their depths. This afternoon, our tour guide will lead a leisurely walk along the rim to view the beautiful sunset over the Canyon.
Posada Barrancas to Creel
This morning after breakfast, we will depart by motorcoach and travel to Creel. On the way, we will stop by Divisadero lookout points, where we will have the opportunity to explore the area and take as many pictures as you want; this is an extraordinary area! Then we will depart for Creel.
Early in the afternoon, after lunch, we will leave for a tour visiting a Tarahumara Cave, the Old San Ignacio Mission, Mushroom Valley, and the children’s boarding school, where we will have the opportunity to deliver some school materials or anything you would kindly like to give to help the community.
Also we will have the opportunity to see the RailsNW Foundation project that has brought running water to the local school. Click here for additional information about the project.
Creel to Casas Grandes
Early this morning, travel by private motorcoach to Casas Grandes, the commercial center for this thriving region. A short distance from the city is the Paquime Ruins. During the afternoon, we will tour the new Museum of the Northern Cultures and the Paquime Archaeology site, where both Pueblo Indian and Mesoamerican influences are evident in the buildings, ceremonial monuments, and the large ball court. Before returning to the hotel, we will stop at a local fabric market where we will see a pottery demonstration and have the opportunity to shop for a piece of the famous Mata Ortiz Pottery. Join us tonight for a Farewell Mexican Dinner and Show.
Casas Grandes to El Paso
It’s time to return. Depart at 8 am for the El Paso airport. Arrive at approximately noon. Please allow time for flight check-in. Flights should not be booked before 3 pm
Not included: Flights. Tips to guide, driver and personal items.
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