Take an excursion through Mexico's beautiful Copper Canyon aboard the U.S.-owned and operated Sierra Madre Express. The comfortable train, voted by IRT's editors as one of the world's top 20 railway experiences, climbs up the western face of the Sierra Madre Mountain range to offer unparalleled views. Meet the Tarahumara people, one of the most isolated tribes in North America. Enjoy overnights on the train and at remote hotels, as well as a number of off-train side trips such as hiking, horseback riding, shopping and sightseeing.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tucson. "Get Acquainted" Cocktail Reception- meet your fellow travelers and your tour escort. Overnight in Tucson. Included: (D)
Day 2: After breakfast, passengers board a motor coach for a tour of Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley. Along the way there is a photo stop at the historic San Xavier Mission and lunch at the spectacular Rio Rico Resort. We cross the border and board the Sierra Madre Express in mid-afternoon. Passengers are welcomed aboard with a cocktail reception. A full dinner is served and the night is spent on the train. Included: (B) (L) (D)
Day 3: Breakfast and lunch are served on board while the train ascends into the Copper Canyon region. The train arrives at Divisadero by mid-afternoon and passengers are transferred to the Posada Mirador. A reception in the Mirador Lounge with entertainment by the Tarahumara Indians will precede dinner in the dining room. Included: (B) (L) (D)
Day 4: Following breakfast guests will depart on the Express for Creel, in the heart of Tarahumara country. A local guide will conduct a tour to Cusarare, an old Tarahumara village. Lunch will be served on the train and some time will remain for shopping for native handicrafts. Upon our return to the Posada Mirador there will be a reception and dinner will be served in the dining room. Included: (B) (L) (D)
Day 5: After breakfast the morning is free for hiking, exploring, shopping or simply relaxing. After lunch, the Express will depart on a 2 hour ride to Bahuichivo, and then a 45 minute bus ride to the Hotel Mision in Cerocahui. A reception and entertainment precede dinner in the dining room. Please note that electricity is only available from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Included: (B) (L) (D)
Day 6: After breakfast guests can choose to either spend a quiet morning in Cerocahui or take a bus tour to Gallego Outlook. The Outlook provides an unforgettable view of the remote Urique Canyon. The tour lasts about 4 hours and the road can be bumpy and dusty. Lunch is served at the hotel with an opportunity to visit the neighboring boarding school for Tarahumara girls before we get on the bus for a return to the Express. After departure passengers have their final opportunity to view the spectacular scenery as the train descends toward the coast. A farewell dinner is served in the dome. Included: (B) (L) (D)
Day 7: The last segment aboard the Express is spent traveling north to Nogales, Sonora. Passengers enjoy daylight views of the Sonoran Desert. Breakfast and lunch are served with arrival in Nogales in the early afternoon. A motor coach will transfer guests back to the hotel in Tucson for an included overnight stay. Included: (B) (L)
Day 8: Breakfast at the hotel and departure complete the tour. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Pricing:
$3,695 per person, double occupancy (two lower berths)
$3,595 per person, double occupancy (upper/lower berth)
$5,395 single use of double compartment
$2,895 single roomette (for single use only)
- A deposit of $450 per person is due upon booking
- Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure
- Special New Year's departure available: Dec. 27-Jan. 3. Add $100 per person to above rates.
Tour Includes:
Meals as listed in itinerary, including "get acquainted" cocktail reception
Accommodation on train, 2 nights
Accommodation in charming inns, 3 nights
Accommodation in Tucson hotel, 2 nights
Lectures and services of full-time tour leaders and IRT escort, Karl Zimmermann (Feb. 1 departure only)
All local tours
Liquor on the train
Gratuities
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Arizona
Railway Trips
Ecotourism
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