The most comprehensive nine day itinerary

in the Copper Canyon!

passage on THE FAMOUS Chihuahua al Pacifico Express train AND see the best part of the INCREDIBLE rail scenery--twice!

When? Starts any Sunday you want! (Subject to availability)

FEATURES:

* Two nights in colonial El Fuerte, a designated “Pueblo Magico” (Magic Town)

* Two nights on the canyon rim at Areponapuchic (in the Divisadero area)

* Time at the "Copper Canyon Adventure Park" (if desired)

* The Raramuri (Tarahumara) museum, historic San Ignacio Mission and natural sites around Creel

* Descent into the Batopilas Canyon

* Two nights in Batopilas

* Visit to the Cathedral at Satevo

* The Cusárare Waterfall

* One night in the Creel area

* One night in the Cerocahui area

* The overlook at Cerro Gallegos, considered by many to be the best overlook in the Copper Canyon region

* The village of Cerocahui, featuring the mission church and the Raramuri (aka Tarahumara) boarding school

* Available either fully guided or as an independent journey

Next scheduled departure:

October 27 - November 4, 2024

Or pick the dates that work for you! (Must start on a Sunday to match the Express train Schedule)

Click here for our complete calendar of scheduled trips (or choose your own dates)

"Two BIG Canyons"

An exclusive Copper Canyon Adventures Itinerary 

(Sunday) Day 1: Arrival

Arrival to Los Mochis airport (code LMM) and transfer to colonial El Fuerte

You will be met at the airport in Los Mochis by a representative of CCA and driven to colonial El Fuerte, about an hour and a half away.

El Fuerte, our adopted hometown, is a charming, historical city, and was founded in 1564 as El Fuerte de los Montesclaros. It is a designated “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town) for it’s lovely architecture, aesthetics and friendly people.


There you will settle in at the Hotel Mansion El Serrano. To complement this wonderful hotel, take a stroll to the "Plazuela" of El Fuerte, a short distance away. This wonderfully maintained central plaza is indicative of both the pride of El Fuerte's citizens and the richness of their history.
 
Welcome to Mexico-Enjoy!

Overnight (ON) @ Hotel Mansion El Serrano. 
Meals included: None

(Monday) Day 2: The world-famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Express train – Divisadero and Areponapuchic

Today you will take the unforgettable Chihuahua al Pacifico (CHEPE) Tourist-Class Express train to the Divisadero station, featuring the most spectacular portion of the train ride, including the dramatic Septentrion Gorge and the three-level loops at Temoris.

As you cross 37 bridges and pass through 86 tunnels in dramatic mountain scenery, you will see for yourself why CHEPE has been named one of the top rail journeys in the world.

The new Tourist-class Express includes access to the original restaurant car, but NO access to the terrace or Urike dome car. Passengers are no longer allowed to stand in vestibules between cars for photography. Please contact us if you would like to upgrade your Tourist-class service to either Executive (20% more) or First-class (almost twice as much) train service.

On arrival, about 4:15PM transfer to the Hotel Mansion Tarahumara, right on the canyon rim for great walks and exploration.

Meals or drinks are cash only on the train.

ON @ Hotel Mansion Tarahumara – Rim Rooms
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (BD)

(Tuesday)Day 3: Three Canyons/Adventure Park vehicle excursion – Afternoon Free on the Rim

You will enjoy a vehicle excursion to the Copper Canyon Adventure Park and great vistas of three canyons-Urique, Copper and Tararecua-from overlooks at "Piedra Volada" (Flying Rock), with its spectacular overlook and moving stone, and Divisadero, an amazing overlook, the halfway point of the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, and home to an open-air Raramuri Indian artisan's market.

At the Copper Canyon Adventure Park, you may take an impressive aerial tram over the canyon, experience one of the longest and most thrilling zip lines in the world, the fastest “Zip-Rider” and/or a unique vertical obstacle course known as the "Via Ferrata" (Iron Way).  Each of these features of the park are at additional expense. (The park accepts credit cards) 

NOTE: The park is now accepting same day reservations, however you need to get there early to make sure you can do the activities you want as they are prescheduled at certain time.   Or you can reserve in advance and pay with credit card online, filling out all the waiver forms online if you know what you want to do at the park, which, enables you to know for sure you can do the activity you want at the time you want.   https://parquebarrancas.com/

You will have all afternoon for exploring. There are a variety of hikes or horseback rides available, if you wish (at additional cost), or perhaps simply relaxing would be your preference. You can also arrange to stay longer at the Adventure Park, inquire with the front desk before departure for the park or plan on walking back from there (about 2 miles).

ON@ Hotel Mansion Tarahumara – Rim Rooms
Meals included: BLD

(Wednesday)Day 4: Batopilas descent from Areponapuchic - Private Vehicle
 After breakfast, you will be met at the Hotel Mansion for your private transfer to Batopilas, in the bottom of the canyon of the same name.

Some of the places you can visit today include the Tarahumara (Raramuri) Museum, Raramuri cave dwellings, Valley of the Mushrooms, Valley of the Frogs, lovely Lake Arareko, and the historic San Ignacio Mission, one of the oldest in the Sierra.  

Continue onto Batopilas, an old silver town considered by some to be one of the most remote towns in North America. After 3-4 hours on an incredibly scenic road, you will probably agree! Enjoy panoramic views of Batopilas Canyon and La Bufa before arriving in Batopilas proper in the afternoon.

You will stay at the Hotel Real de Minas, a quaint colonial, family owned hotel very close to the center of town.

ON @ Hotel Real de Minas
Meals included: B

(Thursday)Day 5: Exploring Batopilas and beyond

Today you explore and enjoy the atmosphere and history of Batopilas. Some included options include a vehicle trip to the Cathedral at Satevo, a nice walk to the home of silver magnate Alexander Shepherd or a more rigorous hike to the El Peñasquito mine, formerly one of the most prosperous silver mines in the world--or maybe all three trips in one day--the choice is yours!

ON@ Hotel Real de Minas
Meals included: None

(Friday)Day 6: Batopilas to Creel, visit Cusárare waterfall
After breakfast you leave Batopilas in your private vehicle, enjoying a leisurely, and very scenic, return to Creel, with a stop at the entrance to the Cusárare Waterfall, where a 10 min walk will bring you to the beautiful waterfalls at Cusárare. 

Enjoy a Creel tour, some of the areas you can visit today include the Tarahumara (Raramuri) Museum, Raramuri cave dwellings, Valley of the Mushrooms, Valley of the Frogs, lovely Lake Arareko, and the historic San Ignacio Mission, one of the oldest in the Sierra.  

You will stay at the Hotel the Lodge at Creel, a fine hotel located in the center of town.
 
You will also have some time free to wander through town at your leisure—you will find it to be the "urban" center of the Rarámuri Indians. If you are interested, let us show you the best place to buy Rarámuri Indian handicrafts--where the proceeds of every sale go to improve medical care for the tribe.
 
ON@ Hotel the Lodge at Creel

Meals included: None

(Saturday)Day 7: Private Van Transfer to Cerocahui - Paraiso del Oso - Gallegos

After breakfast, board your private transfer to Cerocahui and the Hotel Paraiso del Oso, a family-style “cowboy” lodge situated in a picturesque mountain valley, near Cerocahui.   The five-hour transfer allows you a brief stop in Creel at the Mission Store, where all the proceeds support Tarahumara health care programs, and to see the Oteros canyon overlook.

After settling in at the Oso, enjoy lunch then a vehicle excursion to Cerro Gallegos, perhaps the finest overlook in the Copper Canyon. The views, and the drive, are amazing! Marvel at the late afternoon colors of the area before returning to the hotel.

ON@ Paraiso del Oso
Meals included: BLD

(Sunday) Day 8: Morning in Cerocahui – return Express train to El Fuerte

After breakfast, on the way to the train station, you will visit the historic church at Cerocahui, considered by many the prettiest church in the Sierra.

Construction of the gold-domed church at Cerocahui began shortly after the arrival of the Jesuits in 1679, but after the order was expelled by the Spanish King in 1767, the church fell into disrepair and ruin It was not until 1939 that rebuilding of the church began, and it now is one of the most dramatic churches in the Copper Canyon region. The stained glass there is particularly interesting, as it has an unusual Asian connection that your guide will explain to you.

You will be transported to Bahuichivo to take the 11:25am Express train to El Fuerte, enjoying the best part of the train ride which, should provide some great photo opportunities, as you will be seeing the most dramatic part of the trip in the late-morning and early-afternoon sun. You will again be in the Tourist-class section of the train.

On arrival about 2:35pm, transfer to the Hotel Mansion Serrano, your home away from home in the Copper Canyon.

After a rest, you will take a walking culture and history tour of colonial El Fuerte—457 years young. (available with the fully guided trip only)

Some of the places you will visit: The El Fuerte museum, the murals in the Palacio (government building), the Hidalgo hotel and the historic central plaza, which is surrounded by buildings built in the 1800’s and the wonderful river walk, where you can spot various types of both regional and migratory birds.

ON @ Hotel Mansion El Serrano.
Meals included: B

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to Los Mochis airport for your departure. We will schedule your pick up to leave to 3 hours before your scheduled departure as the airport is 1 ½ hours away and you will need 1- 1 1/2 hours before an international departure. The airport is small and easy.

Meals included: B

Thanks for sharing your vacation with us!

I want to say what a great trip we had. The views, lodges/hotels, food, transportation, your planning and assistance - everything contributed it’s part to a terrific trip and adventure.     Michael       

Trip Price Includes: 

The services of a personal bilingual guide for the entire trip,

Round-trip Tourist-class (upgrades to First-class upon request) on multiple segments of the Express Train Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world,

All lodging,

Most meals as noted (BLD),

All excursions (including the Half-day Three Canyons cultural and canyon rim tour within the Copper Canyon Adventures Park at Areponapuchic, the private tour in Creel to visit San Ignacio Mission, Valley of the Mushrooms, Valley of the Frogs, a Raramuri cave dwelling, with a visit to Raramuri Museum, the private transfer to Batopilas including excursions to the Shepherd Hacienda and the church at Satevo, the visit to the Cusárare Mission, the visit to Cusárare Loyola Art Museum (if open) and Cusárare waterfall, a visit to the Mission Store, where all the proceeds support Tarahumara health care programs, visit to Oteros overlook, the tour of Cerro Gallegos, the cultural tour of Cerocahui, and the walking tour of the Colonial town of El Fuerte, available with the fully guided trip only),

Your Copper Canyon Adventure Park Entrance ticket,

All airport/train/hotel transfers upon your arrival in Los Mochis (including the private transfer to and from Batopilas),

A detailed trip information package with maps and supporting documentation.

Trip Price (based on final group size and  arriving and departing on the same flight):

Accompanied by a personal bilingual guide throughout the trip

For one person: available on request

Two persons:  $2875 per person, double occupancy.

Four persons:  $1905 per person, double occupancy.

Six persons:     $1615 per person, double occupancy.

Eight persons:  $1535 per person, double occupancy.

(discounts are available for larger groups--please inquire)

Single supplement additional:  $317, single occupancy.

Independent (unguided) trips also available on request

Trip Price Does NOT Include:

Air transportation to and from Los Mochis, Mexico (airport code LMM), where the trip begins and ends (but we can help you with airfare tips),

Optional activities in Copper Canyon Adventure Park: tram, zip-line or via Ferrata,

Tips for excursion guides, drivers, servers, and hotel staff, etc. (Except for 8+ persons; can be included at your request for other group sizes),

Tip for bilingual guide,

Travel insurance (recommended for everything outside our control and liability such as airline/train schedule changes and cancellations, sickness/medical evacuation, lost/stolen/delayed baggage, and acts of God),

Personal purchases such as souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks and alcoholic beverages,

Mexico tourist card ($32-35 per person; normally included in the price of your international airline ticket).

Click here for our Calendar for scheduled dates (or choose your own).