If you are the owner/manager of this business and would like to improve your listing, please submit a request.
Basics
- Activity Type:
- Sightseeing
Description
Experience one of the most remarkable rail trips in the world when you travel through Mexico’s remote Copper Canyon aboard Tauck's private luxury train. Travel over a railway that was 90 years in the making, looping around bluffs, soaring over gorges, and plunging into tunnels as it climbs into the Sierra Madre mountains bordering the vast, scenic canyon region. Observe the treasures of the Sierra Madre from glass-domed viewing cars. In this compelling region of Mexico tour a colonial town established by Spanish Conquistadors, and the cave dwellings of the primitive Tarahumara Indians.
Departure Location:
Return Location:
Hotel Info:
Night 1 & 7: The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa - Tucson, Arizona
Set in the high desert of the American Southwest, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa overlooks the city of Tucson from its perch in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The well-appointed guest rooms, which are among the largest in Tucson, feature private patios or balconies and Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed. The resort is surrounded by the greens of the Paloma Country’s Club’s 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, which has been rated as among the best courses in America by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. Tennis enthusiasts can take advantage of the ten lighted tennis courts or one of five swimming pools. The adventurous will want to try the Sidewinder, a 177-foot waterslide, before paddling off to the swim-up bar. For those in search of pure pampering, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa awaits. The readers of Conde Nast Traveler consider the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa to be on of the Top 20 Best Resorts in the Continental United States and one of the country’s Top 100 Golf Resorts.Night 2 & 6: Aboard Sierra Madre Express -
Four private Pullman cars comprise the American-owned and operated Sierra Madre Express. Three cars, the Divisadero, the Arizona and the Ing. Ballesteros FCP, have both public areas and guest accommodations. While these sleeping compartments are compact, they are functional and comfortable. Some compartments feature two lowers beds while others have upper and lower berths, but all compartments have a sink and toilet. Guests gather in the large observation lounge found in the Arizona car or the lounge found in the Tucson car, where complimentary drinks are available. The Tucson car also has a domed observation area and a dining area, and an outdoor observation patio is part of the Divisadero car. All cars are heated and air conditioned.Night 3: Posada del Hidalgo - El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico
Built in 1890 by the wealthy El Fuerte ‘alcalde’ (mayor) Rafael Almada, Posada del Hidalgo was the largest and most beautiful house in town. At a cost in excess of 100,000 gold pesos, only the finest materials, such as red pine imported from Canada, were used to construct this lovely residence. Today, Posada del Hidalgo superbly combines colonial Mexico’s charm and today’s modern conveniences. A lovely swimming pool entices and the lovely open-air restaurant features fine Mexican cuisine, as well as a selection of intriguing Mexican table wines.Night 4 & 5: Posada Barrancas Mirador - Divisadero, Chihuahua, Mexico
Perched on the rim of the Copper Canyon, the views from Posada Barrancas Mirador are sweeping and incredible. This deluxe hotel features lovely guest rooms, each with a private terrace overlooking the beauty of the canyon. The influence of the culture of the Tarahumara Indians is evident in the public rooms as well as in the guest rooms. A restaurant and bar enhance the pleasure of a stay at the Posada Barrancas Mirador.Additional Details:
Day 1: Welcome to Tucson
Tauck’s Mexico tour begins at the Westin La Paloma Resort at 6:00 p.m. Your transfer is included from Tucson International Airport to your hotel, which is set among natural rock formations and desert gardens in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Get refreshed with a dip in the pool before the welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
Day 2: Head south of the border
Tour Tucson, then travel to San Xavier del Bac Mission, built in the 18th century with a blend of Spanish, Moorish, and Mexican architecture. Following lunch in historic Tubac, cross the Mexican border to Nogales and board the Sierra Madre Express where your Mexico tour continues by rail. The entire train is reserved exclusively for Tauck guests. Meet the crew and relax in the comfortable lounge cars. Travel overnight in rail cars that have been specially adapted for the Copper Canyon excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard the Sierra Madre Express
Day 3: Discover colonial El Fuerte
See traditional dancing at a Mexican village, and then travel to historic El Fuerte for a day of activities and overnight lodging. Founded in 1564 by Spanish Conquistadors, this town became an important trading post for silver and gold miners in the Sierra Madres, and is now renowned for its colonial architecture. Take a river float trip and visit the town’s museum. Enjoy the ambiance of your hotel, the Grande Dame of El Fuerte’s mansions, built in 1890 for a powerful alcalde, or mayor.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Posada del Hidalgo, El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico
Day 4: Copper Canyon adventure
Wonder at the scenery from an open-air observation deck or a special glass-domed rail car as you follow the route of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad. Built over 90 years and completed in 1961, it’s an engineering marvel, winding around rock bluffs, passing through 83 tunnels, and crossing over 35 trestles spanning deep gorges. This epic journey takes you from sea level to an 8,000-foot elevation in the Sierra Madre mountains. It borders Copper Canyon, which is deeper and four times larger than the Grand Canyon. Arrive in Divisadero, and stroll to the canyon rim for a long-distance canyon view. Enjoy a family-style dinner at your hotel overlooking the solitude of the canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Posada Barrancas Mirador, Divisadero, Chihuahua, Mexico
Day 5: The Tarahumara in Creel
Deep within this isolated canyon region of Mexico tour the town of Creel for a chance to meet the reclusive Tarahumara people, who still reside in warm caves deep in the canyon as their ancestors have done for centuries. Visit some of their dwellings, and see their traditional handicraft work. Watch the sun set over the eroded landscape from your hotel balcony, which stands near the highest point of the canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Posada Barrancas Mirador, Divisadero, Chihuahua, Mexico
Day 6: Copper Canyon by rail
Spend the early morning at the canyon rim visiting with local Tarahumara. Then journey on the Sierra Madre Express, descending through canyons where the rock colors appear to change with the angle of the sun. Overnight in rail cars as the train winds its way through the foothills.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard the Sierra Madre Express
Day 7: Return to Tucson
Your Mexico tour by rail comes to a conclusion as Sierra Madre Express pulls into the station at Magdalena in the morning. Bid farewell to the train crew, clear customs, and travel back to Tucson. Enjoy the afternoon at the resort, and a farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
Day 8: Rail adventure adios
Tour ends in Tucson, Arizona. Your transfer from the hotel to Tucson International Airport is included on Tauck’s Mexico tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Customizable Directions
| Formatted Directions | Map |
