Copper Canyon and Colonial Mexico Discovery

Welcome to Mexico. On arrival at Chihuahua airport, our representative transfers us to the hotel. After we check in, we meet in the lobby for a guided city tour – the Pancho Villa Museum, the Cathedral, the Quinta Gameros Museum, the Government Palace and historic residential quarters.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

After breakfast we journey through mountain and forest scenery, passing towns settled by Mennonite communities. After 260 kilometres we arrive in Creel, a lively Pueblo Mágico and gateway to Copper Canyon. We explore Lake Arareko, the San Ignacio Mission, Tarahumara caves still inhabited by local families, and the rock formations of the Valley of the Mushrooms and Frogs.

Today we cover 130 kilometres by road through striking landscapes. We visit Piedra Volada Falls, the Adventure Park, the suspension bridge and several viewpoints. At the Adventure Park you can choose optional activities – cable car, zip line, zip rider, ATV and bicycle hire, and guided hikes with Tarahumara guides – with tickets available at the entrance. After an included lunch, we take a guided walk to admire different canyon vistas and visit a traditional Tarahumara cave, then continue to the hotel where dinner is included.

We board the Chepe Express through Copper Canyon in tourist class – one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. The line carves deep into the mountains, skirting sheer cliffs and crossing 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, including the highest bridge on the route and the El Descanso Tunnel, the longest of the journey. We arrive in Los Mochis and transfer to the hotel. You have free time to explore this city, founded in 1893 by American engineer Albert K. Owen as part of the Topolobampo Colony, in a region rich in agriculture, especially sugarcane, that drove local development.

You have free time in Los Mochis until your transfer to the airport. We include a flight to Guadalajara, followed by a transfer to the hotel and free time to explore. You are now in the capital of Jalisco, a colonial city recognised as the birthplace of mariachi and tequila.

This morning we uncover Guadalajara – a modern metropolis with a colonial historic centre – visiting its cathedral, the market and Plaza Tapatía. We tour the Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then continue to the town of Tequila for a visit to the Mundo Cuervo distillery to see how this celebrated Mexican drink is produced, with a tasting included. After time to stroll and have lunch in picturesque Tequila, we return to Guadalajara.

We travel to the state of Guanajuato, arriving around midday. In the afternoon we take a city tour of this elegant university city – a World Heritage gem with steep slopes, narrow streets and handsome churches – and ride the cable car to admire the view from El Pípila.

We cross the mountains to Dolores Hidalgo, cradle of Mexican independence. We visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco – also a World Heritage site – noting that access to the interior may not be possible during retreats. We then explore San Miguel de Allende, a stunning World Heritage city of colonial architecture and cobbled streets, with time to stroll. Later we arrive in Querétaro, known for its magnificent colonial centre, Plaza de Armas and lively restaurants and pedestrian streets.

Today we visit the Pueblo Mágico of San Sebastián de Bernal, a tranquil town at the foot of one of the world’s largest monoliths and home to skilled textile artisans. We also explore Tequisquiapan – noted for mineral water spas, colonial buildings along cobbled streets and an artisan market famed for woven baskets – with a guided tour delving into local history. We round off the day with a culinary visit to the San Patricio Winery and the Bocanegra Cheese Cellar, learning about cheese production and the particular challenges of high altitude winemaking, accompanied by a tasting of regional wines.

We continue to Mexico City by regular line bus – a journey of around three hours. On arrival, our assistant is waiting to accompany us to the hotel.

Today we explore the remarkable site of Teotihuacan – entrance included – about 40 kilometres from the capital. After breakfast we begin at the Plaza of the Three Cultures, then continue to Teotihuacan to visit the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Citadel and the Avenue of the Dead, with a stop at a local artisan centre. On the return we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After we arrive back at the hotel, the rest of the day is free for you.

Breakfast and the end of our services. Transfer from the hotel to the airport is not included.