Day 2 – Chihuahua
Experience Pancho Villa’s revolution.  See the real story of the Mexican Revolution here in Chihuahua, which is steeped in history.  Our guided city tour includes the Pancho Villa museum, the cathedral, and the Quinta Gameros, an exquisite Art Nouveau mansion.  Enjoy lunch aboard the train as we journey towards the Copper Canyon. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – The Copper Canyon
The most scenic rail journey in the world.  Marvel at the amazing views, the dramatic changes in climate and vegetation, and the sheer engineering genius in this railroad that descends 6,550 feet in elevation to reach the Pacific Ocean, through a system of canyons that is four times as large as the Grand Canyon. 

In the morning, enjoy the views from the rim of the canyon, speak with the geologist about the formation of the canyons, hike to different overlooks, or watch as the local Tarahumara indians perform their dance and show off their crafts.  In the afternoon, we begin our train journey down through the canyon on the railroad that took 90 years to build.  Stay glued to the window to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the feats of engineering that built 37 bridges and 86 tunnels, including a tunnel that makes a 180° turn.  Tonight we dine and sleep aboard the train as we make our way towards Mazatlán. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Mazatlán and the Pacific Coast
Golden beaches and authentic inland villages.   Take your pick of three daylong excursions.  Visit the Historic Center of Mazatlán and the nearby countryside, including an historic hacienda and a beautiful, authentic Mexican village.  Or visit the islands off the coast, including a well–maintained wildlife preserve.  Or spend the day golfing or relaxing at a luxury beachside resort and spa. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque, and Tequila
Live it up in the most Mexican of Mexican cities.  Try on the Mexican life here in the home of mariachis, tequila, Mexican crafts, and the Mexican hat dance.  Awake to see the agave plantations of the region outside your window, and enjoy breakfast as the train approaches Guadalajara.

Today, choose from two tours.  The first tour begins with the Historic Center, where we walk around the beautiful Plaza Tapatia and visit the Opera House, Government Palace and the Cathedral, and then later continue on to Tlaquepaque, the craft capital of Mexico.   In Tlaquepaque we will lunch at a restaurant featuring local specialties and then have several hours for shopping and visiting the galleries that line the pedestrian mall.  For our second option, motor coaches take us to a tour of two tequila distilleries in the nearby town of Tequila.  We will then return to the city and enjoy the Historic Center before boarding the train in time for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – San Miguel de Allende
Wander through a tourist’s paradise in the Colonial heartland.  In San Miguel de Allende you can let the historic atmosphere overcome you  in these picturesque, narrow, winding streets lined with Colonial buildings, where artists and students alike find their inspiration.

After breakfast aboard the train, our motor coach brings us to San Miguel de Allende.  Our tour takes us throughout the city, including the plaza, the Parroquia (the famous Gothic–style church), and the Instituto Allende, a renowned school of art.  Enjoy the afternoon to peek in at all the art galleries or wander at your leisure before we return to the train for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Teotihuacán
One of the most impressive cities of the ancient world.  Entering the vast ruins of this ancient city will take your breath away.  Our day starts with breakfast on the train at the Teotihuacán station, and then a short motor coach ride to the ruins.  Take your time to explore the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, as your guide answers your questions on this mysterious civilization.  At the end of the day, our motor coach takes us to our luxury hotel in Mexico City. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Mexico City
The oldest city in North America, with centuries of culture on display.  Today, we see the best of the city, including Diego Rivera’s masterful murals at the Government Palace which tell the history of Mexico from ancient times, the Cathedral, the Aztec ruins at the Templo Mayor, and the world–famous Museum of Anthropology.  Tonight, our farewell dinner is your opportunity to say goodbye to the friends you have made on this amazing journey. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Mexico City
The journey of a lifetime comes to a close.   Whether you head directly to the airport this morning or stay longer in the city, you will feel a profound sense of accomplishment when you look back on how far you came on this journey. (B)

If time allows, consider adding a few more days in Mexico with one of our optional tour packages.

REVERSE ITINERARY - NORTHBOUND
DAY 1: MEXICO CITY
DAY 2: MEXICO CITY
DAY 3: TEOTIHUACAN
DAY 4: SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE
DAY 5: GUADALAJARA, TLAQUEPAQUE AND TEQUILA
DAY 6: MAZATLAN AND THE PACIFIC COAST
DAY 7: THE COPPER CANYON
DAY 8: CHIHUAHUA
DAY 9: EL PASO