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Posada Barrancas Mirador overlooking the Copper Canyon
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               MEXICO'S COPPER CANYON
MEXICO'S COPPER CANYON BY PRIVATE TRAIN ITINERARY:

1. Arrive Tucson
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Welcome to Tucson! Transfers from Tucson International Airport are included to your first night’s hotel, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Tucson lies in a stunning Southwest desert setting beneath rugged mountains. Your resort is nestled among the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, surrounded by desert gardens and natural rock formations. You’ll have some time to stroll the grounds or take a quick dip in the pool before joining us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the resort. Meals D

2. Mexico / Board Train
More than a century of habitation in this desert valley has created a unique blend of cultures. See the downtown area, then travel to San Xavier del Bac Mission. Built in the 18th century, the double-towered white mission is a striking blend of Spanish, Moorish and Mexican styles. Following lunch in the historic community of Tubac, cross the Mexican border to Nogales for a private rail journey aboard the Sierra Madre Express. The entire train is reserved exclusively for Tauck’s guests; settle in, meet the crew and relax in the comfortable lounges of the train as your unforgettable journey begins! Meals BLD

3. Discover Colonial El Fuerte
Visit a Mayo Indian village for a demonstration of local dances before arriving for lunch in the colorful town of El Fuerte, colonized by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century; it emerged as an important commercial and missionary center, renowned for its unique architecture. Take a float trip on the river for some local bird watching, and visit the town’s museum for an expansive view of the city, before spending the remainder of the day at Posada del Hidalgo, a colonial mansion built in 1890 for a wealthy and influential alcalde (mayor). Surrounded by gardens and reputed to be El Fuerte’s largest and most beautiful mansion, its exquisite design blends colonial charm with modern-day amenities. Meals BLD

4. Copper Canyon Adventure
Follow the route of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad as it climbs from sea level to 8,000 feet through 83 tunnels, and over 35 trestles to Mexico’s Copper Canyon. View the scenery from open-air observation decks or the enclosed dome car; travel in the only rail cars that have been specially equipped and adapted for this Copper Canyon rail excursion. Upon arriving at Divisadero on the Sierra Madre Plateau, enjoy a delightful stroll to the canyon rim. Unlike the Grand Canyon, the landscape before you is yours alone – the peace and quiet will astound you. Join us for a margarita and family-style dinner at Posada Barrancas Mirador overlooking the canyon, a paradise for bird watchers. Meals BLD

5. Tarahumara Culture in Creel
Beautiful Copper Canyon is home to the Tarahumara, isolated here for centuries. The Tarahumara still reside in warm caves deep in the canyon, and make their way to high plateaus in summer months to tend their fields. Journey to Creel to visit with these shy people in their dwellings – handicrafts are made in the ways of their ancestors. Return to your hotel, located on the edge of the canyon, for time at leisure. Your accommodations have a style and design that reflects the Tarahumara influence as well as the local style and culture of the state of Chihuahua. Meals BLD

6. Copper Canyon
Spend the early morning hours at the rim of the canyon, with a final opportunity to view the dramatic vistas. The Sierra Madre Express descends on a fascinating journey through the beautiful canyons, where spectacular views unfold at every turn. Overnight accommodations are aboard Sierra Madre Express as it winds its way through Sonora. Meals BLD

7. Return to Tucson
In the morning hours, Sierra Madre Express pulls into the station at Magdalena. Bid farewell to the friendly train crew; clear customs and travel to Tucson, the starting point of your journey into Copper Canyon. Spend the afternoon at leisure at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, with an opportunity to enjoy the resort’s many amenities. We invite you to join us for a farewell drink before dinner, a chance to reflect on your amazing rail adventure in Mexico! Meals BLD

8. Journey Home
Tour ends: Tucson, Arizona. A transfer is included from The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa to Tucson International Airport. You should allow two hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Mexico's Copper Canyon by Private Train Map

 

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Sierra Madre Express has been featured by National Geographic and PBS! Tauck’s private journey, fully by rail within Mexico, offers two nights on the train and three nights in two of the region’s unique hotels – a restored historic colonial mansion and a more modern hotel overlooking the canyon. Although a number of companies offer Copper Canyon rail trips, Tauck features a private train specially designed for this route. Departures are limited to 42 guests for more personalized attention; this round-trip itinerary allows for two journeys over the scenic rail portion between sea level and the top of the canyon!

Tauck’s Private Train Journey:
To Mexico’s Copper Canyon aboard Sierra Madre Express

Beautiful Copper Canyon
Best accessible by rail, Mexico’s Copper Canyon is an exciting, remote destination in North America, still relatively unknown. Although a number of companies offer Copper Canyon rail trips, only Tauck features a private train with two nights accommodations on board the train, specially designed and adapted for this Copper Canyon route. Few destinations in the world can equal the awe-inspiring views you will enjoy from your accommodations at the top of the canyon.

Who Will Enjoy This Journey?
Limited to just 42 Tauck guests – which means more space and personalized attention – this journey appeals to well-traveled persons interested in discovering a unique destination, where the unexpected adds authentic local flavor and may require good-natured flexibility. To fully enjoy this journey, some walking on uneven terrain and at high elevations, including an 8,000' plateau, will be required. Walking while the train is in motion may be unsteady, and unfortunately wheelchairs can’t be accommodated. Casual clothes are recommended for comfort during the rail journey.

Accommodations & Dining
Accommodations and services range from resort-elegant in Tucson to locally colorful in Mexico. More remote parts of the tour should not be compared to other Tauck journeys; the area traveled is isolated, especially in the canyon. Lodging in northern Mexico is rustic but comfortable, and the services are basic – i.e. the hot water may not always be hot. Guests will need to climb stairs to their rooms; there are no elevators. Dining in Mexico is from a limited selection of entrees. Bottled water is provided on the train and in Mexican hotels.

About Tauck’s Private Train
Sierra Madre Express consists of four private Pullman cars. The Arizona car has a large observation lounge and four guest compartments with upper and lower beds. The Divisadero car has an open-air observation patio and, along with her sister car, the Ing. Ballesteros FCP car, features eight compartments with lower beds and one with an upper and lower bed; all beds are 6'3" in length. Train compartments are compact with a sealed window, 110-volt power, bedside sink and a toilet underneath; no showers. The Tucson car has a lounge where complimentary drinks are available, as well as a domed observation and dining area. Each rail car has air conditioning and heating.

Tauck’s program begins and ends in the United States, with all border procedures arranged and handled. Train scheduling may be subject to local delays and weather conditions.
 

                     TAUCK DISCOVERIES:
The Tarahumara People
Explore the cultural heritage of the Tarahumara – centuries-old traditions found in the remote regions of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains.

Sierra Madre Express – Tauck Exclusive!
Witness spectacular scenery and a close look at a timeless culture on an adventurous rail excursion voted “Most Exciting Train Journey in the World.”

Historic Colonial Mansion – El Fuerte
Spend the night in a historic colonial mansion, lavishly built in 1890, surrounded by tropical gardens.

Panoramic Canyon Vistas
Savor breathtaking views from Posada Barrancas Mirador on a two-night stay, where you are close to the highest point in the canyon. Nighttime skies are equally spectacular, showcasing starry vistas in their natural glory.
 
           2008 DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

Begins Tucson

Sep
17, 24
Oct 1, 15, 22

8 Days from $4,160 plus airfare
(7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)

Price Per Person

Train Compartment Type 1
Upper and lower beds, sink and toilet
Double $4160 Single $6960 Triple N/A

Train Compartment Type 2
Two lower beds, sink and toilet
Double $4330 Single N/A Triple N/A

Airfare is additional; inquire at time of booking for airfares.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.


2009 DEPARTURES
8 Days from $4,290* PLUS AIRFARE
(7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)

Feb 11, 18
Mar 4, 11, 25
Apr 1, 15, 22
Sep 16, 23
Oct 7, 14, 21

* Please call to inquire about rates and itinerary details.
 

            OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
  • Night 1 The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
    Tucson, AZ
  • Night 2 Aboard the Sierra Madre Express
  • Night 3 Posada del Hidalgo
    El Fuerte, Sinaloa
  • Night 4,5 Posada Barrancas Mirador
    Divisadero, Chihuahua
  • Night 6 Aboard the Sierra Madre Express
  • Night 7 The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
    Tucson, AZ
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