Copper Canyon Express

Day 1 Arrive Los Mochis. Transfer to El Fuerte

Arrive to Los Mochis airport where you will be greeted and transferred to the gateway of Copper Canyon, El Fuerte.   In the afternoon meet the guide for an orientation of El Fuerte and take a walking tour and streetcar ride of this cobble-stoned, colonial city.

Day 2 El Fuerte River (B)

Take a half-day, guided excursion after breakfast. After a short walk to view pre-Columbian petroglyphs along the banks of the El Fuerte River, take a boat trip on the river with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.  Return to El Fuerte for a historic tour of the city with a short visit to the town's eclectic museum with its collection of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern artifacts, including items once belonging to outlaw Pancho Villa.

Your afternoon is free for lunch and to independently explore El Fuerte.

Day 3 Copper Canyon Railroad (B,D)

All aboard the world famous, first-class El Chepe train of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway for the six hour journey into the Sierra Madre Mountains.  Considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys and an engineering marvel, the train crosses 36 bridges and passes 87 tunnels along its 655 km route from Mexico’s interior to the Pacific coast. 

Arrive to Posada Barrancas after lunch (on your own in the restaurant car) and be greeted at the station and transferred to the hotel.  Meet the guide, your host for the next three days, who will give you an orientation and discuss the options for the next day's activities.  The evening is free to take a short walk to explore the grounds, or relax on your private balcony that overlooks the canyon before dinner.

Day 4 Explore the Copper Canyon (B,L,D)

Today's activities are completely customized based on your preferences and interests, and the guide and a vehicle are at your disposal.  Visit a Tarahumara village or the Copper Canyon's most spectacular view points at Oteviachi, Barranca de Laja, or Urique.  Light walking excursions or more extensive day hikes can also be arranged, and ziplining and via ferrata (rock climbing/ropes course combination) are options with an additional cost for any thrill-seekers.

Lunch and dinner provided at the hotel, and the spectacular views are complimentary!

Day 5 Travel to Creel (B,L)

Spend the morning free to explore on your own.  In the afternoon travel to Creel with stops along the way at Piedra Volada, the tallest waterfall in Mexico.  Next, visit the Valley of the Mushrooms, known for its namesake-shaped rocks, and Lake Arareko with unusual rock formations and surrounding pine forest. 

Creel's history as a railroad and logging town and its picturesque location among the pine forest makes it an interesting stopover.  Spend some time visiting the main plaza or the arts and crafts cooperative that contributes directly to the Tarahumara community.  Settle in for the evening at the cozy lodge.

Day 6 Chihuahua (B,L)

Continue north from Creel towards Chihuahua and stop en-route for lunch and to visit a "Menonita" community near Cuauhtemoc.  After arriving to Chihuahua and settling into your hotel, you are free to explore the parks, plazas, impressive cathedral, and museums of this important historic, regional capital. 

Day 7 Return Home (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to return home or to your next destination in Mexico.