Copper Canyon

Mexico Copper Canyon 

Uncover the rugged wilderness surrounding the Copper Canyon and the Sierra Tarahumara on this 13-day Mexico Copper Canyon holiday.

The Sierra Tarahumara in Mexico’s northwest mainland is a wonderfully wild and remote region, where the world-famous Barranda del Cobre (or Copper Canyon) slices through the cacti-clad landscape. Take one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys and enjoy a wider exploration of the region with your private guide. From Mexico City’s energy and excitement to the up-market coastal La Paz in Baja California Sur, you’re sure to experience three very different sides of Mexico. 

Highlights 

• Travel on the Chepe Express train in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara 
• Visit the Tarahumara Caves and the families who live in them 
• View the Copper Canyon from spectacular viewpoints, including the cable car 
• Explore Mexico City on a private tour and the ancient Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan 
• Swim with playful sea lions off Espíritu Santo Island in the Sea of Cortez 

Quick Itinerary 

Days 1 & 2 – Mexico City 

Day 3 - Chihuahua 

Day 4 - Creel 

Days 5 & 6 – Barrancas 

Day 7 – Los Mochis

Days 8 - 11 – La Paz 

Day 12 – Depart 

Day 13 – Arrive back in the UK 

Truly Individual Holiday 

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today. 

Full Itinerary 

Days 1 & 2: Mexico City 

Arrive in Mexico City, where you’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel, located in the heart of the historic centre of the largest metropolis in the world. Welcome to the vibrant, beating heart of Mexico, where ancient ruins, world-class museums, fascinating history, inspired gastronomy and so much more, await you. Discover the highlights of the city on a private tour, then continue to the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, in important city of the Aztecs. 

Day 3: Chihuahua 

Enjoy a free day in Mexico City to explore at your leisure or ask your Travel Specialist for additional ideas and tours available, perhaps a visit to the Freida Kahlo museum, a cooking class, or a tour of Mexico City’s most interesting neighbourhoods. In the late afternoon, you’ll fly to Chihuahua and transfer to your hotel. 

Day 4: Creel 

Depart Chihuahua to the west, heading towards Cuauhtemoc, an area of Mennonite farming villages. Mennonites settled in Mexico in their thousands during the post-revolutionary 1920s, driven from Germany and persecuted for their beliefs. The often blond-haired, blue-eyed Mennonites remain culturally distinct, many still speaking their own dialect of old German. After visiting the villages, continue to Creel, a small town with breathtaking views of the waterfalls and mountains of the Sierra Tarahumara. 

Days 5 & 6: Barrancas, Copper Canyon 

On the road between Creel and Barrancas, a stop at the Tarahumara Cave is a great chance to stretch the legs and walk to the scenic viewpoint located at the edge of the canyon. Also visit the cave inhabited by the families of the low Tarahumara region. Continue on to your hotel, where the views across the Sierra Madre mountains and rugged landscape contrast against the curved terracotta stone building. The area is renowned for adventure with a host of activities available to explore the canyon. Travel by car to the Divisadero outlook point for incredible views into the depths of Copper Canyon, then ride the cable car for a unique perspective and for those who dare, balance on the wobbly rock at Piedra Volada. 

Day 7: Chepe Express Train to Los Mochis

Board the Chepe Express train’s First-Class carriage in Divisadero, for a panoramic journey through the majestic scenery of the Sierra Tarahumara. The journey takes approximately eight and a half hours to Los Mochis, passing over bridges and through tunnels with spectacular views from your seat, restaurant car or the terrace. From the train station it’s a short drive to Topolobampo Bay, here you’ll enjoy a relaxing sunset boat ride and dinner along the malecon, before boarding your late-night ferry across the Sea of Cortez.

Days 8 - 11: La Paz

Arriving early in the morning, you’ll be transferred from the port to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free to relax. The following day take a snorkelling trip to Espiritu Santo, a beautiful desert island, home to a variety of sea birds and a colony of sea lions. The rest of your time in La Paz has been left free, you may choose to wander along the malecon for stunning sunsets, explore the colonial buildings of Baja California Sur’s capital, visit Playa Balandra and its series of secluded beaches, or take a trip to Todos Santos town, founded in 1730 as a Jesuit mission. La Paz is also famous for its wildlife watching, you may wish to book a boat trip depending on the time of year, to see blue whales (March to July), humpback whales (February to June), pilot whales (October to February) and whale sharks (November to April). Speak to your Travel Specialist for more information. 

Day 12 - Depart 

You will head to La Paz airport for your onward flight. 

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK 

Today you will land back in the UK. 

Price from £4,949 per person 

(2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room) 

Includes: 

• International flights

• 11 nights’ accommodation, including 1 night 4-berth ferry cabin

• 13 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

• Excursions and tours as described 

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary 

Excludes: 

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary 

• Local departure taxes payable locally 

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc 

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary) 

• Camera or video fees at any sites