You are here: Home > Coach Tours > South & Central America Tours > 9 Day Mexico's Copper Canyon
BEST PRICE GUARANTEE ON ALL TRAFALGAR TOURS
9 Day Mexico's Copper Canyon
Premium Coach Tour starting in Phoenix and finishing in Phoenix
Countries Visited: Mexico  USA 
Tour Type: Discovery
Tour Duration: 9 Days (8 Nights)
From: Phoenix to Phoenix
Tour Code: DCCA
Operator: Trafalgar
from AU $1,320 pp
Click Map To Enlarge

Tour Description

Mexico's spectacular Copper Canyon is four times larger than the Grand Canyon and for premium views, you will ride 7,500 feet above sea level on the spectacular 'Train in the Sky'. Visit beautifully restored colonial mansions, cruise the Sea of Cortez and meet local Mayo Indians on this timeless adventure which will reveal ancient cultures merged with majestic, cactus-strewn mountain scenery.

Sightseeing Highlights:

  • Hermosillo See the cathedral and murals at the Government Palace.
  • San Carlos Visit a cactus garden and find out more about these unique plants; cruise the Sea of Cortez on a private boat; visit a pearl farm and learn about cultured pearl farming.
  • Alamos Walk through colonial Alamos with a local guide; visit beautifully restored Colonial mansions; meet the local Mayo Indians and learn about their language and culture; enjoy a colourful folkloric show.
  • Copper Canyon Train Ride the "Train in the Sky" into the vast Copper Canyon by private First Class rail car.
  • Posada Barrancas Spend two nights at the Copper Canyon; walk on easy mountain paths along the canyon's rim; meet the Tarahumara Indians and experience their timeless culture; visit with a local medicine man and learn about local natural remedies; descend into the canyon aboard the new aerial tram.
  • Casas Grandes Watch the ancient craft of live pottery firing; visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquime.

First Class Travel Highlights

  • First Class hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
  • Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and onboard restroom.
  • The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional bilingual Tour Directors.
  • First Class train journey aboard the El Chepe train into the Copper Canyon.
  • A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
  • Complimentary airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 9.

Please note

  • This tour was designed to introduce you to the remote, yet stunning beauty of Northern Mexico. Knowing what to expect will assist you in preparing for this tour and will ultimately make this a more enjoyable vacation.
  • It is important to realize that this corner of Mexico is still remote and rustic. Some of the accommodations and services are basic by American standards. Meal choices may not be as extensive as on other Trafalgar tours and hotel facilities may be limited. The tour reaches an elevation of 8,000 feet and requires walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some stairs.
  • This tour is best enjoyed by the experienced traveler in reasonably good health who can take it in good humor when all the “comforts of home” aren’t readily available. Train schedules and other parts of the itinerary may be subject to delays or variation due to circumstances beyond our control.

Dining Highlights

  • Welcome Reception and Dinner with wine with your Tour Director in San Carlos.
  • 8 full breakfasts.
  • 7 lunches.
  • 3 three-course dinners.
  • 'Be My Guest' Dinner with wine in El Fuerte.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Casas Grandes

Back to top

Day
1
Arrive Phoenix
Welcome to Phoenix! A complimentary transfer is provided to your tour hotel. A Trafalgar representative is at the hotel late this afternoon to greet you and answer questions. Stay: Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport
Day
2
Phoenix – Tucson – San Carlos
Begin your adventure with a short stop in Tucson to pick up joining passengers before crossing into Mexico. South of the border, the great Sonoran Desert opens up before you. Keep an eye out for giant saguaro cacti — this is the only place on earth they grow wild. After stopping for lunch in the small town of Santa Ana, travel on to Hermosillo to see the lovely colonial cathedral and the Government Palace, its walls bedecked with murals depicting the history of the Sonoran region. Arrive in San Carlos where the desert meets the glittering Sea of Cortez just in time for sunset. Relax in your waterfront resort before gathering for a Welcome Reception and Dinner. (B/L/HD) Stay: Marinaterra Hotel & Spa
Day
3
San Carlos – Sea of Cortez Cruise – Alamos
Wander among massive cacti at a stunning desert garden and learn about these fascinating plants. Then board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortez — keep a lookout for dolphins, seals, whales and such exotic sea birds as the blue-footed booby and the great blue heron. After lunch at a waterfront restaurant, embark on a guided tour of the first cultured pearl farm in the Americas and learn all about pearl oysters, farming, pearl grading and quality selection. Next, travel south through rich farmlands to the foothills of the Sierra Madre and the quaint town of Alamos. A living museum, the city’s cobblestone streets are lined with beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. This evening, immerse yourself in the local culture at dinner with a spectacle of music and folk dancing by performers in traditional costumes. (B/L/D) Stay: Casa de los Tesoros
Day
4
Alamos – El Fuerte
Stroll the streets of Alamos as your Local Guide brings this town's history to life. Visit some of the restored mansions built when Alamos' silver mines were among the richest in the world. You can also meet local Mayo Indians and learn about their language, culture and customs. After lunch, journey farther into the Sierra Madre to the town of El Fuerte. This evening, the gracious Torres family personally welcomes you to their beautifully restored 19th-century mansion for a 'Be My Guest' dinner and entertainment. You’ll enjoy a performance of traditional Spanish and native dances followed by a sumptuous dinner of delicious local dishes, including Black Bass caught fresh from the El Fuerte River. (B/L/D) Stay: Torres del Fuerte
Day
5
El Fuerte – Copper Canyon – Posada Barrancas (2 nights)
Mexico’s Copper Canyon — four times as large as the Grand Canyon of Arizona — looms large in the culture and imagination of this proud country. Board your private rail car and start your journey on the "Train in the Sky," travelling from sea level to 7,500 feet in less than 150 miles, passing through tunnels and over soaring bridges. Engineers and laborers spent nearly 100 years laying tracks into this rugged terrain, and now the spectacular views make this one of the world’s most exciting train journeys. Pass alongside the jagged Barranca Septentrion and Urique Canyons as you travel into the heart of Copper Canyon. Disembark in Posada Barrancas situated right on the rim of the Urique Canyon, your home for the next two nights. (B/L/D) Stay: Mansion Tarahumara
Day
6
Copper Canyon sightseeing
Spend the entire day exploring this dramatic area, one of the greatest natural treasures of North America. Learn about the geological forces that created the seven individual canyons, collectively known as Copper Canyon. Meet the local Tarahumara Indians, a semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors have lived in the canyon's caves for thousands of years, and learn about their natural remedies from a local medicine woman. Later, board the new aerial tram and descend into the canyon to experience its grandeur in a way few have done before. (B/L/D)
Day
7
Copper Canyon – Casas Grandes
Travel to the pleasant village of Creel via Oteros Canyon before descending into the stark Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Casas Grandes. This evening, visit a pottery studio where local artisans have adapted ancient traditions into a modern style called Mata Ortiz. Watch master craftsmen design and fire pots and learn about the archaeological finds at Paquime that inspired their style. This evening, gather for a festive Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Hacienda
Day
8
Casas Grandes – Paquime – Phoenix/Tempe
Today, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquime, a great trading centre in the 14th and 15th centuries before the Spanish conquest of Mexico. You can see ceremonial mounds; the House of the Cross, believed to be a temple and observatory; and the House of the Serpent, where animals were raised. Travel across the Chihuahuan Desert into the U.S. and stop in Tucson before arriving back in Phoenix late this afternoon. (B/L) Stay: Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport
Day
9
Depart Phoenix
Take a complimentary transfer to Phoenix International Airport. (FB) Please note: This spectacular region of Mexico is still off the beaten path. Meal choices may not be as extensive as on other Trafalgar tours and hotel facilities in some towns may be limited. This journey reaches an elevation of 8,000 feet and requires walking on uneven surfaces and steps. Occasionally, the itinerary may be subject to delays or variations due to circumstances beyond our control; it is best enjoyed by the experienced in good health who can take such variations in stride. (B)
Trafalgar Brochure Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012 Season Sale! Save up to $210 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
18 May 2012 26 May 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
07 Sep 2012 15 Sep 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
14 Sep 2012 22 Sep 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
21 Sep 2012 29 Sep 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
05 Oct 2012 13 Oct 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
12 Oct 2012 20 Oct 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
19 Oct 2012 27 Oct 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
02 Nov 2012 10 Nov 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
09 Nov 2012 17 Nov 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
16 Nov 2012 24 Nov 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
23 Nov 2012 01 Dec 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
07 Dec 2012 15 Dec 2012 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $105 AU $1,320
25 Jan 2013 02 Feb 2013 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $55 AU $1,370
08 Feb 2013 16 Feb 2013 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $55 AU $1,370
08 Mar 2013 16 Mar 2013 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $55 AU $1,370
15 Mar 2013 23 Mar 2013 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $55 AU $1,370
22 Mar 2013 30 Mar 2013 AU $1,425 AU $1,795 Save $55 AU $1,370

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Tour Discounts & Options:

Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
  Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.

SAVEExtra Tour Discount On 2nd Tour
SAVEFrequent Traveller Discount
SAVEFriends & Family Discount
SAVESingle Traveller Saving
SAVETriple Room Discount
SAVEUp to 10% Early Payment Discount
SAVEYoung Traveller Saving

Flights:

Book your tour and flights together to SAVE!
  The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of! Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.



General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: Trafalgar Tours

TrafalgarOperating since 1947, Trafalgar offers a wide range of holidays to Europe, Britain, Egypt, USA, Canada, South America, China, Australia and New Zealand. They hosted over 2 million travellers worldwide and many return year after year. Every expertly designed travel experience includes transportation, via deluxe motor coach, rail or cruise ship, first class hotel accommodation, daily sightseeing and most meals.



Frequently Asked Questions

How is Trafalgar different from other escorted touring companies?

  • We have over 60 years of knowledge & expertise in the design of unforgettable touring holidays
  • We are international, award-winning for our unrivalled quality, service and reliability
  • We provide perfectly planned and balanced itineraries
  • We have the finest Tour Directors in the industry
  • You will stay in quality hotels carefully selected and conveniently located
  • You will enjoy authentic dining experiences
  • You will enjoy savings of up to 40% when compared with travelling independently

When will I receive my documents?

Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

Who else will be travelling with me?

Good company enriches any travelling experience and your group will be made up of English-speaking people from around the world. On a Trafalgar tour you will take away far more than just fantastic memories – together you will share great times, swap terrific stories and form new lifelong friendships.

How many people will be on tour with me?

There will be a maximum of 49 people on your coach, however a Trafalgar coach carries an average of just 40 guests.

Will the coach be modern and comfortable?

With Trafalgar it's as great to travel as it is to arrive - we insist on using only the latest models of air-conditioned, luxury coaches, as well as high quality trains and cruise ships. For your comfort, smoking is not allowed onboard our coaches, however, there are plenty of rest stops for you to stretch your legs. You'll be chauffeur driven, door to door by a professional driver who will make your journey a relaxing pleasure. We use a state-of-the-art sound system for mood music with fascinating commentaries by your tour director.

Where will my accommodation be located and what will it be like?

A good nights sleep is essential for your enjoyment of your Trafalgar Tour. This is why we carefully select every hotel to ensure that your stay with us is an unforgettable experience. Our hotels are chosen not only for their quality, but also for their friendly service and desirable locations, whether
it be right in the heart of a city like Buenos Aires, near local places of interest including Machu Picchu, or set in spectacular scenic locations, such as overlooking Copacabana Beach.

Most of your hotels are First Class or better. In a few places we may use a lodge that is the best available in the area, such as in the Amazon. Holidays to Peru can be expensive, so we have added a new second tour featuring Superior Tourist Class and First Class properties. To ensure satisfaction at all times, our diligent Quality Control Team is constantly busy making sure that our impressive standards are always maintained, and your enjoyment is complete.

What are Trafalgar Tour Directors like?

Trafalgar prides itself on having some of the finest Tour Directors and Local Guides in Latin America. They are the best and most experienced in the business and will be your guide throughout your tour. Travelling with them is like travelling with an historian, personal 'concierge,' problem-solver and friend. It is your Tour Director's number one priority to ensure you enjoy every minute of your trip. Their knowledge, expertise and friendliness are one of the reasons so many of our clients return to travel with us time and again.

To enhance the overall experience in each destination, we often bring on a local expert of the area. Someone who has the inside knowledge of the city, village or region, and who has lived in the area their whole lives. This special intimate experience allows you to discover a region the way the locals do.

What does the tour cost include?

The prices listed cover all accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Trafalgar Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling.

Are tips included?

Trafalgar Tours has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as all baggage handling at hotels and ports. Tips to restaurant staff for meals are also included in the price of your tour. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors $4 per day, Drivers $2.50 per day and Local Guides $1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.

What sort of food will we experience?

At Trafalgar we have a desire for you to experience the distinctive cuisines from the various regions you will visit. We go to great lengths to ensure you will have an enjoyable experience sampling the authentic local dishes such as a Brazilian barbecue dinner or a typical Peruvian meal followed by a folklore show in Cuzco.

You will also enjoy our exclusive Highlight (HD) and Farewell Dinners (D) plus our new and exclusive 'Be My Guest' (BMGD) dining experiences. 'Be My Guest' is the opportunity to try something truly different on your holiday. You will enjoy genuine 'local' dining experiences, hosted by family-run establishments or exclusive Trafalgar locations. In Buenos Aires, attend a traditional Argentine dinner
hosted in the apartment-home of a resident. This is a great opportunity to learn about family life, customs, traditions and how the city works. In Lima, relish a three-course Peruvian lunch in the private and elegant mansion of the Diez Canseco family. Señor Diez Canseco or one of his relatives will lead you on a guided tour of the home, telling you stories of the family that has a distinguished line of ancestors, from Spanish conquerors to Peruvian presidents. In Costa Rica, you will have the opportunity to lunch at a local home, then, children from a nearby school will perform a typical dance.

All our tours include a hearty full breakfast to ensure you start the day off well.

Do you have a share program for singles?

Many of our holidays are ideally designed for single or solo travellers. Every detail is taken care of, from start to finish, so all you need to do is enjoy your holiday in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Meals, activities and sightseeing are all shared with your new friends, so you will never be alone - unless you choose to do some exploring or relaxing by yourself. Accommodation can be booked as a private single room or like many of our clients, you may wish to share a twin room by taking advantage of our 'Room Mate Matching Service'. You will share a room with someone from your tour (same gender), so you can avoid paying a single room supplement, in addition to making a new friend.

Where can I find out more information on Trafalgar?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Trafalgar including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Know Before You Go

Trafalgar Know Before You Go GuideDownload this “Know Before You Go” Guide, filled with all the essential information you need to assist you in preparing for your tour. A complete guide to the amazing countries of South America, including on-tour facts, vital pre-tour information and absolutely everything you need to know before you go. (1MB)


Airport Transfer Information

Transfers between airports, hotels and piers are included. Please see the Overview tab for details.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
Tour Details:
Tour Date:  
No. of Travellers: Adults: Children: (5-17 years)
Accommodation:
Contact Details (Australia Residents Only):
Full Name:
Address:
Contact Phone: (e.g. (xx) xxxx xxxx)
E-mail Address:
How would you like us to reply? Phone    Email
Tour Extras & Options:
Early Payment Discount: More Info
Frequent Traveller Discount More Info
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Extra Pre Tour Nights  Extra Post Tour Nights
Flights:
Do you want flights included in your price quote?
  Transfers Required
Additional Tours:
Do you want to receive a quote for any other tours? (Max 3)
Comments:
Comments, promo codes, questions, special requirements? e.g. dietary, physical, medical.

Subscribe to our monthly email, offering exclusive savings, earlybird & last minute specials.
I have read and accept the Operator Terms & Conditions (bottom 'General Info' tab)

HermosilloMata Ortiz PotteryUNESCO World Heritage Site of PaquimeCopper Canyon Train Ride
 
City:
Month: