Mexico & the Copper Canyon

March 1-9, 2011

Day By Day Itinerary

Tuesday, March 1                                                                                                     Minneapolis-Harlingen

Arrive early in the afternoon on your comfortable flight from Minneapolis to Harlingen, Texas. We will have a short motor coach drive to the hotel for our evening stay. Enjoy a free evening as you prepare for an adventure of a lifetime. Our Sun Country flight arrives in Harlingen, Texas where we will be met and transferred by motor coach to our hotel, the Best Western Palm Aire, in Weslaco, Texas. Enjoy a free evening as you prepare for your adventure of a life time.            Overnight at the Best Western Palm Aire, in Weslaco, Texas.

Wednesday, March 2                                                                                                McAllen-Torreon

Depart from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, clearing Mexican customs in Reynosa. Our luncheon stop will be in the beautiful city of Monterrey or Saltillo. After lunch we will head due west to the mining and agricultural town of Torreon, in the state of Coahuila. Your host tonight is the Paraiso Marriott in the heart of the city.

Thursday, March 3                                                                                                   Torreon-Chihuahua

This morning we will head north as we bypass large dairy operations and productive farmland driving to Chihuahua where you’ll overnight at the Hotel San Francisco. Chihuahua was founded in 1709 and is the center of a rich silver mining and ranching area. While in Chihuahua, you’ll visit the Baroque-style Cathedral on the plaza, the 3 ½ mile-long Aquaduct built in 1754 and still in use, the Governor’s Palace and the Pancho Villa Museum.

Friday, March 4                                                                                                        Chihuahua-Creel

Your motorcoach departs this morning for a trip through the farmland and orchards of a Mennonite colony before climbing the spectacular Sierra Madre's to the interesting little town of Creel. Your comfortable hotel, the Lodge at Creel, will be your host this evening. Tuck into these charming log cabins with open beam ceilings and fireplaces while enjoying the rock formations, pines and fruit trees from your porch. Local Indian art decorates the cozy restaurant. Take an evening stroll to the plaza and experience the unique atmosphere usually found only in adventure books.

Saturday, March 5                                                                                                   Creel-Los Mochis

This morning after breakfast, we will have time to take an included tour of the area. Return to board the train around 11:30 AM for Los Mochis. There is a dining car on the train but it is wise to take a few snacks along. Be sure to use the informational handout and follow along mile by mile, tunnel by tunnel. Watch especially for the “e-lasso” where the train makes a turn around itself as it goes through the mountains - a true engineering feat. The ride will bring you through many breathtaking views along the way. You will notice that the rivers churn through deep green gorges and waterfalls cascade down the mountain side. Have your cameras ready! You will spend the night at the terminus of the Chihuahua al Pacifico train route in Los Mochis or in the town of El Fuerte.

Sunday, March 6                                                                                                       Los Mochis – Mazatlan This morning you’ll journey on to Mazatlan, where the Manila Galleons once brought riches from afar, much to the delight of pirates determined to share the wealth. You’ll feel like royalty for the next three nights at the beach side Playa Mazatlan Hotel.