Copper Canyon - colonial

Where does it go?

This trip crosses in Nogales, Az. in mid February. We run it at that time as it is warmer in Copper Canyon which is at high altitude. It also provides the opportunity to combine this trip with some of our Baja trips. We first head down the coast to San Carlos, Huatabampito, Alamos, and El Fuerte where we catch the train to Copper Canyon. We will then continue to Mazatlan, stopping at a couple of beach locations on the way. Then we will travel the spectacular Mazatlan-Durango Highway, one of the planets most spectacular. We will visit Durango, Zacatecas, Guadalajara/Tequila, before heading north to Lagos de Moreno, Saltillo, and our exit at Laredo, Texas. We will do several tours besides Copper Canyon.

What does it cost and include?

The price (for 2027) is $11,300 Canadian. That is approximately $8200 USD. It includes all RV Parks, at least 14 guided tour days, 22 full meals, 3 nights hotel and unscheduled extras. It includes El Chepe, the Copper Canyon train. We have a Green Angel (like AAA) escort for most of the trip. We are proposing adding a long stay option for January.

Why do you price in Canadian dollars?

We run trips in both English and French. All customers on our French trip are Canadian, with about 50% on English trips, also Canadian.This means that overall, 3/4 of our customers are Canadian, so it makes sense to price in that currency. We do, however accept US dollars at the book exchange rate (not buy/sell) and you may make your payments in US equivalent. We have a widget to do the conversion. We also discount 3.5% for any payments not made by credit card. You make yoru last payment (about 1/3rd) at the border, so that portion does not have to be covered by travel insurance if you purchase that.

What is the Copper Canyon Portion itinerary?

Note this can vary a bit

Day 1

- We leave the campground in El Fuerte at 8:00 AM and catch the train to Creel. On this excursion you will be traveling through one of the deepest canyons in the world.

- It took more than 90 years to complete the construction of this incredible railroad, which crosses 39 bridges and goes through 86 tunnels.

- We will enjoy a delicious lunch in the dining car of the train en route.

- We will stop at Divisadero, which at 8070 feet above sea level offers a spectacular view of the canyon.

- We will transfer to our hotel in downtown Creel where we will be spending two nights.

- We will have dinner at the hotel, featuring live regional norteño music and wine.

Day 2

- We will start the day with breakfast in the hotel at 7:30 AM, then follow that with a guided tour of the area around Creel. We will explore the regional lands of the Tarahumara Indians, inlcuding a visit to an ancient Jesuit Mission In San Ignacio and a cave dwelling. We will end up at Lake Arareco.

- As we tour the valleys surrounding Creel, we will have the opportunity to observe the living conditions of the Tarahumaras who still live in caves. We will also see dramatic rock formations and several other points of interest along the route. We will have an outdoor picnic.

Day 3

- Following breakfast at the hotel, we board a bus for a 4 hour tour through the regional canyons. We will visit several sites of interest, including the famous Fertility Rock, Oteros Canyon and the four most impressive look out points in the heart of the Sierra Madre: The Balancing Rock, Las Escaleras, Belle Vista & El Puente. We then proceed to the Hotel Manison Tarahumara where we will spend the night.

- A full course lunch will be served at the hotel, then you will have the opportunity to walk along the Canyon rim and visit some Tarahumara famiiles who live near the Hotel. Those who wish may ride the new Cable Car (included), the worlds longest. Winds permiting, you can opt to zip line across and ride the cable car back

- You have a free afternoon that you may spend in the hotels warm pool & jacuzzi or relaxing in the bar & on the terrace.

- Dinner at the hotel with entertainment.

Day 4

- Following breakfast at the hotel, we will view a presentation of traditional Tarahumara dancing and ball races.

- Before our return train arrives, you will have time to wander through the handicraft market near the station.

- Shortly after we board the train we will have lunch in the dinning car

- We arrive back at the RV Park in El Fuerte in early evening.

What is the Long Stay Add-On?

Since this trip starts in mid February, we are looking at adding a long stay in San Carlos at a full hookup RV Park, one day south of the border. This would be free or at minimal cost, but you would pay for your own RV Park fee until the main caravan arrives (about $20 US per day). The park has a small pool, pickleball, laundry, nearby restaurants, WiFi and full hookups. The ocean is across the street.

Here is the schedule

This is the schedule for 2026. 2027 will be very similar, and it gives you an idea. The start date may vary by a day or 2.
If you are on a cell phone, you will have to turn it horizontal to view the chart below. 

     Here is a Widget to convert Canadian Dollars to USD