Mexico's Copper Canyon (9 Days) 

     Upon arrival, transfer to your Tucson hotel. At 7 p.m., meet your traveling companions at the WELCOME RECEPTION hosted by your Tour Director. (R)

     This morning, journey south for a stop at Tombstone, “The Town Too Tough to Die,” where you’ll have time to visit the OK Corral and wander the street of this historic town. Afterward, we cross into Mexico at the border towns of Douglas and Agua Prieta. Then continue to the fertile valley of Casas Grandes. Spend the night in the town of Nuevo Casas Grandes. (B,D)

     During the 13th and 14th centuries, pottery was once the principal ware of trade, and this morning includes a visit to a local POTTERY STUDIO. See how the traditional methods, hand-forming and painting, are still used today. Next, visit PAQUIME, the most important archaeological site in northern Mexico. Once an important trading center, it combines elements of the Pueblo Indian civilization from the southwestern United States with Mesoamerican influences. Continue on to explore Chihuahua, made famous by Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa. Dinner this evening is at your hotel. (B,D)

     This morning, visit the ornate 18th-century CATHEDRAL, the GOVERNMENT PALACE with its unique murals and the former HOME OF PANCHO VILLA, converted by his widow into a museum. Head west to Cuauhtemoc, the center of Mexico’s Mennonite population, where you’ll enjoy a traditional homemade Mennonite lunch. Then travel through pine forests to the lumber town of Creel, situated at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the Sierra Tarahumara mountain range. There’s time this afternoon and evening to explore this quaint town and shop for local wares. (B,L)

     After breakfast, drive through the VALLEY OF THE MUSHROOMS with its strange monolithic formations. See the CAVE DWELLINGS of the Tarahumara Indians, famed for their colorful tribal customs and prowess as long-distance runners. Afterward, it’s a special visit to a local kindergarten and elementary school to learn more about the children and their culture in this remote area of the world. Depart for Divisadero and catch your first views of the spectacular Copper Canyon. Enjoy a visit to PIEDRA VOLADA, a giant rock miraculously perched on the edge of a precipice. Tonight, savor the sunset as it colors the canyon walls and leaves you with some remarkable memories and photos. (B,L,D)

     This morning, relax and enjoy the solitude and beauty of Copper Canyon. You may choose to join an optional hiking trip along the rim or perhaps an optional horseback riding excursion. After lunch, embark on your rail adventure through El Cañon de Cobre. Experience some of North America’s most magnificent scenery as your TRAIN winds its way along the rim of steep chasms, climbs mountain passes reaching 7,000 feet, and crosses canyons and rivers. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel. (B,L,D)

     For three centuries El Fuerte has been an important commercial and agricultural center. We’ll start the day off with a short walking tour of this picturesque colonial city and see the plaza, city hall, and colorful market place. Then head north along the Sea of Cortez, reaching the resort of San Carlos by late afternoon. Just a short drive from the old port of Guaymas, the Bay of San Carlos is rich with fish and sea birds, and its many beaches attract visitors from around the world. Upon arrival, visit a PEARL FARM, where a Local Guide provides a personal tour. The remainder of the day is yours to relax on the beach, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a cool drink while watching the swaying palm trees. (B)

     Today is at leisure. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach, take an optional fishing excursion, or join us on an optional boat ride on the pristine waters of San Carlos Bay. While keeping an eye out for dolphins and other marine life, enjoy complimentary margaritas, soft drinks, and snacks. Tonight, a FAREWELL DINNER celebrates your Copper Canyon adventure. (B,D)

     Head north to the United States today and pass through the Sonoran capital of Hermosillo. Cross the border at Nogales and transfer to Tucson International Airport. Please schedule your homebound flight after 7 p.m. (B)