Mexico - Copper Canyon & Tequila Express & Baja Califormia Extension
An inspiring tour that combines the highlights of colonial Mexico with train journeys aboard the 'Tequila Express' and 'El Chepe'. The former gives us a real taste of modern Mexico and the later is one of the world's foremost scenic rail trips. Suitable for people of all average fitness, all walks are optional.
Colonial Mexico: Our first days are spent in Mexico City, a place that has been at the centre of life for several mighty empires, from Teotihuacan to the Aztecs and then the Spanish under Cortes. Heading north, we pause at the remarkably well-preserved colonial centre of Queretaro, whose splendid historical buildings are hidden by the modern city that has built up around it. Continuing to Guanajuato we arrive at a city nestled into the hills where the narrow streets and profusion of colonial architecture give the town an intimate atmosphere.
Tequila Express: At Guadalajara, we have time to wander the through cobbled plazas that are largely unchanged since colonial times before boarding the Tequila Express that will carry us into the sugar cane fields. The train ride is aimed at local tourists and most of our fellow passengers will be Mexican. Soaking up the festival atmosphere, we'll join them eating, dancing and drinking the zingy spirit for which the region is so famous.
Copper Canyon From Chihuahua we board 'El Chepe', the First Class train service that will carry us for the next 3 days through the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains. A remarkable feat of engineering, the Copper Canyon Railway winds it way across 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, presenting us with jaw-dropping views. One of the highlights of our journey will be the overnight stop at the villages of Posada Barrancas and Cerocahui, which give us a taste of local life before we arrive at our final destination of El Fuerte.
Baja California:From Los Mochis we take an overnight ferry across to La Paz where turquoise seas, abundant marine wildlife and the sandy beaches of the Baja Peninsula await us. From our comfortable base near La Paz we go whale watching in season (late Dec - mid Mar) and out of season we take a boat to Magdalena Island searching for bottlenose dolphins.
Day 1: Arrive Mexico City
Day 2: In Mexico City; visit Teotihuacan & Tenochtitlan Pyramids
Day 3: Visit Anthropology Museum; drive Queretaro
Day 4: Tour of Queretaro; drive to Guanajuato
Day 5: Visit Guanajuato; drive Guadalajara; city tour
Day 6: In Guadalajara; Tequila Express train
Day 7: Free in Guadalajara; fly Chihuahua
Day 8: Board 'El Chepe' to Creel & Posada Barrancas
Day 9: Train to Cerocahui; drive Mirador de Cerro Gallegos
Day 10: Train to El Fuerte
Day 11: Morning - In El Fuerte. Afternoon - drive Los Mochis; overnight ferry to La Paz.
Day 12 & 13: In La Paz; whale watching (in season) or boat trip to nature reserve
Day 14: Fly Mexico City
Day 15: Depart for home
Day 16: Arrive home
Operated by Explore Worldwide (RMBX)
Departures: February, April, August, November & December
- Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this small group adventure