Three nights in vibrant Mexico City followed by an exploration of the northern highlands and the extraordinary Copper Canyon. The highlight of the trip will be a two-day journey by train. The railway is one of the world's greatest feats of engineering, cut through the mountains of the Sierra Madre and across the Sonora Desert. Final relaxation on the beach at San José del Cabo.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival to Mexico City, transfer to the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Hotel. 3 nights

This is an architecturally distinctive 19th century hotel on the main square in historic Zocalo (just across from the Presidential Palace). The hotel has a magnificent lobby and the ornate world of the Belle Epoque surrounds you. Sweeping filigreed balcony railings, brass work cage-elevators and sparkling chandeliers are together crowned by an exquisite Tiffany glass dome. The property has recently been refurbished and the rooms are all lovely, with all mod cons.

Day 2
Early Morning sightseeing tour to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan and to the Shrine of Guadalupe. Pick up time: 09:00 am

Teotihuacan means "The place where the gods were shaped" and experts believe the site was built around 2000 years ago. Here you can find the pyramids of the sun & the moon, the ciudadela and the palace of Quezalpapalotl (the plumed butterfly) these are the main buildings along the Avenue of the dead, which is nearly a mile in length.

Lunch is not included.

Day 3
City tour of Mexico City which includes highlights of the most crowded city of the world, such as the National palace that contains Diego Rivera's famous murals, the Metropolitan Cathedral, started in 1573 and designed to replace a smaller church. The present structure took 250 years to complete. The Cathedral is a treasure trove of beautiful paintings, sculpture, and jewellery. Finally, visit to Chapultepec Park and the Residential District.

Lunch is not included.

Day 4
Transfer to the airport for flight to Chihuahua for a stay en route to the Copper Canyon

Upon arrival transfer to Quality Inn San Francisco Hotel x 1 night.

This hotel has a great location, right next to the Cathedral. It is very comfortable with large rooms and all modern conveniences including a cafetiere, hair dryers and ironing boards.

Chihuahua is now a modern and somewhat run down city but has strong historical connections specially with the Mexican Revolution and Pancho Villa operated around the city and once captured it by disguising his men as peasants going to market. It is also where the independence hero Padre Hidalgo awaited his execution at the old tower of the Capilla Real, now part of the Palacio Federal.

Chihuahua can be very hot during the day with cool and sometimes cold nights.

Day 5
Transfer to the train station to take the train journey towards Creel. This is the famous "Chihuahua al Pacifico" route passing through the spectacular scenery of the Sierra Madre and the Barranca del Urique/Cobre.

On arrival, reception and transfer to The Lodge Best Western Creel x 1 night.

This is a charming hotel where all the rooms are log cabins with rustic wooden furniture, floors and beamed ceilings. It provides a warm and cozy atmosphere with gas fireplaces and private porches It has a gym, restaurant and a spa with massage facilities. It is equipped with all modern amenities such as Internet access, cable TV, air-conditioning and gas fireplaces.

Creel is named after a previous Governor who initiated the building of the railway and tried to improve the Tarahumara's lives. It can be very cold in winder and is the commercial centre of the Tarahumara region. It is important for its timber and as a tourist centre.

Day 6
Transfer to the train station to continue the journey to Divisadero. This journey passes the highest point at Los Ojitos and soon after, the Lazo Loop in which the track does a 360 degrees turn.

Make your way to the Hotel Cabanas Divisadero Barrancas for your 2 nights stay including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This was the original hotel in the area and sits on the rim of the canyon. It has magnificent views of the canyon. The hotel is quite rustic, meals are taken collectively with the other guests and evening entertainment is generally a guitar player by the open fire in the evening. There are plenty of tours, which can be booked locally from here.

Day 7
At leisure to explore the area.

What is referred to as "Copper Canyon" is really a series of canyons which drain the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara. The entire Copper Canyon region comprises almost a third of the state of Chihuahua, which is Mexico's largest state. The principal canyon is Urique Canyon, which is the one which is traversed by the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad. Eventually, all of the rivers which formed the Copper Canyons merge into the Rio Fuerte which continues across the adjacent state of Sinaloa, emerging near the City of Los Mochis on the Sea of Cortez.

Day 8
Make your way back to the train station to continue towards El Fuerte. On arrival, transfer into Posada del Hidalgo hotel x 2 nights.

This is a beautiful old town house, originally a 16th Century Hacienda built by Don Hidalgo, next to the main square and the fort. Now a 50 room hotel this property retains all the original features of this house, rumoured to be the home of the famous "El Zorro". Fantastic food, (langoustine and sea bass is a speciality) this hotel is very Mexican and the décor is charming. It has a small pool and courtyards where you can sit in peace and quiet to enjoy the tranquillity.

Day 9
At leisure. El Fuerte was founded in 1564 and has interesting colonial architecture.

Day 10
Transfer to Los Mochis airport for flight to Los Cabos on a small local plane.

Upon arrival reception and transfer to Casa Natalia hotel for 3 nights including breakfast and shuttle service to the beach club.

This is a gorgeous hotel in San Jose del Cabo. Created in the European Style of a boutique hotel run by Natalie and Loic. With only 18 rooms set in a private home, all with individual Mexican motifs and artwork the hotel is incredibly romantic. The town of San Jose was founded in 1730 and is now essentially a modern up and coming town with new arts and crafts shops opening all the time together with typical Mexican restaurants and bars. The hotel does not have its own beach but has a beach club only minutes away and will pack up picnic hampers and has a shuttle to take you there. The food at this hotel is famous in the area and it has become a firm favourite with many of our clients.

Day 11-12
At leisure.

Day 13
Transfer to Los Cabos airport for your flight to Mexico City and connecting flight back to the UK.

Prices and departures

This is a sample itinerary which can depart at any time and be tailored to your tastes and budget. Please enquire for prices.