Day 1

Arrival in Tucson, Arizona

(Sun.) 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)

Day 2

Tucson–Tombstone–Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico

(Mon.) This morning, journey south for a stop at Tombstone, “The Town Too Tough to Die,” where you’ll have time to visit the OK Coral 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)

Day 3

Nuevo Casas Grandes–Chihuahua

(Tue.) Fly to Cuzco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to the Inca baths of TAMBOMACHAY and the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. See the ancient site of Puca Pucara before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cuzco. It remains unforgetable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. Next, visit Pisa can old mountain village where you will have the opportunity to visit a home, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Enjoy free time here to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Lima–Cuzco–Sacred Valley

(Wed.) 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)

Day 5

Creel–Divisadero

(Thu.) 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 power as long-distance runners. Afterward, it’s a special visit to a local kinder garden 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 colour the canyon walls and leaves you with some remarkable memories and photos. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Divisadero–Copper Canyon Train–El Fuert

(Fri.) 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)

Day 7

El Fuerte–San Carlos

(Sat.) For three centuries El Fuerte has been an important commercial and agricultural center. We’ll start the rest of 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)

Day 8

San Carlos

(Sun.) Today the day 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)

Day 9

San Carlos–Tucson, Arizona

(Mon.) 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)