Mexico’s Copper Canyon Train8 Day Tour from USD $1295#1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Mexico’s Copper Canyon Train tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
Copper Canyon Train
All Aboard!
Tour Map

Tour Year:

20242025

Caret DownCaret Up Red2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

Day 1 • Phoenix, Arizona

Welcome to Mexico’s majestic Copper Canyon. Enjoy a thrilling train ride through the Copper Canyon, one of the top scenic rail journeys in the world. Caravan has chartered a private train car for your journey. Your adventure begins in Phoenix, Arizona. Transfer from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by hotel courtesy shuttle to your hotel. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Dinner is on your own. Join Caravan for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing.

El Fuerte Float Trip

Day 2 • Phoenix - San Carlos, Mexico

Early morning departure. Head south through Tucson and Green Valley. See large saguaro cacti en route. Cross into Mexico at Nogales. Enjoy lunch in Santa Ana. Drive through vast expanses of rangeland and occasional pecan tree orchards. Continue through the Sonora Desert. Overnight in San Carlos on the Sea of Cortez. Enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 • Sea of Cortez, El Fuerte

Morning photo stop at Tetakawi overlook on the Sea of Cortez. Continue south through culturally rich lands inhabited by the Yaqui and Mayo natives. See the giant Mayo Deer Dance statue. Lunch on your own. Arrive in the picturesque colonial town of El Fuerte, founded in 1564. El Fuerte has been designated a “Pueblo Màgico” (Magic Town) by Mexico because of its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and romantic atmosphere. Enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Copper Canyon

Day 4 • El Fuerte, River Float Trip

Morning float trip on the El Fuerte River (river and weather conditions permitting). Look for parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, and Great Kiskadees. Next, a walking tour of historic El Fuerte. Visit the 18th century church and government palace. After lunch, enjoy a private Caravan show featuring the traditional Yaqui Deer Dance. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure. You'll have time to stroll the main plaza and shop for jewelry, pottery, and other handicrafts. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 • Copper Canyon Train Ride

Today, experience the breathtaking magic of the Copper Canyon. Your privately chartered train car is reserved for Caravan’s exclusive seating use. Your adventure begins with views of palm, banana, papaya, and mango trees as you pass through rolling hills and tropical farmlands. Lunch is on your own aboard the train. Tropical vistas give way to steep canyon walls as your train passes through a multitude of tunnels and bridges during the climb up the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. For generations, the Tarahumara Indians have called the Copper Canyon and the Sierra Madre’s 25,000 square miles their home. As your train passes through the station of Temoris, you can see the three ascending levels of train tracks overhead. Disembark in Barrancas. Overnight at your spectacular hotel on the rim of the Copper Canyon. Copper Canyon sunsets and sunrises are a delight. Your overnight elevation is approximately 7,300 feet. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 • Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Morning at leisure. Enjoy stunning views from your room overlooking the Copper Canyon. Mingle with local Tarahumara artisan vendors. Lunch. Continue to your hotel in the modern and vibrant city of Chihuahua. Farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Canyon Views

Day 7 • Chihuahua, El Paso, Texas

Morning sightseeing drive of Chihuahua. See the Government Palace and the historic center. Pass by an aqueduct, built in 1751. Next, drive north through the Chihuahuan Desert. Box lunch en route. Cross over the Rio Grande and return to the United States. Continue to your hotel in El Paso, Texas. Dinner is on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 • El Paso

Your tour ends this morning at your hotel in El Paso. Breakfast is included only after 6:00 a.m. Transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle to El Paso International Airport (ELP) in El Paso, Texas. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Muchas Gracias!

Meals: Breakfast

Tarahumara

About The Copper Canyon Train

The Copper Canyon consists of a series of canyons with a combined size seven times greater than America’s Grand Canyon. The Chihuahua-Pacifico Railway, a marvel of engineering, took over 90 years to construct. It traverses the Copper Canyon while connecting Mexico’s central desert with the Pacific Ocean. The train is operated by Ferrocarril Mexicano. The same Copper Canyon rail route is used by passenger and freight trains alike. In the rare event of a train stoppage, Caravan will make alternative arrangements.

Train Safety, Comfort, and Enjoyment

Caravan has privately chartered an entire train car for your train ride. For your safety, all of the seats in your train car are exclusively reserved for Caravan. For your comfort, your train car is air-conditioned and has more seats than there are Caravan travelers. For your enjoyment, your Copper Canyon train ride is scheduled in the daytime, providing the best lighting for views and photography. Occasionally, the train can be delayed for a couple of hours.

Motorcoach Travel

The unique destinations of El Fuerte and Barrancas, where you board and disembark from the Copper Canyon train, can only be reached by long motorcoach rides. Following are actual travel times, not including sightseeing, lunch and rest stops, border crossings, and miscellaneous traffic delays:
Day 2 = 8 hours; Day 3 = 5 hours;
Day 6 = 6 hours; Day 7 = 5 hours.

Copper Canyon
Canyon Views
Tarahumara

Caret DownCaret Up Red2024 Hotels

2024 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.


Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport

Day 1 • Phoenix, Arizona

Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport

Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport

The Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport hotel is located 3 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and offers complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service. The hotel is located on the city’s METRO’s light rail line for easy access to Phoenix and Tempe attractions. The hotel has a full service restaurant, fitness center, beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub. Free WiFi.


Sawari Hotel

Day 2 • San Carlos

Sawari Hotel

Sawari Hotel

The Sawari Hotel is located a little over 1.1 mile from the bay. The Sawari features a main restaurant, bar/lounge, swimming pool, hot tub and a fitness center. Free WiFi.


Posada del Hidalgo

Days 3, 4 • El Fuerte

Posada del Hidalgo

Posada del Hidalgo

The Posada del Hidalgo is centrally located for exploring El Fuerte. This beautiful hotel is a former colonial mansion built by Señor Rafael Almada in 1890 for 100,000 gold pesos. Most of the original pine beams and furniture were brought by boat from San Francisco, California. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, high ceilings with wood beams and two story balconies. Most of the rooms are air conditioned and all have private tile baths.


El Maravilloso

Day 5 • Copper Canyon

El Maravilloso

El Maravilloso

El Maravilloso is located at the canyon's edge, near the highest point of the canyon. El Maravilloso is the premier hotel on the canyon rim and each guest room has a spectacular view overlooking the canyon. From the hotel you may walk to see the Tarahumara Indians who live in the canyon caves below. You can also shop for native crafts from the Tarahumara artisan vendors who gather in front of the hotel.


Ramada Encore by Wyndham

Day 6 • Chihuahua

Ramada Encore by Wyndham

Ramada Encore by Wyndham

Located in the heart of Chihuahua's trendiest zone, the Citadela Lifestyle Center, minutes from downtown, bars and restaurants, and the historic center. All of the contemporary guest rooms include hairdryers, safe, free wi-fi and a coffeemaker. Enjoy the fitness center or outdoor pool.


Wyndham El Paso Airport

Day 7 • El Paso, Texas

Wyndham El Paso Airport

Wyndham El Paso Airport

The Wyndham El Paso Airport, a beautiful airport property with a southwest flair and many amenities including a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, is conveniently located just 200 yards from El Paso International Airport off I-10.

Caret DownCaret Up RedAirport Transfers

Airport Transfers

arrival Transfers

Caravan’s Phoenix, Arizona hotel, the Crowne Plaza Airport, provides 24 hour courtesy shuttles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Upon arrival, request a pickup using the courtesy phone at the baggage claim area or call the hotel directly at: 602-273-7778.

departure Transfers

Caravan's hotel in El Paso, Texas, the Wyndham Airport, provides departure transfers to the El Paso Airport (ELP). Your Tour Director will help you arrange your transfer to the airport with the Wyndham shuttle desk.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Caret DownCaret Up RedPassports & Visas

Passports & Visas

To enter Mexico, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 additional months after the date of your arrival into Mexico. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

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Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

El PasoEl Fuerte
TempRainTempRain
Jan59/350.381/520.8
Feb65/400.384/530.6
Mar73/460.289/570.2
Apr81/540.295/620.1
May89/620.3100/670.1
Jun96/700.5102/751.5
Jul95/731.398/785.2
Aug93/711.596/775.4
Sep88/651.196/753.7
Oct79/540.695/671.4
Nov67/430.488/590.9
Dec59/350.581/531.0

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
El Paso
temp59/3565/4073/4681/5489/6296/7095/7393/7188/6579/5467/4359/35
rainfall0.30.30.20.20.30.51.31.51.10.60.40.5
El Fuerte
temp81/5284/5389/5795/62100/67102/7598/7896/7796/7595/6788/5981/53
rainfall0.80.60.20.10.11.55.25.43.71.40.91.0

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are not required. See Travel Tips for more details.

Caret DownCaret Up RedTravel Tips & FAQs

Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 13 Travel Tips. Read all 40 Travel Tips

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price.

Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

Forms of Payment

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Size of Tour Group

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129.

Drinking water in Mexico

Caravan provides unlimited bottled water on the motorcoach. Clients are welcome to take bottled water with them to their rooms or with meals (no need to take more than you need in the moment, your Tour Director & Driver will ensure an adequate supply for the whole tour). Purified water may be offered in some locations, however Caravan cannot guarantee the safety or rigorousness of the purification process. Please limit yourself to bottled water. Caravan recommends using bottled water to brush your teeth, avoiding ice in your drinks, and avoiding street food vendors. Caravan has chosen the restaurants and menus carefully in Mexico. Most meals will not include an appetizer of soup or salad because of food safety concerns.

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Caret DownCaret Up RedCustomer Reviews

Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 145 Customer Reviews

"I thank you for a well-thought tour!"

Ms. L.B., San Diego, California

"The hotels were fabulous, service was great, and personnel was courteous and helpful. The meals, there were absolutely no complaints. The restaurants were clean and unique. Very nice!"

Mr. & Mrs. R.D., St. Ann, Missouri

"We enjoyed our trip very much and we are looking forward to our next trip."

Mr. R.J., Newbury Park, California

"We are looking forward to going on other Caravan tours later next year."

Mr. & Mrs. R.S., Hideaway, Texas

"Each of the hotels were clean, comfortable, we enjoyed them all. The meals were all excellent and the service was superb. We enjoyed the spectacular scenery, especially the canyons (Copper Canyon). We enjoyed all phases of this trip very much. Caravan does an excellent job!"

Mr. & Mrs. R.R., St. George, Utah

"Your tour director made the trip worthwhile; in fact, all the tour directors whom we have had on our three trips with Caravan are exceptional. I have been on your tours three times and all were excellent. Love to see more tours outside the U.S. Thank you for wonderful trips!"

Mr. & Mrs. J.S., Raleigh, North Carolina

"I enjoyed the float and seeing the birds, the views from the trains were excellent. Based on our experience on this trip, will want to go with Caravan again."

Mr. & Mrs. M.K., San Diego, California

Read All 145 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 145 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Catalog Association).

ASTA, NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA