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Sierra Madre Express has been featured by National Geographic
and PBS! Tauck's private journey, fully by rail within Mexico,
offers two nights on the train and three nights in two of the region's
finest accommodations – a restored historic colonial mansion and a more
modern hotel overlooking the canyon. Although a number of companies
offer Copper Canyon rail trips, Tauck features a private train specially
designed for this route. Departures are limited to 42 guests, with more
personalized attention and space; this round-trip itinerary allows for
two journeys over the scenic rail portion between sea level and
the top of the canyon!
1. Arrive
Tucson
Tour begins: Westin La Paloma Resort at 6:00 PM.
Welcome to Tucson! Transfers from Tucson International Airport will be
included to your first night's hotel, Westin La Paloma Resort. Tucson
lies in a stunning Southwest desert setting beneath rugged mountains.
Your resort, situated near the Santa Catalina Mountains, is surrounded
by desert gardens and natural rock formations. Stroll the grounds or
take a quick dip in the pool before joining us this evening for a
welcome reception and dinner. Meals D
2. Mexico /
Board Train
More than a century of habitation in this desert valley has created a
blend of cultures. See the downtown area, then travel to San Xavier del
Bac. Built in the 18th century, the double-towered white mission is a
striking blend of Spanish, Moorish and Mexican styles. Following lunch,
in the historic community of Tubac, cross the Mexican border to Nogales
for a private rail journey aboard the Sierra Madre Express. The
entire train is reserved exclusively for Tauck; settle in, meet the crew
or relax in the lounges. Meals BLD
3. Discover
Colonial El Fuerte
Visit a village for a demonstration of local dances before arriving for
lunch in the colorful town of El Fuerte, colonized by Spanish
Conquistadors in the sixteenth century; it emerged as an important
commercial and missionary center, renowned for its unique architecture.
Following lunch, take a float trip on the river for some local bird
watching, and visit the town's museum. Spend an enjoyable afternoon at
Posada del Hidalgo, a former Colonial mansion built in 1890. The design
is exquisite, blending Colonial charm with modern amenities. Meals
BLD
4. Copper
Canyon Adventure
Follow the route of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad as it climbs from sea
level to 8,000 feet through 83 tunnels and over 35 trestles, on one of
the world's most scenic and exciting rail journeys. The construction of
the rail bed is considered to be an engineering marvel; it provides the
primary access to Copper Canyon. As the train winds and twists its way
to the higher elevations, you'll enjoy the scenery from open-air
observation decks or the enclosed dome car. Travel in the only rail cars
that have been specially equipped and adapted for the Copper Canyon
excursion! Arriving at Divisadero on the Sierra Madre plateau, enjoy the
easy walks and mountain paths to the canyon rim; the view stretches for
miles. Unlike the Grand Canyon, the incredible landscape before you is
yours alone; the peace and quiet of this giant abyss will astound you.
Gather for a reception and family-style dinner at the Posada Barrancas
Mirador overlooking the canyon. Meals BLD
5. Tarahumara
Village / Creel
Beautiful Copper Canyon is home to the Tarahumara culture, isolated here
for centuries. The Tarahumara still winter in warm caves deep in the
canyon and move to high plateaus in summer to tend their fields. Take a
day's journey to Creel to visit with the Tarahumara in cave dwellings,
where their handicrafts are still made in the ways of their ancestors.
The journey affords a chance to meet these shy people and experience
their timeless culture. Return to your hotel, which is located on the
edge of the canyon, and enjoy some time at leisure. Meals BLD
6. Copper
Canyon by Rail
Spend the early morning hours at the rim of the canyon, enjoying an
opportunity to visit with some of the local Tarahumara. The Sierra
Madre Express descends on a most fascinating journey through the
beautiful canyons, where dramatic views unfold before you throughout the
foothills. Enjoy overnight accommodations on-board the train, winding
your way through Sonora. Meals BLD
7. Return to
Tucson
In the morning hours, Sierra Madre Express pulls into the
station at Nogales; bid farewell to the friendly train crew; clear
customs and continue to your resort in Tucson. Enjoy the afternoon at
leisure back at your Tucson resort, the starting point of your journey
into the magnificent Copper Canyon. The resort is nestled in the
foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, surrounded by desert gardens,
a waterfall, and natural rock formations. Join us this evening for a
farewell drink before dinner, and a chance to look back on the
incredible scenery experienced on this great rail adventure! Meals
BLD
8. Journey Home
Tour ends: Tucson, Arizona. A transfer to the airport
is included from the Westin La Paloma Resort to the Tucson International
Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals
B
Tauck's Private Train Journey
Who Will Enjoy
This Journey?
With a maximum number of 42 guests, this journey appeals to
well-traveled persons interested in discovering a unique destination…
willing to accept the unexpected and local ways... who desire personal,
attentive service. Travelers must be in very good health. Sightseeing
will require some walking on uneven terrain and at high elevations,
including an 8,000' plateau. Walking while the train is in motion may be
unsteady; wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. During the rail portion,
jeans and casual clothes are recommended.
Accommodations
& Dining
Accommodations and services range from resort-elegant in Tucson to
locally colorful and rustic at Copper Canyon. More remote parts of the
tour should not be compared to other Tauck vacations; the area traveled
is isolated and primitive. Hotels in Mexico are comfortable, yet the
services are basic – i.e. the hot water may not always be hot! Guests
may need to climb stairs to their rooms; there are no elevators. Dining
in Mexico is from a limited selection of entrees. Bottled water is
provided on the train and in Mexican hotels.
About Tauck's
Private Train
The Sierra Madre Express consists of four private Pullman cars.
The Arizona car has a large observation lounge and five
staterooms with upper and lower beds. The Divisadero car has an
open-air observation patio and, along with her sister car, the Ing.
Ballesteros FCP car, features eight staterooms with lower beds and
one with an upper and lower bed; all beds are 6'3" in length. Staterooms
are compact with a sealed window, 110-volt power, bedside sink and
toilet… no showers. The Tucson car has a lounge where
complimentary drinks are available, as well as a domed observation and
dining area. Each rail car has air conditioning and heating.
Sierra Madre
Express is an American owned and operated private train
headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Tauck's program begins and ends in the
United States, with all border procedures arranged and handled. Train
scheduling may be subject to local delays and weather conditions. |
