The Copper Canyon and the Sea of Cortez

Experience two of North America’s greatest natural treasures on one unique journey. Begin with four nights exploring the Sea of Cortez. The desert islands have a tremendous abundance of plant life, including arrays of enormous cacti. Spend your days hiking, whale watching, bird watching, snorkeling, kayaking or just relaxing on deck.

Then fly across to the Mexican mainland and for a rail journey to the rim of one of the world's greatest canyons — the Copper Canyon. For centuries, it was known only to a few adventurous and determined outsiders and until the railroad's completion just over four decades ago, the Copper Canyon could only be reached through an arduous journey by burro or on foot. It's a thrilling ride, and you'll enjoy it in comfort aboard the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad.

Itinerary:

DAY 1 — U.S./Los Cabos/La Paz, Mexico/Embark Ship
We’ll embark the ship in the afternoon. Since this area is known for its spectacular sunsets, make sure to take some time on deck. Soon after embarkation, our Captain will point the ship north into the Sea of Cortez. (D)

DAY 2 — Isla Santa Catalina
Search for whales in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and often bottlenose and common dolphins. Visit Isla Santa Catalina, famous for its giant barrel cactus and rattleless rattlesnake. The protected bay of our anchorage is also an excellent site for snorkeling. With a full afternoon here there is time for swimming, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Today, we explore some of the dozens of islands of the Sea of Cortez. Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. We may spend the morning whale watching in the waters around Isla Danzante, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins. Rich in nutrients, the Sea of Cortez is home to a huge variety of fish: king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautifully colored parrotfish. Explore one of the many lovely, uninhabited islands such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina, famous for the 12-foot wavy barrel cactus. Whether walking, kayaking or watching from the Bridge, you’ll observe the great diversity of bird life — ladder-backed woodpeckers, Costa’s hummingbirds, Gila woodpeckers and verdin. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Swim and snorkel here. Don mask, flippers and snorkel (which we’ll provide with as much guidance as you need) and experience the thrill of swimming with the curious sea lions. Observe the impressive geological past of these islands from a kayak: see tons of compacted volcanic ash covered with solidified lava floods just yards from the shore. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. It is also home to the endemic black jack rabbit — with any luck, we may spot one. There are possibilities for long walks or lazy beachcombing. Finish the day with a beach barbecue complete with campfire and a star-filled sky. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — La Paz/Disembark Ship/El Fuerte
Disembark La Paz and to Los Mochis, then board motor coaches for the ride to El Fuerte. This lovely small town is a place of quiet charm, with cobblestone streets lined with buildings from the colonial era, and lovely town square. This afternoon, we have the choice of taking a float trip on the El Fuerte River or a bird walk during which our Naturalist. We spend the night at the Posada del Hildago, a former colonial mansion built in 1890. (B,L,D)

DAY 6-7 — Copper Canyon
This morning board the famed Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad. Our journey takes us from just above sea level to almost 8,000 feet in a little more than six hours, crossing deep ravines and passing through more than 70 tunnels and over 35 trestles before emerging onto a breathtaking scenes. Later arrive at the rim of Copper Canyon and check in to the Mirador. The hotel sits near the highest point of the canyon, overlooking the breathtaking scenery below.

During the afternoon and the following day, there will be plenty of time for leisurely walks along the rim, long hikes down into the canyon itself or simply relax and enjoy the view. Located far below are the dwellings of the Tarahumara Indians, who have managed to maintain many of their pre-Columbian traditions into the present day. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Copper Canyon/Chihuahua
After watching sunrise over the canyon, there’s time for a last walk along the canyon’s rim. Later board our motor coach, stopping briefly in the town of Creel, a busy little place with the rustic atmosphere of an old frontier town. After arriving at our hotel in Chihuahua, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and a folkloric dance performance by a talented local troupe. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Chihuahua/Return U.S.
After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.(B)

What's Included:

All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

What's Not Included:

Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.