Explore the Copper
Canyon aboard the Sierra Madre Express!
Led by rail author/lecturer Karl Zimmermann
8 Days, 7 Nights
February 6-13, 2003
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Tucson. "Get Acquainted" Cocktail Reception-
meet your fellow travelers and your Tour Escort. Hotel included.
Day 2:
After breakfast, passengers board a motor coach for a tour of
Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley. Along the way there is a photo
stop at the historic San Xavier Mission and lunch at the spectacular
Rio Rico Resort. We cross the border and board the Sierra Madre
Express in mid-afternoon. Passengers are welcomed aboard with
a cocktail reception. A full dinner is served and the night is
spent on the train. (B,L,D)
Day 3:
Breakfast and lunch are served on board while the train ascends
into the Copper Canyon region. The train arrives at Divisadero
by mid-afternoon and passengers are transferred to the Posada
Mirador. A reception in the Mirador Lounge with entertainment
by the Tarahumara Indians will precede dinner in the dining room.
(B,L,D)
Day 4:
Following breakfast guests will depart on the Express for Creel,
in the heart of Tarahumara country. A local guide will conduct
a tour to Cusarare, an old Tarahumara village. Lunch will be
served on the train and some time will remain for shopping for
native handicrafts. Upon our return to the Posada Mirador there
will be a reception and dinner will be served in the dining room.
(B,L,D)
Day 5:
After breakfast the morning is free for hiking, exploring, shopping
or simply relaxing. After lunch, the Express will depart on a
2 hour ride to Bahuichivo, and then a 45 minute bus ride to the
Hotel Mision in Cerocahui. Please note that the ride can be bumpy
and dusty. A reception and entertainment precede dinner in the
dining room. Please note that electricity is only available from
7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (B,L,D)
Day 6:
After breakfast guests can choose to either spend a quiet morning
in Cerocahui or take a bus tour to Gallego Outlook. The Outlook
provides an unforgettable view of the remote Urique Canyon. The
tour lasts about 4 hours and the road can be bumpy and dusty.
Lunch is served at the hotel with an opportunity to visit the
neighboring boarding school for Tarahumara girls before we get
on the bus for a return to the Express. After departure passengers
have their final opportunity to view the spectacular scenery
as the train descends toward the coast. A farewell dinner is
served in the dome. (B,L,D)
Day 7:
The last segment aboard the Express is spent traveling north
to Nogales, Sonora. Passengers enjoy daylight views of the Sonoran
Desert. Breakfast and lunch are served with arrival in Nogales
in the early afternoon. A motor coach will transfer guests back
to the hotel in Tucson for an included overnight stay. (B,
L)
Day 8:
Breakfast at the hotel and departure complete the tour. (B)
Tour Includes:
- Meals as listed in itinerary, including "get acquainted"
cocktail reception
- Accommodation on train, 2 nights
- Accommodation in charming inns, 3 nights
- Accommodation in Tucson hotel, 2 nights
- Transfers to and from Tucson airport
- Lectures and services of full-time tour leader, Karl Zimmermann
- All local tours
- Liquor on the train
- Gratuities
Price:
$2,895 per person, double occupancy
$3,095 per person, single occupancy
All double compartments have private sink and toilet. Single compartments are roomettes with sinks only.
About the
trip...
Imagine viewing jagged canyons, waterfalls and a vast variety
of flora and fauna. This describes the Copper Canyon, a region
in northern Mexico that only became accessible after a railroad
line was completed from Los Mochis to Chihuahua in 1961. For
centuries this remote region has been the home of the Tarahumara
Indians, an indigenous group that has managed to maintain many
of its customs and traditions.
To many, the attraction
of a nostalgic trip on a vintage train is quite evident. Peter
M. Robbins founded the Sierra Madre Express in 1986 with this
in mind. To date he has gathered a fleet of five classic rail
cars originally built in the 1940's and 1950's. Service on the
Sierra Madre Express is reminiscent of rail travel of a bygone
era. From offering gourmet meals to attentive room service, a
trainmaster and a crew of six look after the passenger's every
need. In addition an experienced bilingual escort accompanies
every tour. Many guests have commented on the attention to detail
that is evident in every aspect of an excursion on the Sierra
Madre Express. It is truly an extraordinary travel experience.
When traveling to the majestic Copper Canyon, guests on the Sierra Madre Express can expect the best in "soft" adventure with a feeling of security. In the Copper Canyon, passengers can experience some of the most spectacular vistas imaginable. In addition, they have the opportunity to visit a native village, purchase exquisite craft items, and stay in charming inns and hotels while they immerse themselves in the culture of the region.
About the train...
The Sierra Madre Express offers a travel experience reminiscent
of the golden age of railroading. Our fleet includes four sleeping
cars and a domed dining and observation car. In addition, there
are four other public areas. As the train travels past some of
the most spectacular vistas imaginable, the traveler may choose
any of these areas from which to view them.
The Arizona, a lounge car, was built in 1946. It has an indoor observation area, full bar and 5 double compartments. The Chile Verde, also built in 1946, contains eight single roomettes as well as an informal dining area. The Divisadero is a car with 9 double compartments as is its sister car, the Ing. Ballesteros. The Divisadero features an outdoor deck. The Tucson has a comfortable lounge as well as the raised observation dome which also serves as the formal dining area.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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