Sierra Madre Express 2008

Day 1: Tucson (D)
Passengers begin their rail tour with a “get acquainted” dinner at their Tucson hotel.

Day 2: On Board Sierra Madre Express (B,L,D)
Guests board a motor coach for a tour of Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley. Then they enjoy lunch at the spectacular Rio Rico Resort. After crossing the Mexican border, passengers are welcomed aboard the Sierra Madre Express with a cocktail reception. A full dinner is served in the dome car and the night is spent on the train.

Day 3: Bay of Topolobampo (B,L,D)
Following breakfast on the train, travelers disembark at Sufragio where they board a bus for a trip to the Bay of Topolobampo. As passengers cruise the bay, they will see dolphins playfully surround their yacht. Guests travel by bus to the Posada del Hidalgo in the colonial town of El Fuerte. After lunch there is time to enjoy the hotel’s lush gardens, relax, have a cool drink by the pool, and then join a guided tour of the town. The evening begins with a reception featuring a spectacular performance by folklorico dancers and ends with a memorable dinner served in the gracious Mexican manner. The night is spent at the hotel.

Day 4: Copper Canyon (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, passengers board the Sierra Madre Express and begin the ascent into the Copper Canyon region. The train arrives at Divisadero by mid-afternoon, and travelers are transferred to the Posada Mirador Hotel. A cocktail hour with entertainment by the Tarahumara Indians will precede dinner. The night is spent at the hotel.

Day 5: Creel (B,L,D)
Guests depart on the Sierra Madre Express for Creel which lies in the heart of Tarahumara country. A local guide conducts a bus tour to Cusarare, an old Tarahumara village. After being transported back to Creel, passengers enjoy lunch served on the train. There is plenty of time to shop for native crafts. After returning to the Posada Mirador Hotel, there is time to relax. Later in the evening, an authentic Mexican New Year’s Eve dinner will be followed by festivities to usher in the new year. The night is spent at the hotel.

Day 6: Copper Canyon (B,L,D)
The morning is free for hiking, exploring, horseback riding, shopping or simply relaxing. After lunch, guests board the Sierra Madre Express to enjoy the magnificent canyon views for a final time as they begin the journey back to Tucson. A sumptuous farewell dinner will be served in the dome car and guests will sleep on the train.

Day 7: On board Sierra Madre Express/Tucson (B,L)
The last leg of the journey aboard the Sierra Madre Express is spent traveling north to Nogales, Sonora. Passengers enjoy daylight views of the Sonoran Desert. Breakfast and Lunch are served on the train, and arrival in Nogales is in the afternoon. A motor coach will transfer guests back to the hotel in Tucson for an included overnight stay. Guests are on their own for dinner.

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
• All local tours
• Liquor on the train
• Gratuities

Holiday Departure Rates

$3,795 per person, double occupancy (two lower berths)
$3,695 per person, double occupancy (upper/lower berth)
$5,495 single use of double compartment
$2,995 single roomette (for single use only)

All prices per person. All compartments other than those in the Chile Verde have sinks and toilets. Compartments in the Chile Verde have sinks only and are available as single roomettes.

Deposit
A deposit of $500 per person is required within seven days of booking in order to confirm reservations. Credit cards are accepted for deposits. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Click here to download our tour booking form.

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. The 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 open-air deck -- a favorite place from which to watch the passing scenery. The Tucson has a comfortable lounge as well as the raised observation dome which also serves as the formal dining area.