4 days, August 29-September 1, 2008
$995 ppdo

Day 1: LAX-CHIHUAHUA. Mid morning non-stop flight from Los Angeles aboard Aeromexico Airlines to Chichuahua City, capital of the state of the same name. You will be greeted by your tour guide and will be transferred to your 1st Class hotel, centrally located behind the city’s Spanish-style cathedral. Your afternoon city tour provides many opportunities to explore Chihuahua’s fascinating history and exciting present. You will visit colonial and revolutionary landmarks such as famous Pancho Villa’s home, and the Spanish Aqueduct. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. HOTEL QUALITY INN (D)

Day 2: CHIHUAHUA/COPPER CANYON. Morning drive by private motorcoach to the Mennonite community of Cuauhtemoc. It was settled by the Mennonites shortly after the Mexican Revolution, and has been developed as one of Mexico’s leading agricultural areas. You will be able to browse through displays of handcrafted Mennonite quilts and comforters. After lunch, prepared by the Mennonites, continue to Divisadero. The three canyons that comprise the Copper Canyon make this spectacular region four times larger than the Grand Canyon. From the choice position of your hotel in Posada Barrancas, you will have many memorable vistas of the pristine mountain wilderness. This afternoon, explore the mountains and canyons where the shy and primitive Tarahumara Indian live in crude log cabins and caves. The mysterious canyons conceal in their depth Indian caves and villages, old Spanish mines and modern villages. This afternoon your guide will lead a leisurely walk along the rim to view the beautiful sunset over the Canyon. Special dinner this evening showcases local cuisine. HOTEL POSADA MIRADOR (Canyon view room) (B,L,D)  

Day 3: COPPER CANYON/LOS MOCHIS. Morning at leisure for hiking or to interact with the Tarahumara Indians, who sell their hand-woven baskets and other handicrafts near the hotel. After lunch, board the Ferromex first class train for your rail trip through the rugged terrain across Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains. Spectacular scenery, gushing waterfalls, and animals greet you as you pass through tunnels and mountain towns. On board the train, there is a dining car offering a dinner menu, as well as a bar car selling drinks and snacks. Disembark at the colonial town of El Fuerte, and transfer by motorcoach to your 5-star hotel in Los Mochis. HOTEL SANTA ANITA (B,L)

Day 4: LOS MOCHIS-LOS ANGELES. Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your flight back to Los Angeles International Airport. Early afternoon arrival. (B)