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DAY 1, Thursday - Arrive in Tucson
Arrive in Tucson. Tonight, an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, introduces you to the exciting journey that awaits you in Mexico. After a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Tucson
DAY 2, Friday - Cross the Border into Mexico, Arrive in Nuevo Casas Grandes
Depart early in the morning from Arizona and cross the border into Mexico, Bienvenidos! Stop for lunch en route. Drive through parts of the Chihuahua Desert, the largest in North America. During the 14th to 15th centuries, Nuevo Casas Grandes was a major trading center, before the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Tonight, attend a festive Mexican-style reception followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Nuevos Casas Grandes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday - Nuevo Casas Grandes, Travel to Posadas Barrancas
Nuevo Casas Grandes, is home to Mexico's famous archaeological site of Paquime, undoubtedly the most important ruins in Northern Mexico, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the maze-like adobe remnants and the ceremonial mounds in a broad valley with panoramas to distant mountains. Walk by the House of the Cross, believed to be a temple and observatory, and the House of the Serpent, where animals were raised. Visit with potters from the village of Mata Ortiz. Afterward head for Posada Barrancas, on the rim of the Copper Canyon, your home for the next two days. Dinner together is at the hotel
Overnight: Posadas Barrancas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Aerial Tram into the Copper Canyon, Tarahumara Indians
Join the interesting discussion this morning on the interpretation of the unique Tarahumara Indian arts and crafts. Then, get ready for your visit to the rim of the Copper Canyon. Board the aerial tram* that takes you across the canyon, descending almost 4,500 feet into the center to experience its grandeur; a truly breathtaking experience. The rest of the day is spent exploring this dramatic area, one of the greatest undiscovered natural treasures of North America. Hear about the geological forces that created the seven individual canyons, collectively known as the Copper Canyon or Barrancas del Cobre
*Due to local conditions, the order of sightseeing might be altered. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager
Overnight: Posadas Barrancas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Scenic Train Ride
Time to relax this morning or explore the Canyon Rim on your own. After lunch, depart Posadas Barrancas aboard a railcar and begin the astonishing journey on the Chihuahua al Pacífico railroad, considered one of the most dramatic railway journeys in the Western Hemisphere. The rail line, an engineering marvel, took almost 100 years to build in this very difficult and rugged terrain. Descend into the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains to El Fuerte, traveling from almost 7,500 feet to sea level, while passing through numerous tunnels and over spectacular soaring bridges with awe-inspiring views
Overnight: El Fuerte
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Capomos, Travel to Alamos
Today, depart El Fuerte and head to the native Mayo village of Capomos. During a home visit, learn about the Mayo Indians and their culture. Witness ceremonial dances accompanied by traditional native instruments and participate in a tortilla making demonstration. Conclude your visit with a talk about herbal medicine used by the Mayo people. Next, travel through the rich farmlands of the Sierra Madre mountains to the quaint old silver town of Alamos. This charming city's cobblestone streets are lined with beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. Dinner tonight is highlighted by a music and dance cultural presentation by costumed performers
Overnight: Alamos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday -Walking Tour in Alamos, San Carlos
Take a morning stroll in the streets of Los Alamos with a local guide who introduces you to the history of this colonial city, a designated National Monument. Its elaborate mansions, restored to their original glory, date back to a bygone era when the silver mines here were among the richest in the world. After lunch, travel through the rich farmlands of Sonora, before arriving in San Carlos, a fishing village and resort community perched on the Sea of Cortez, known for its crystal-clear warm waters and beautiful sunsets
Overnight: San Carlos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Cruise on the Sea of Cortez, Pearl Farm
Board a private boat this morning for a scenic cruise on the shimmering Sea of Cortez; a highlight of the day! Conditions permitting, you may see turtles, pelicans, dolphins, or even sea lions. After, a fascinating tour of the Guaymas Pearl Farm, the first cultured pearl farm in the Americas, and an ongoing research facility of pearl-producing oysters. Here learn about the specialized art of pearl oyster farming, grading, and quality selection. Then, an opportunity to view the finished products of pearls in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Afterward, continue to Mirador, a popular viewpoint over the Sea of Cortez where you can view the beautiful terrain of the region. Return to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool, suntan on the beach, or shop to your heart's content. This evening join your newfound friends and Tour manager for a Farewell Dinner
Overnight: San Carlos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday - Cross the Border into the United States
Today, an early morning departure traveling north, to cosmopolitan Hermosillo. View the lovely colonial Cathedral and the Government Palace, decorated with multicolored murals portraying the history of the Sonoran region. Continue through the Sonoran Desert with its long stretches of flat scrub and unusual organ-pipe cacti before you re-enter the USA through Nogales, Arizona
Overnight: Tucson
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10, Saturday - Return Home
Transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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