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Copper Canyon and the Sea of Cortez
Aboard the Sea Bird
From $3,990 per person, based on double occupancy. Solo occupancy rates from $5,980.
Trip Details
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Trip Overview
Begin with an exploration of the Sea of Cortez, Spending your days hiking, whale watching, bird watching, snorkeling and kayaking. Then fly to the Mexican mainland and take a rail journey to the rim of Copper Canyon. Until the railroad's completion four decades ago, 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. Spend time on nature walks in the desert environment.
Trip Itinerary
Saturday, January 2, 2010: U.S./Los Cabos, Mexico/La Paz/Embark
Arrive Los Cabos airport early afternoon. Enjoy a scenic drive to our ship in La Paz and set sail on the Sea of Cortez. (D)
Sunday, January 3: Isla Santa Catalina
This morning search for whales in the waters around Isla Danzante, an area which has proven to be one of the best for finding several species of whales, and often bottlenose and common dolphins. In the afternoon, visit lovely Isla Santa Catalina to walk among huge cacti, swim, snorkel and observe the great diversity of bird life — verdins, woodpeckers and Costa’s hummingbirds. (B,L,D)
Monday, January 4: Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. Explore a narrow desert canyon or a marine-rich tide pool on one of the many diverse islands or snorkel in the clear waters of an isolated cove. You may also explore by kayak. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, January 5: Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
At Isla Los Islotes, you have an opportunity for one of life’s greatest pleasures — snorkeling among playful sea lions. With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espiritu Santo is perhaps the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. You have a leisurely afternoon for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, long walks and perhaps even a beach barbecue. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, January 6: La Paz/Disembark/El Fuerte
This morning, disembark in La Paz and fly via jet service to Los Mochis, then take a brief ride by motorcoach to the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the small town of El Fuerte. Founded in 1564, El Fuerte was for many years the frontier outpost where expeditions to California and New Mexico began. Today it is a place of quiet charm, with cobblestone streets lined with buildings from the colonial era and a lovely town square. In the afternoon, take a rafting excursion on the El Fuerte
River. Overnight at a nearby lodge. (B,L,D)
Thursday, January 7: Copper Canyon
Travel in the comfort of the first-class service of the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad to the top of the Copper Canyon. Your journey takes you 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 before emerging onto a breathtaking scene of mountain ranges and canyons extending to the horizon. From your lodge, the Posada Mirador, there is time for walks along the rim and short hikes into the
canyon itself. Or just relax and enjoy the view. (B,L,D)
Friday, January 8: Copper Canyon
Today, accompanied by a local guide, explore more of the Copper Canyon, including a visit to a Tarahumara village located near the canyon’s rim. Protected from the outside world by their rugged surroundings, the Tarahumara have kept many of their pre-Columbian traditions. (B,L,D)
Saturday, January 9: Copper Canyon/Chihuahua
After watching sunrise over the canyon, travel by motorcoach to Chihuahua, descending from the mountains into the broad San Antonio Valley. Along the way, see communities of Mennonites, the primary settlers of this fertile agricultural region. This evening we gather for our farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Sunday, January 10: Chihuahua/U.S.
After breakfast, travel to the airport for flights back to the United States (B)
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