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DAY 1, FRIDAY APRIL 25 (VT)

GROUP ARRIVAL — MAZATLAN AIRPORT (MZT)

Group arrival at Mazatlán Airport (Airport Code: MZT). Mazatlán is a vibrant coastal city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the state of Sinaloa. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and lively atmosphere, Mazatlán offers a mix of cultural, natural, and recreational attractions.

We will become acquainted with this lovely beach city aboard a pulmonia ride. Pulmonias are open-air taxis unique to Mazatlán, resembling golf carts or modified dune buggies. They are a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city. We will visit the Malecon, the historic Old Town, and various attractions. Orientation Meal is included today. (D)

HOTEL: Estrella del Mar (2 nights)

DAY 2, SATURDAY APRIL 26 (VT)

DAY IN MAZATLAN & NEARBY VILLAGES

After breakfast at the hotel, meet at 9am at the hotel lobby for our visit to the nearby villages of La Noria, Vinta an Quelite. These charming villages offer a tantalizing taste of traditional Mexican culture. With their charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and friendly locals, are a feast for the senses. Explore the local markets, visit historic churches, and indulge in a mouthwatering traditional lunch (included) that these villages are renowned for.

After lunch we continue with our visit, which includes a stop at a blue agave distillery. While Mazatlán is not typically known for its production of tequila (which is made from blue agave), you can still find blue agave plants growing in the region. Return to Mazatlán late afternoon. Enjoy an evening of leisure. (B,L)

DAY 3, SUNDAY APRIL 27 (VT)

MOTORCOACH TRANSFER TO EL FUERTE (6 HOURS)

After an early breakfast, we transfer to El Fuerte. The travel distance from Mazatlán to El Fuerte is approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles). The journey typically takes around 5-6 hours. We will stop for lunch en route. El Fuerte, located in the state of Sinaloa, is known for its historic colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and as a gateway to the Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) region. Traveling from Mazatlán to El Fuerte provides an opportunity to explore more of the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the state of Sinaloa.

Arrive in El Fuerte to enjoy a walking city tour. El Fuerte is one of 4 Magical Towns (Pueblo Mágico) in the state of Sinaloa. Your overnight is in Posada Hidalgo-a restored sprawling hacienda of a former mayor with a beautiful courtyard full of tropical vegetation, a swimming pool and is well known for its superb cuisine.  (B,L,D)

HOTEL: Posada Hidalgo (1 night)

DAY 4, MONDAY APRIL 28 (VT)/(TT)

EL FUERTE SINALOA / CREEL, CHIHUAHUA

Breakfast at Posada Hidalgo. Check out and gather at the lobby at 08:00am for a 20-minute van ride to El Fuerte Train Station. All aboard! the Chihuahua al Pacífico train expedition through the Copper Canyon on the famous El Chepe. Journey the Sierra Madre Mountains ascending from sea level to almost 8,000 ft. This engineering masterpiece took about 90 years and 90 million dollars to complete. The engineers had to plan for 87 tunnels and 39 bridges to complete the line! It has been called, “The most dramatic train ride in the western hemisphere”.

TRAIN SCHEDULE: Depart El Fuerte Train Station at 09:20am. Arrive Creel Train Station at 5:40PM.

Disembark at the Creel Train Station and a short transfer to your hotel at Lodge at Creel. Creel is Magical Town (pueblo magico) at an altitude of 7,710 ft above sea level. (B,L,D)

HOTEL: The Lodge at Creel (2 nights)

DAY 5, TUESDAY APRIL 29 (VT)

TOUR OF CREEL & CUSARARE

Breakfast at Hotel. Meet at the hotel lobby at 09:00am for a day to explore Tarahumara Country. Discover ancient culture, traditions, customs and history of the Tarahumara in Creel. Discover the magnificent wilderness outside Creel on a tour of the Valley of the Mushrooms, Frogs and Monks, Lake Arareko, San Ignacio Mission, Cusárare Waterfall, Cusárare Mission, Indian Cave, and Loyola Museum. This tour begins and ends in Creel. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, WEDNESDAY APRIL 30 (VT) / (TT)

CREEL to DIVISADERO (COPPER CANYON), CHIHUAHUA

Breakfast at hotel. The transfer from Creel to Divisadero is just over an hour’s ride. As you travel between these two destinations, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the rugged canyon landscape, deep gorges, towering cliffs, and lush forests. The road winds its way through the Sierra Tarahumara Mountain range, providing opportunities to see the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

As you approach Divisadero, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular vistas of the Copper Canyon from various viewpoints. The canyon’s deep ravines and dramatic rock formations create a jaw-dropping backdrop that is sure to leave a lasting impression. You are right on the rim of Copper Canyon – the most scenic location in all the canyon system. Your hotel has a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere and it is very conducive to contemplating the natural wonders around you. From the comfort of your room’s balcony, you will feel surrounded by the lush beauty of the Copper Canyons. In this place of privileged beauty, we recommend you accompany your guide for a walk around the edge of the canyon to enjoy the majestic views. A basket weaving demonstration will be presented. Travelers will learn the remarkable legacy of the Tarahumara; their intact culture and art. (B,L,D)

HOTEL: Mirador on the Rim (2 nights)

DAY 7, THURSDAY MAY 1 (VT) / (TT)

DIVISADERO (COPPER CANYON)

Breakfast at Hotel Mirador. Meet at 9am at the hotel lobby for a spectacular view to the Divisadero Overlook and Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) Adventure Park. The Park is in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara. It has the third longest cable car line in the world, a restaurant with glass walls and floor to continue your enjoyment of the spectacular views. There is also hiking, biking and horseback riding. Another feature is the zip lines, which claim to be some of the longest in the world. There are hanging bridges, rock climbing with anchor points, and a world of adventure sports. Numerous opportunities to continue to explore the canyon and to enjoy the gorgeous views and special events are available at Hotel Mirador. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, FRIDAY MAY 2 (TT)

DIVISADERO (COPPER CANYON) to EL FUERTE SINALOA

Breakfast at Hotel Mirador. Check out and be at the lobby at 09:00am to transfer to Divisadero Train Station. Ride the Chihuahua al Pacífico train on your return journey through the Copper Canyon on the famous El Chepe. Journey the Sierra Madre Mountains descending from over 7,000 ft to sea level. You will be riding through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

TRAIN SCHEDULE: Depart Divisadero Train Station at 9:55am. Arrive at El Fuerte Train Station 2:35pm. Travelers will disembark at the El Fuerte Train Station. Transportation waits for our transfer to the city of Los Mochis (90 minutes). We will pass through the scenic countryside of the state through the diverse landscapes of the region, giving you a taste of both the rural countryside and the coastal areas of western Mexico. A walking tour of the city is included. (B,L,D)

HOTEL: Hotel Santa Anita (1 night)

DAY 9, SATURDAY MAY 3 (VT)

TRANSFER TO MAZATLAN

Leisure breakfast at hotel. The distance from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, to Mazatlán, Sinaloa, is approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles). The journey typically takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Traveling between these two cities provides a scenic route through the state of Sinaloa, offering views of the countryside, mountains, and coastal areas along the way. Enjoy an evening of leisure. (B,L)

HOTEL: Estrella del Mar (1 night)

DAY 10, SUNDAY MAY 4 (VT)

MAZATLAN AIRPORT

Leisure breakfast at hotel. For international flights, it is generally recommended to check in at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. (B)

El Chepe First Class Description