This morning we cross the Mexican border and the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo river and suddenly enter the vast, empty desert which forms most of Mexico’s largest state – Chihuahua. In the agricultural area irrigated by the Casas Grandes and Piedras Verdes rivers we tour the ruins of the most important archaeological site in northern Mexico – Paquime. This was a culture which combined elements of the Anasazi-Pueblo Indian cultures of what is today’s south western US with elements of the classic cultures of central Mexico. The Paquime culture is thought to have arisen as early as 700 AD and flourished for nearly 800 years. This afternoon we explore the key features of this adobe city spread over 88 acres and encompassing 1,780 rooms – many of them several floors high with functioning water systems. We also visit the nearby Museum to see artifacts discovered at the site, including Paquime jewellery and musical instruments. Many of these artifacts show that the Paquime people traded very widely. They were particularly famous for their very thin-walled, multicoloured pottery made without a wheel. Overnight in Nuevo Casas Grandes. Hotel Hacienda or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Today we travel further south through the desert parallel to the Sierra Madre mountains until we reach the agricultural settlements around the town of Cuidad Guerrero. From here we drive up into the Sierra Madre mountains themselves to Creel, one of the larger of the small towns in the Copper Canyon region - standing a towering 7,874 feet above sea level. Although one of the valleys in this area is actually called the Copper Canyon, most people use the name “Copper Canyon” to mean this whole mountainous area and the many valleys that cut through it. The other name given to this area is the Sierra Tarahumara. Overnight in Creel. Best Western The Lodge at Creel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Today we explore the area by bus and on foot to enjoy spectacular views of the many canyons. This morning we experience the fascinating culture of the unique Tarahumara people first hand. We learn about their traditional dances, tribal games and long-distance foot races. We visit the “Indian Cave”, San Ignacio Mission, rock formations and Lake Arareko. Later this morning we board the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad for an awe-inspiring train journey. Today we see the Tararecua Canyon and the Copper Canyon itself. We stop at El Divisadero (2,240 metres/7,347 feet above sea level) for 15 minutes for photos before continuing to travel downhill from east - west through the spectacular “Copper Canyon” area that takes us through numerous tunnels and over countless bridges, including “El Lazo” – where the line loops completely round over itself. This evening we arrive in El Fuerte at just 180 metres/600 feet above sea level. First of 2 nights in El Fuerte. Hotel El Fuerte or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

After a relaxed start at our lovely hotel we drive out into the countryside to take a boat ride along the El Fuerte River. This is an excellent opportunity for bird watching, so bring your binoculars. This afternoon we return to El Fuerte and step back in time as we take a short walking tour of the beautiful Spanish Colonial town. This colorful settlement was founded by the Spaniards in 1564, and sits gracefully in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This evening, at dinner, we enjoy a display of Mexican music and dancing. Second of 2 nights in El Fuerte. Hotel El Fuerte or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

This morning we reboard the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad, but this time traveling west – east up into the mountains. There are no roads across the Copper Canyon region, so we travel both ways by train. This allows us to see the amazing canyons and mountains from different angles and at different times of day in different light conditions. In some places, such as at Temoris (where there are 16 tunnels), the track loops back on itself so much in order to climb the steep gradients that it’s difficult to tell which way you are traveling! You can easily photograph where you’ve come from and where you’re going – at the same time! “Copper Canyon” is a common name given to this whole area which is cut through with many valleys and canyons. This morning we catch glimpses from the train of the Septentrion Canyon and the Urique Canyon. Upon arrival at Bahuichivo station we transfer on a local road to our lodge near Cerocahui, where we enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Today we have lunch included. After lunch we explore the surrounding area at the heart of “the Copper Canyon” region, including spectacular views of the Urique Canyon. We drive to the Cero del Gallego lookout point. You also have some free time to enjoy this beautiful region at your own pace. Overnight in the “Copper Canyon.” Hotel Mision de Cerocahui or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

This morning we return to Bahuichivo station to take the train again, continuing east to El Divisadero where we board our coach for our journey to the city of Chihuahua. Along the way we pass through the Mennonite settlement of Cuauhtemoc and the surrounding flat agricultural area – quite a contrast with the wild mountains of the Sierra Tarahumara. Overnight in Chihuahua. Hotel San Francisco or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Our guided tour of Chihuahua City includes the home of Pancho Villa (now a museum) where we learn about the Mexican Revolution. We also take a guided tour of the Government Palace building with its huge murals (in the style of Diego Rivera) depicting the history of the State of Chihuahua. We drive through the residential areas to see some of the fine mansions and the Aquaduct. We visit the huge Cathedral of San Francisco and have time to explore the area around the city’s central square, the Plaza de Armas. Later, we drive north through the empty Chihuahuan Desert and cross back into the United States. Overnight in El Paso, Texas. Best Western Airport Inn or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.