What To Expect On Your First Copper Canyon Tour
The Copper Canyon of Mexico remains one of the country’s most compelling travel destinations. The beauty of Mexico remains on full display via a train tour throughout the province of Chihuahua, offering a different pace of travel, far different than the resorts Mexico has grown a reputation for. Seek our adventure and explore the rugged beauty of the one-of-a-kind and entirely safe travel experience through the stunning Copper Canyon.
Exploring the Copper Canyon with a qualified travel group is the ultimate way of experiencing this incredibly unique and authentic adventure. Learn the fine details of travel throughout the Copper Canyon via train, when the best time to visit is, what to expect, and how you can book this trip for yourself alongside the travel experts at Caravan.
What You Will Learn From This Article
Look at this quick summary of what you will learn from this article, offered on behalf of Caravan.
- Day-By-Day Details Of Your Ten-Day Journey
- What To Pack and How To Prepare
- Activities Available On Your Journey
- Connecting With Authentic Indigenous Cultures (Customs and Culture)
- Food and Allergies
- Costs and What is Included
- Physical Fitness, Mobility, and Accessibility
Day-By-Day Details of Your Trip Through The Copper Canyon
If you’ve never been to the Copper Canyon or to Mexico by train, here’s exactly what a 10‑day, fully‑guided tour of the Copper Canyon offered by Caravan looks like:
- Day 1: Fly directly into Phoenix, Arizona, via PHX and join up with the Caravan team after hotel check-in. The welcome briefing begins at 8:00 p.m.
- Day 2: Early morning departure sees you and your travel guides cross into Mexico at Nogales, with a quick stop in Santa Ana for lunch. Cross through the rugged terrains of Mexico, but also see pecan tree orchards on your way through the Sonoran Desert, to your hotel in San Carlos. Enjoy two days of rest and relaxation.
- Day 3: Take part in a morning leisure cruise of the Sea of Cortez, where you can view marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins. Then drive to Tetakawi for viewing a sunset overlooking the Gulf of California.
- Day 4: Visit the Guaymas Pearl Farm and then head south for exploration of the Yaqui and Mayo lands occupied by indigenous communities. Next, the tour visits the historic and beautiful town of El Fuerte.
- Day 5: Gently float down the El Fuerte River, catching glimpses of exotic birds and fish, and then head off to a fully-guided walking tour of the town of El Fuerte. Mingle with locals and shop for hand-crafted gifts and souvenirs. Enjoy the scenery and rest up for what comes next.
- Day 6: Hop on an entirely private chartered train facilitated by Caravan tours. Sit back and relax while appreciating the stunning views of the Copper Canyon, taking in the rolling hills and tropical farmlands. Be amazed by the views of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and view these remote lands that feel like they are untouched by man. Arrive in the beautiful town of Barrancas and enjoy two nights at a hotel directly on the rim of the Copper Canyon, with an elevation of up to 7,300 feet.
- Day 7: Visit the Copper Canyon Adventure Park via aerial tram, enjoying the park’s available activities. Enjoy this experience at your own pace, shopping and dining entirely at your leisure.
- Day 8: Depart and drive off to the beautiful city of Chihuahua, where you can enjoy tasting the Sotol while strolling through local art galleries and pottery shops. Enjoy the town and connect with locals, enjoying local food and drink.
- Day 9: See the sights and historic landmarks of Chihuahua by car and then depart through the Chihuahuan Desert, crossing over the Rio Grande back into the United States. Arrive at your hotel in El Paso, Texas.
- Day 10: Now your trip comes to an end, where you are transferred by shuttle from your hotel to El Paso International Airport (ELP) in El Paso, Texas. Fly to your home destination via ELP.
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions For Caravan’s Tour of The Copper Canyon
Have questions? Use this article to learn more about the details of the Caravan tour of the Copper Canyon.
Are Caravan Tours of The Copper Canyon Safe?
Yes.
The guided nature of Caravan’s tour of the Copper Canyon is completely safe for all travelers. Our travel specialists ensure you are safe throughout every leg of the journey, allowing you to focus on the natural landscapes and the full enjoyment of your trip.
How Large is a Caravan Travel Group?
Our travel groups can range, but you can expect to be touring alongside 30-40 other travelers.
Is The Entire Tour of The Copper Canyon Private?
For your comfort and safety, our tours are fully guided and private. The train ride through the Copper Canyon includes reserved seats alongside your travel group.
What’s Included in A Caravan Tour of The Copper Canyon?
Caravan’s tour of Mexico’s Copper Canyon includes fully booked accommodation and transportation services, with a travel itinerary that includes activities. The tour is fully private, with travel professionals working to take care of the logistics while offering deep insight and knowledge on each portion of the trip. Much of the food, but not all, is covered throughout the tour.
There are occasional meals that you will need to purchase for yourself. Speak with a travel representative from Caravan to learn more about the included food and meals.
Gifts or souvenirs are not included with the Caravan trip. Extras, including food and beverage, are not included, as well as tips.
What is The Typical Daily Schedule For The Copper Canyon Tour?
Caravan tours often include early mornings, but there are moments in the Copper Canyon tour specifically for rest and relaxation. The daily schedule for the Copper Canyon tour from Caravan is considered quite busy and can include extended travel via both train and car.
What Should You Pack for Caravan’s Tour of The Copper Canyon?
Consider packing the following items for your tour of the Copper Canyon:
- Bottled water.
- Comfortable shoes suitable for hiking.
- A wide-brim hat.
- Extra sunscreen.
- Breathable clothing.
- Bug or insect repellent.
- Fully charged smartphone or camera.
- A backpack, should you wish to bring an additional change of clothes or other items.
What Activities Are Available Throughout The Copper Canyon Tour?
Caravan’s 10-day tour is considered an “adventure tour,” where guests can participate in hikes, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, shopping, swimming, and much more. Visiting the Copper Canyon Adventure Park provides the opportunity for ziplining, bungee jumping, biking, aerial tram car rides, mini-golf, and nature hikes. Some activities may come at an additional cost. Consult directly with Caravan to learn more about included activities.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
Caravan’s tour of the Copper Canyon is best suited for able-bodied travelers in search of adventure and exploration! This can include families, couples, solo travelers, and seniors with reasonable mobility.
How Much Does Caravan’s Tour of Copper Canyon Cost?
Costs associated with the tour are $1895 per person for a double room. Single room travel tours are $2295 per person. Prices are subject to change. Flights are not included with the purchase price, and guests will need to make arrangements for arriving at PHX and then departing from ELP airports.
Is This Tour Suitable For Those With Food Allergies?
Caravan has carefully chosen food options for travelers on this tour at every stop. Those with serious food allergies will need to speak directly with a Caravan tour specialist to learn more.
Does Caravan’s Tour Include Drinking Water?
Many portions of the tour include bottled water. Furthermore, Caravan’s motorcoach offers unlimited bottled water. We encourage guests to use bottled water for drinking or brushing their teeth. Avoid drinks with ice and avoid street vendors offering water, as Caravan can not guarantee its safety.
What Are The Scenic Highlights of The Copper Canyon Tour?
The Copper Canyon train ride offers the most stunning views of natural landscapes, including the canyons of Divisadero, the rock formations found throughout the Valley of Monks, the natural wonders of the Cusarare Falls, and stunning views of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
How To Prepare For a Tour of The Copper Canyon?
Preparation for the Copper Canyon tour from Caravan requires travelers to pack for adventure, but also consider their physical abilities. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure, including boat rides and nature hikes, and some activities may not be suitable for everyone. General mobility and the ability to partake in nature hikes are recommended. Consider learning basic Spanish phrases before your arrival to connect with locals and make the most of your trip.
What Cultural Customs Should Guests Know Before Their Trip?
There are opportunities to visit indigenous tribes throughout the Copper Canyon trip. Remain respectful and polite through all interactions. Look to support these indigenous cultures by purchasing their crafts or other handmade souvenirs.
When Is The Best Time To Take Part in The Copper Canyon Tour?
Let’s break down the best times to take part in Caravan’s tour of The Copper Canyon based on your own unique travel preferences.
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall | |
| Weather | Cooler temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. | Cool and mild temps and less rainy. | Hot and humid with sporadic rainfall. | Less rain with comfortable temperatures |
| Crowds | Fewer tourists and less busy than in other seasons. | Increase in tourists ramping up before summer | Busy travel season with an increase in crowds. | The busiest travel season with the most tourists |
Are There Altitude Sickness Concerns For Travelers of The Copper Canyon?
Sometimes, yes. The mountain ranges of the Copper Canyon take travelers through many different altitudes, including anywhere from 300 feet on the canyon floors, all the way to 7,900 feet. The fluctuations in altitudes may not be suitable for every traveler. Speak to your doctor prior to booking your trip if you are vulnerable to altitude sickness.
Is The Entire Caravan Tour To The Copper Canon Fully-Booked?
Spaces for these kinds of tours tend to fill up quickly, especially if you are planning on completing the tour during the Summer or Fall months. Book in advance to ensure the best possible travel arrangements.
On‑The‑Ground Travel Tips From Caravan
Our travel specialists remain dedicated to offering the most exciting tour of the Copper Canyon available on the market. Our on-the-ground travel specialists encourage you to:
- Learn basic Spanish to help communicate with locals.
- Bring a camera to capture the incredibly scenic nature of the many stops.
- Stay hydrated throughout the entire trip.
- Get a full night’s rest every night during the trip itself.
- Remain ready for adventure and a busy schedule!
- Learn directly from guides who maintain deep knowledge of the tour and the beautiful country of Mexico.
Why Caravan Remains Your Top Provider of Guided Travel Experiences
Caravan maintains an incredibly long history of providing private and guided tours throughout the world! Our deep knowledge and travel expertise ensure that you experience the very best of Mexico’s Copper Canyon, with carefully curated stops along the way. We handle the details of logistics and accommodations, ensuring safe travel throughout Mexico. Never worry about a detail, but instead focus on the full enjoyment of your trip.
Private travel groups are likely the safest way of experiencing the Copper Canyon. Travel with certainty knowing that Caravan is here to guide you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Mexico.
Ready to book? Reach out now to speak with a Caravan travel agent and inquire about available upcoming tours. Book today by calling 1 (312)-321-9800, or 1-800-CARAVAN to speak with one of our representatives. Don’t delay, as spaces are limited!
We are as excited as you are about exploring the beauty of Mexico and the Copper Canyon!
