Itinerary
Day 1 :
We meet the tour manager in Los Mochis. Then proceed by private transport to El Fuerte for overnight at the beautiful historic colonial Mansion Posada del Hidalgo. Dinner is on your own at the "al fresco" restaurant. Fresh lobster or bass cooked mexican style.Day 2 :
After an early buffet breakfast, and a short trip to the station you are soon settled in the First Class car of El Chepe
air conditioned comfort of the Chihuahua del Pacifico railroad and the most dramatic and exhilirating rail journey in the western hemisphere, is about to commence.
Past and through towering mountains, dizzying gorges, you roll across the backbone of the continent up to an altitude of about 7000 feet
on this 6 hour journey to Creel in the heart of Sierra Madre Mountains and Tahahumara country,
A late lunch is prepared at the hotel, Sierra Lodge, our accommodation for the night.
Afternoon touring to visit Tarahumara settlements and breathtaking views from the canyon Rim.Dinner by candlelight and oil lamps (no hydro in them thar hills.
Day 3 :
After an early breakfast, with our local guide, we board the transport to commence the descend to the tropical oasis of Batopilas on the canyon bottom 4 to 6 hours of switch back road takes us from 7000ft. to about 1500ft. above sea level, Several stops en route to properly absorb the spectacular scenery that unfold above and below your feet. Have your bird watching bi'noc's at the ready, Accommodation in Batopilas for two nights is Casa Real de las Minas a charmingly rustic hacienda of yesteryear. After a welcome Marguarita and lunch, we make our first exploration along the Urique River. Now you are in North Americas deepest, most remote canyon and Batolilas is Old Mexico" personified with the fragrance of wood smoke, orange blossom, toasted corn, fried onions and the livestock sharing the main road. There are several small restaurants and it's up to your nose to select one for dinner other wise Martin Alcaraz the hotel owner/manager will advise you.Day 4 :
After breakfast, we commence a full morning of hiking with our local guide, returning to base at lunch time for sustenance and perhaps a siesta before a smaller afternoon hike until sunset. After sundowners in the hacienda courtyard we have dinner at the restaurant that had most appeal last night.Day 5 :
This morning is for relaxing in town and along the river, bird or people watching before re boarding our transport for the ascend to the Rim. But this time via a different route emerging at Barrancas ( Divisadero ). We proceed directly to our hotel Barrancas Mirador, a first class timber lodge, right on the Rim looking straight down. Margaritas and dinner is waiting for us in the attractive dining room with a breath taking view. : Retire in your fireplace equipped room with the same view, or gab around the enormous fireplace in the lounge with another of those lovely Margaitas.Day 6 :
After a leisurely breakfast we take a short hike up and along the Rim to some advantageous lookout points. Then pack for a short bus ride to the rail platform for a 1:15pm Chepe departure to Los Mochis arriving at 8:50pm. Dinner (not included) and overnight at Hotel Santa Anita a full service hotel in Los MochisDay 7 :
After breakfast transfer to airportExtention
Optional extension to beach resort. Whale watching.• A Ferry trip across Sea of Cortez.
• A 3 night beach resort stay.
• All day whale watching boat excursion
Transfer from your Los Mochis hotel to Topolamambo Harbour to board ferry and crossing Sea of Cortez to La Paz, a 6 hour trip in a private cabin for 2 people, then transfer to La Concha Beach Resort for 3 nights.
Day 8 :
First day at leisure to enjoy the beach and clear ocean water of the Sea of Cortez, which at this time is the mating and feeding venue of the Grey whales before migrating backDay 9 :
All day boat excursion with a local skipper/guide, cruising the Bay of Magdalena to watch the Grey whales breach, spray, hop and perhaps come right up to the boat.Return to La Concha Resort before dinner time. Evening at leisure