Explore the beaches, canyons, colonial towns and remarkable marine life of Mexico’s remote northwest corner. From the tranquil town of El Fuerte, you take the wonderful “Chihuahua al Pacifico” railroad up into the heights of the magnificent Copper Canyon. Experience vast panoramic vistas, lost mining towns and rich Tarahumara culture before you fly across to La Paz in Baja California. From there, you enjoy a boat trip across to the island of Espiritu Santo, whale-watching in the tranquil waters of Magdalena Bay before you continue south via Todos Santos to finish the trip at the charming beach resort of Los Cabos.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Ride the famous “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Train
  • Explore the magnificent landscapes of the Copper Canyon
  • Snorkel in th Sea of Cortez, the “aquarium of the world”
  • Enjoy whale-watching trips in Magdalena Bay
  • Enjoy some R&R amidst the rich and famous at Los Cabos

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

13

Nights

Price Guide

Prices on demand

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Arrive

Mexico

plan line
Day 1-3

Copper Canyon & El Chepe!

Fly to Los Mochis and overnight in the pretty colonial town of El Fuerte, gateway to the magnificent Copper Canyon. From here, the adventure begins as you board the “El Chepe” or “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway for a dizzying journey up into the awe-inspiring Copper Canyon. The railroad winds its way into the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains negotiating some 37 bridges and 86 tunnels to reach the heights of the canyon. Disembarking the train, spend 2 days marvelling at the glorious views and exploring the individual canyons and rich Tarahumara indigenous culture. For those with a good head for heights, you may like to take a breathtaking cable-car ride across the rugged expanse!

Day 4-6

Deeper into the Copper Canyon!

Enjoy one of Mexico’s most spectacular roads as you journey deeper into the canyon, descending a series of dramatic switchbacks to reach the historic mining outpost Batopilas. Based at a rustic lodge, you have a full day to explore Batopilas with your guide, delving into the history of an era lost in time. Visit the “Lost Cathedral of Satevo”, an impressive church built on the back of the mining boom or stretch your legs with a wonderful day-hike amidst towering canyon walls. Returning to Creel, you bid farewell to the Copper Canyon and head back by train to El Fuerte.

Day 4-6

La Paz & the Sea of Cortez

Fly to La Paz, capital of Baja California and a small, unassuming city framed by picturesque beaches and jagged cliff-tops lapped by the Sea of Cortez, the “aquarium of the world” and one of the richest bodies of water on the planet. Wander the bustling Malecon waterfront, visit the picturesque Balandra Beach or enjoy a boat-trip out to the glorious wildlife sanctuary of Espiritu Santo Island. If you are feeling adventurous, you may prefer to tour the island by kayak paddling the turquoise waters beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs. Travel between November and March and you coincide with the annual whale shark migration and the chance to swim alongside these magical creatures!

Day 9-11

Whale-watching & Todos Santos

4 hours from la Paz, Magdalena Bay is home the world-famous breeding grounds of Pacific Gray Whales and offers incredible whale-watching trips and close encounters with these remarkable marine mammals. Based in local fishing cabins or a dedicated whale-watching camp, you will enjoy guided boat-trips into the crystal-clear waters to observe the whales, almost hunted to extinction a century earlier. From here, you continue to the funky beach resort of Todos Santos, a beautiful spot for hiking, bird-watching, swimming and surfing.

Day 12-13

Beaches, Glamour & incredible views!

Your journey ends at the tip of Baja California with a stay at a comfortable resort in Los Cabos overlooking the pounding Pacific. Los Cabos is famous for its jagged cliffs, picture-postcard beaches (although not all suited to swimming) and artistic atmosphere and you can choose to do as much or as little as you like. Activities range from snorkeling, surfing and riding to whale-watching, walking and fishing.

dot joiner for itins
Day 14

Transfer to Los Cabos airport for onward connections

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Prices on demand

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

Mexico is a wonderful year-round destination although each region has its own separate micro-climate. In the south, temperatures range between 25 – 35° in the lowlands and on the Pacific and Yucatan Peninsula. Here, days are warmer and more humid between May and October, the rainy season where afternoons often end with a short tempestuous downpour. However, Mexico’s Caribbean coast does lie on the hurricane belt which is at its height between the months of September and October. Travelling north through Mexico’s colonial highlands up into the Sierra Madre Mountains, temperatures drop down into the 10’s and beyond owing to the altitude especially over Christmas although days tend to be bright and generally sunny. Baja California is dry, arid and hottest between January and February, a time that coincides with excellent walking in the Copper Canyon and whale-watching in the lagoons of Magdalena Bay.

Add on’s

Why not fly south and contrast the dramatic landscapes of the Copper Canyon and Sea Cortez with the stunning colonial cities of the Yucatan such as Campeche and Merida, a perfect base to explore the ancient Mayan wonders of Uxmal and Chichen Itza. You could then venture into the jungle of Chiapas to visit dreamy Palenque before continuing south into Guatemala to visit the wonderful highlights of Tikal, Antigua and Lake Atitlan.

Mexico also combine beautifully with the wildlife and national parks of Costa Rica, such as Tortuguero, Cahuita and Arenal. Further afield, there are direct flights to Lima which opens up the Inca highlights of Peru – Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca as well as connections via Panama City to Quito and Ecuador. What better to finish your trip than with a wonderful Galapagos naturalist cruise?

Want a quote on a trip like this?

Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you