- Travel on the First Class "El Chepe" train through the Copper Canyon
- Join the locals for a fiesta on the "Tequila Express"
- Explore some of Mexico's finest colonial cities

Colonial Mexico
Our first days are spent in Mexico City, a place that has been at the centre of life for several mighty empires, from Teotihuacan to the Aztecs and then the Spanish under Cortes. Heading north, we pause at the remarkably well-preserved colonial centre of Queretaro, whose splendid historical buildings are hidden by the modern city that has built up around it. Continuing to Guanajuato we arrive at a city nestled into the hills where the narrow streets and profusion of colonial architecture give the town an intimate atmosphere.

Tequila Express
At Guadalajara, we have time to wander the through cobbled plazas that are largely unchanged since colonial times before boarding the Tequila Express that will carry us into the Tequila-agave fields. The train ride is aimed at local tourists and most of our fellow passengers will be Mexican. Soaking up the festival atmosphere, we'll join them eating, dancing and drinking the zingy spirit for which the region is so famous.

Copper Canyon
From Chihuahua we board "El Chepe", the First Class train service that will carry us for the next 3 days through the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains. A remarkable feat of engineering, the Copper Canyon Railway winds it way across 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, presenting us with jaw-dropping views. One of the highlights of our journey will be the overnight stops at the villages of Posada Barrancas and Cerocahui, that give us a taste of local life before we arrive at our final destination of El Fuerte.

Baja California Extension
If you have more time, we highly recommend taking an extra few days to discover the turquoise seas, wildlife and sandy beaches of the Baja Peninsula. From our comfortable base near La Paz we go whale watching in season (late Dec - mid Mar) and out of season we take a boat to Magdalena Island searching for bottlenose dolphins.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Mexico City. 2 In Mexico City; visit Teotihuacan & Tenochtitlan Pyramids. 3 Visit Anthropology Museum; drive Queretaro. 4 Tour of Queretaro; drive to Guanajuato. 5 Visit Guanajuato; drive Guadalajara; city tour. 6 In Guadalajara; Tequila Express train. 7 Free in Guadalajara; fly Chihuahua. 8 Board "El Chepe" to Creel & Posada Barrancas. 9 Train to Cerocahui; drive Mirador de Cerro Gallegos. 10 Train to El Fuerte. 11 AM In El Fuerte. PM Fly Mexico City. 12 Tour ends Mexico City.

Please note - itineraries displayed on our website for tours departing from January 2010 onwards are subject to change - you will be advised of any material changes at the time of booking.

Accommodation: 11nts hotels; standard hotels throughout the tour using good 3 or 4-star places, several of which are converted colonial buildings. All rooms have private facilities and air-conditioning; 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners included.
Transport: Train/Bus/On Foot. We travel in Standard Class (the only class) on the Tequila Express and First Class on "El Chepe", the Copper Canyon Train. On "El Chepe" a bar and restaurant is available.
Comment: An inspiring tour that combines the highlights of colonial Mexico with train journeys aboard the "Tequila Express" and "El Chepe". The former gives us a real taste of modern Mexico and the later is one of the world's foremost scenic rail trips. Suitable for people of all abilities, all walks are optional.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader and driver(s).
Trip Reference: RMX2009