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Guided Sightseeing - Copper Canyon Train Tour
Experience our Caravan guided sightseeing tour of Copper Canyon Mexico.
Sightseeing train rides aboard private, air-conditioned rail cars are scheduled during the daytime for optimum sightseeing with exceptional opportunities to take amazing photographs.
This fantastic, guided train tour through Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) is widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic rail car vacation routes.
Book A Guided Sightseeing Tour of Copper Canyon
Call toll-free 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826)
Exceptional Tour Itinerary
You’ll love our carefully planned Mexico tour itinerary that includes stops in:
Weather permitting, you’ll also get to enjoy a relaxing El Fuerte river float trip!
Your Caravan guided sightseeing tour through Copper Canyon is also all-inclusive with no surprise option sales. All meals and luxury hotel accommodations are included for one low tour price.
One of your hotel accommodations is right on the rim near the highest point of Copper Canyon where every room has an unbelievable view of this remote and isolated backcountry.
Unbelievable Copper Canyon Sightseeing Train Trips
In all, there are five major canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain Range that form the Copper Canyon.
The Copper Canyon train, operated by Ferrocaril Mexicano, traverses nearly 400 miles through Copper Canyon’s five major canyons.
Finished in 1961, the rail route took over 90 years to complete. It was a monumental task that necessitated building 38 bridges and blasting 86 tunnels, including the mile-long El Descanso tunnel.
Our Copper Canyon tour gets a lot of compliments. Many of our Caravan tour guests have remarked that they wouldn’t want us to change a thing about our guided sightseeing tour of Copper Canyon.
Most Knowledgeable Tour Guides
We hire outstanding, highly experienced local tour guides. They love sharing not only the intricate details of destinations on this guided sightseeing tour but also the amazing history and culture of Mexico.
Caravan Tours has designed this Copper Canyon train tour to exceed your expectations. Our tours are very informative and well-orchestrated with plenty of stops and incredible photo opportunities. You’ll also have plenty of time to rest, shop, or check out the local areas.
We love it when our guests tell us that our tour guides are organized, knowledgeable, and simply the best tour directors they’ve ever had. You’ll learn so much and be well taken care of.
About the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad
Initially conceived in 1872, Chihauhua-Pacifico Railroad, Mexico’s Copper Canyon rail route, was intended to provide the shortest route for transporting goods from Kansas City to the Pacific Ocean.
The inherent difficulties of engineering and building through such a mountainous region (plus the Mexican Revolution and World War II) delayed the project’s completion until 1961.
The final cost of building Mexico’s rail route through Copper Canyon was over $100 million U.S. dollars, which is nearly one billion in today’s dollars. Learn more about the history of the Chihauhua-Pacifico Railroad here.
About Caravan Tours
Since 1952 (celebrating 70 years in 2022), family-owned and operated Caravan Tours has been conducting fully guided sightseeing tours across the United States, Canada, and Central America.
Our fully guided tours are also offered at exceptional value, which in most cases is 30% less than our competitors.
In Mexico, we also offer guided sightseeing tours of Mexico’s ancient ruins including the famous archeological site at Teotihuacan plus, the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, and Chichen Itza.
Book a Copper Canyon Mexico tour with Caravan Tours and help us celebrate 7 decades of exceptional fully guided travel tours.
Book Your All-Inclusive Copper Canyon Vacation NOW!
Caravan Copper Canyon Mexico tours are fully guided and all-inclusive, so they do tend to sell out. Be sure to book your Copper Canyon train tour early to ensure you can book your preferred tour dates.
If you would like to learn more about our guided sightseeing tour of Copper Canyon Mexico, please get in touch.
• Call Caravan toll-free at 1-800-Caravan (227-2826)
2024 Hotels
2024 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Phoenix, Arizona
Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport
The Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport hotel is located 3 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and offers complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service. The hotel is located on the city’s METRO’s light rail line for easy access to Phoenix and Tempe attractions. The hotel has a full service restaurant, fitness center, beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub. Free WiFi.
Day 2 • San Carlos
Sawari Hotel
The Sawari Hotel is located a little over 1.1 mile from the bay. The Sawari features a main restaurant, bar/lounge, swimming pool, hot tub and a fitness center. Free WiFi.
Days 3, 4 • El Fuerte
Posada del Hidalgo
The Posada del Hidalgo is centrally located for exploring El Fuerte. This beautiful hotel is a former colonial mansion built by Señor Rafael Almada in 1890 for 100,000 gold pesos. Most of the original pine beams and furniture were brought by boat from San Francisco, California. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, high ceilings with wood beams and two story balconies. Most of the rooms are air conditioned and all have private tile baths.
Day 5 • Copper Canyon
El Maravilloso
El Maravilloso is located at the canyon's edge, near the highest point of the canyon. El Maravilloso is the premier hotel on the canyon rim and each guest room has a spectacular view overlooking the canyon. From the hotel you may walk to see the Tarahumara Indians who live in the canyon caves below. You can also shop for native crafts from the Tarahumara artisan vendors who gather in front of the hotel.
Day 6 • Chihuahua
Four Points Sheraton Chihuahua
Located in the heart of Chihuahua's trendiest zone, the Citadela Lifestyle Center, minutes from downtown, bars and restaurants, and the historic center. All of the contemporary guest rooms include hairdryers, safe, free wi-fi and a coffeemaker. Enjoy the fitness center or outdoor pool.
Day 7 • El Paso, Texas
Wyndham El Paso Airport
The Wyndham El Paso Airport, a beautiful airport property with a southwest flair and many amenities including a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, is conveniently located just 200 yards from El Paso International Airport off I-10.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Phoenix, Arizona
Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport
The Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport hotel is located 3 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and offers complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service. The hotel is located on the city’s METRO’s light rail line for easy access to Phoenix and Tempe attractions. The hotel has a full service restaurant, fitness center, beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub. Free WiFi.
Day 2 • San Carlos
Sawari Hotel
The Sawari Hotel is located a little over 1.1 mile from the bay. The Sawari features a main restaurant, bar/lounge, swimming pool, hot tub and a fitness center. Free WiFi.
Days 3, 4 • El Fuerte
Posada del Hidalgo
The Posada del Hidalgo is centrally located for exploring El Fuerte. This beautiful hotel is a former colonial mansion built by Señor Rafael Almada in 1890 for 100,000 gold pesos. Most of the original pine beams and furniture were brought by boat from San Francisco, California. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, high ceilings with wood beams and two story balconies. Most of the rooms are air conditioned and all have private tile baths.
Day 5 • Copper Canyon
El Maravilloso
El Maravilloso is located at the canyon's edge, near the highest point of the canyon. El Maravilloso is the premier hotel on the canyon rim and each guest room has a spectacular view overlooking the canyon. From the hotel you may walk to see the Tarahumara Indians who live in the canyon caves below. You can also shop for native crafts from the Tarahumara artisan vendors who gather in front of the hotel.
Day 6 • Chihuahua
Four Points Sheraton Chihuahua
Located in the heart of Chihuahua's trendiest zone, the Citadela Lifestyle Center, minutes from downtown, bars and restaurants, and the historic center. All of the contemporary guest rooms include hairdryers, safe, free wi-fi and a coffeemaker. Enjoy the fitness center or outdoor pool.
Day 7 • El Paso, Texas
Wyndham El Paso Airport
The Wyndham El Paso Airport, a beautiful airport property with a southwest flair and many amenities including a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, is conveniently located just 200 yards from El Paso International Airport off I-10.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
arrival Transfers
Caravan’s Phoenix, Arizona hotel, the Crowne Plaza Airport, provides 24 hour courtesy shuttles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Upon arrival, request a pickup using the courtesy phone at the baggage claim area or call the hotel directly at: 602-273-7778.
departure Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in El Paso, Texas, the Wyndham Airport, provides departure transfers to the El Paso Airport (ELP). Please arrange your transfer to the airport with the Wyndham shuttle desk.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
arrival Transfers
Caravan’s Phoenix, Arizona hotel, the Crowne Plaza Airport, provides 24 hour courtesy shuttles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Upon arrival, request a pickup using the courtesy phone at the baggage claim area or call the hotel directly at: 602-273-7778.
departure Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in El Paso, Texas, the Wyndham Airport, provides departure transfers to the El Paso Airport (ELP). Please arrange your transfer to the airport with the Wyndham shuttle desk.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
To enter Mexico, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 additional months after the date of your arrival into Mexico. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
To enter Mexico, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 additional months after the date of your arrival into Mexico. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| El Paso | El Fuerte | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 59/35 | 0.3 | 81/52 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 65/40 | 0.3 | 84/53 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 73/46 | 0.2 | 89/57 | 0.2 |
| Apr | 81/54 | 0.2 | 95/62 | 0.1 |
| May | 89/62 | 0.3 | 100/67 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 96/70 | 0.5 | 102/75 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 95/73 | 1.3 | 98/78 | 5.2 |
| Aug | 93/71 | 1.5 | 96/77 | 5.4 |
| Sep | 88/65 | 1.1 | 96/75 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 79/54 | 0.6 | 95/67 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 67/43 | 0.4 | 88/59 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 59/35 | 0.5 | 81/53 | 1.0 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso | ||||||||||||
| temp | 59/35 | 65/40 | 73/46 | 81/54 | 89/62 | 96/70 | 95/73 | 93/71 | 88/65 | 79/54 | 67/43 | 59/35 |
| rainfall | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| El Fuerte | ||||||||||||
| temp | 81/52 | 84/53 | 89/57 | 95/62 | 100/67 | 102/75 | 98/78 | 96/77 | 96/75 | 95/67 | 88/59 | 81/53 |
| rainfall | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 3.7 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 1.0 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are not required. See Travel Tips for more details.
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are not required. See Travel Tips for more details.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 13 Travel Tips. Read all 40 Travel Tips Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Caravan provides unlimited bottled water on the motorcoach. Clients are welcome to take bottled water with them to their rooms or with meals (no need to take more than you need in the moment, your Tour Director & Driver will ensure an adequate supply for the whole tour). Purified water may be offered in some locations, however Caravan cannot guarantee the safety or rigorousness of the purification process. Please limit yourself to bottled water. Caravan recommends using bottled water to brush your teeth, avoiding ice in your drinks, and avoiding street food vendors. Caravan has chosen the restaurants and menus carefully in Mexico. Most meals will not include an appetizer of soup or salad because of food safety concerns.My Tour Price Includes
Are meals included?
Children on Tour
Family Trips
My Tour Price Does Not Include
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
Forms of Payment
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Size of Tour Group
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Drinking water in Mexico
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 145 Customer Reviews "I thank you for a well-thought tour!" "The hotels were fabulous, service was great, and personnel was courteous and helpful. The meals, there were absolutely no complaints. The restaurants were clean and unique. Very nice!" "We enjoyed our trip very much and we are looking forward to our next trip." "We are looking forward to going on other Caravan tours later next year." "Each of the hotels were clean, comfortable, we enjoyed them all. The meals were all excellent and the service was superb. We enjoyed the spectacular scenery, especially the canyons (Copper Canyon). We enjoyed all phases of this trip very much. Caravan does an excellent job!" "Your tour director made the trip worthwhile; in fact, all the tour directors whom we have had on our three trips with Caravan are exceptional. I have been on your tours three times and all were excellent. Love to see more tours outside the U.S. Thank you for wonderful trips!" "I enjoyed the float and seeing the birds, the views from the trains were excellent. Based on our experience on this trip, will want to go with Caravan again."
Read All 145 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 145 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
