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Canyon Travel’s spring tour schedule has been published to our website and our staff is ready and waiting!
Choose from the 9 day/8 night Canyon Explorer with two nights each in Chihuahua, Cerocahui, EL Fuerte and Divisadero, the Western Canyon Explorer, 8 days and 7 nights round trip from Los Mochis or Los Mochis to Chihuahua, or our most extensive tour, the 12 day Sierra Spectacular, as featured in National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” .
Don’t be concerned if you don’t see the dates you’d prefer in our listings. Canyon Travel is extremely flexible, and can adjust dates as needed. We can also customize any of our trips so that you get the most out of your Copper Canyon experience!
Questions? Contact us today!
Canyon travel has been creating memorable experiences in Mexico’s Sierra Madre’s Copper Canyon since 1971. The tours involve natural history, cultural rail adventures and private ecolodges with each trip being tailored to suit the individual. Each clients’ needs are carefully examined to find a tour that suits their time schedule and interests with activities including hikes to waterfalls and canyons, zip lining across the Canyon, gondolas, tours around local towns and special tours for wildlife and bird lovers.
We would love for you to be able to offer one of these tours for your clients to add to the end of their beach vacation. We especially have in mind any timeshare owners who would maybe like to add a little something different to the end of their trip. Travel to the Canyon can be arranged from Los Cabos with the clients flying directly home after their tour or returning to Cabos as they wish.
We have information leaflets that we are happy to bring to you or alternatively we can send you a web package that you would be able to forward to perspective clients.
We hope that by creating a link with you we will not only help you to give your clients that something extra to add to their vacation but also that we will give many more people the chance to experience this natural wonder.
For more information please contact me or you call me directly on 624-168-5114
I hope to hear from you soon so that we are able to begin developing a great partnership together.
Faithfully yours,
Emma Bridger
Travel Concierge
Canyon Travel
Lonely Planet magazine recently published an article about some of the most amazing classic train journeys of the world, and we are happy – and at the same time not surprised at all – that Copper Canyon travel experience tops the list.
Copper Canyon Railway, Mexico
The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico (Copper Canyon Railway) features 36 bridges and 87 tunnels along its 655 km length. Connecting the mountainous arid interior of northern Mexico with the Pacific coast, the railway line (known as El Chepe) passes through landscapes that include sheer canyon walls, waterfalls and high desert plains. Two trains operate on this route between Los Mochis and Chihuahua: the primera express (first class) has a restaurant, bar and reclining seats and makes fewer stops than the clase economica (economy class). Canyon Travel operates a private rail car with an open deck area ‘to absorb the canyon’s outdoor atmosphere’. Get inspired at www.canyontravel.com.
For more information on the Copper Canyon travel experience and trips please contact us at: from the US: 1-(405)-216-3142; Mexico: (52)-624-144-7072; Mexico Cell Phone (52) [1] 624-178-0413.
Ghan, Australia
The saga that is the Ghan started in 1877 when the original railway line from Adelaide to Alice Springs was laid. This initial century-old stretch of line ran straight through a flood plain, resulting in frequent outback strandings after rain. In 1980 a new service on a different line made the run – replacing the old Ghan, which made its last journey in ’82. The great Ghan cuts through Australia’s remote Red Centre, its tropical north and gentle south. It now runs twice weekly from Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin; the trip takes two nights in either direction. To book visit www.gsr.com.au
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This two-day tour through the magnificent Canadian Rockies is done in daylight, so you can see every dazzling canyon, each inspiring river, and all its verdant valleys and glittering glacial lakes. As you depart from coastal Vancouver, press your face up to the glass to view the spectacular mountains of British Columbia. Then the essence of the Rockies takes shape out the window as you roll through Alberta, enjoying the natural beauty of Jasper or Banff and the big city splendour of Calgary. Get the train departure schedule and more at www.rockymountaineer.com.
El Nariz del Diablo, Ecuador
Heading south from Riobamba, the death-defying section of track known as El Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) runs from Alausí to Sibambe. Construction began in 1908; at Sibambe a series of switchbacks were carved into the steep Andean rock to allow the train to ascend nearly 1000m to Alausí, which sits at 2607m. Locals recommend buying tickets the night before to avoid long queues during the day; the ride lasts four to five hours; dress in layers as the weather is unpredictable.
Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Italy
Glamour pusses, this train trip is guaranteed to keep you purring all the way from Venice through to London. Luxury abounds, from the sumptuously fitted dining car (with French silverware, linen-dressed tables and crystal glassware) to the piano-bar car – you’ll need to pack your gowns and tuxedos. Ladies, Manolo Blahnik heels are perfect for teetering around Europe’s most romantic cities: Vienna, Paris, Prague and Istanbul – all of which the Orient graces with its presence. Your fare includes table d’hôte meals; divine morsels from the à la carte menu and 24-hour compartment service are extra; salivate at www.orient-express.com.
Cuzco to Puno, Peru
This 10-hour ride travels between the capital Cuzco and Puno on the banks of Lake Titicaca. The high altitude around Lake Titicaca makes for exceptionally clear air, and the luminescent quality of the sunlight suffuses the highland Altiplano and sparkles on the deep waters of the lake. At the other end of the journey, Cuzco is a unique combination of colonial and religious splendour built on the hefty stone foundations of the Incas. Your train ticket includes lunch and afternoon tea. For information visit www.perurail.com.
Trans-Siberian, Russia to China
The classic Trans-Siberian service runs from Moscow’s Yaroslavl Station across a third of the globe to the crumbling charm of Vladivostock. It memorably skirts Lake Baikal, which appears seemingly out of nowhere in the middle of the Siberian taiga. Veering off the main line, the Trans-Mongolian continues past Russian gingerbread houses and stands of forest before giving way to the endless steppe and sky of Mongolia. The train trundles ever onward to Beijing, passing the spectacular Great Wall. Whether you take one week or 10, this is an epic trip. The Trans-Mongolian departs Moscow every Tuesday.
Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train, China
Just recently starting operation, this white-and-blue, sleek-nosed train will take you from Beijing to Shanghai at 300 kilometres per hour (186mph) in 4 hours 48 minutes. Built to improve the transportation system in China, for visitors the train becomes a convenient way to travel between the country’s two main cities, as well as fabulous means to see the countryside. When making a booking, you will notice that you can take either a D type or G type train to experience the CRH high-speed train service. The G train has an average speed of 300km/hr while the D train has an average speed of 250km per hour. To schedule a ride on this modern train, head to www.12306.cn (website in Chinese only).
Palace on Wheels, India
To travel maharaja-style, try the RTDC Palace on Wheels operates weekly tours of Rajasthan, departing from Delhi every Wednesday (September to April). The itinerary covers Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambhore National Park, Chittorgarh (Chittor), Udaipur, Keoladeo Ghana National Park and Agra. It’s a mammoth stretch in seven days, but most of the travelling is done at night. This train once used the maharajas’ original carriages, but these became so ancient that new carriages were refurbished to look like the originals. The train has two dining cars and a bar, and each coach, containing four doubles with private bathroom, is attended by a splendidly costumed captain and attendant.
Coast Starlight, USA
Traversing America’s west coast, the Starlight pulls in to some of the States’ great cities: Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles. The trip takes a mere 35 hours to negotiate three states: Washington, Oregon and California. Modern conveniences make the hours pass even more quickly, including various comfort levels of accommodation, a dining car and lounge with on-board entertainment. But the window will likely provide the most exhilarating entertainment – the train passes humbling mountains and vast oceanscapes. The trip lasts around 35 hours; various accommodation options are available. Check www.amtrak.com for details.
Article updated in response to suggestions and rail closures by Lonely Planet on July 2011.
Native Tarahumara (or Rarámuri) woman at one of the villages on our tour through Copper Canyon.
Travel Weekly, 5/17/2011
Mexico Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara sought to bring order out of the chaos and confusion surrounding the most recent travel warning issued by the U.S. State Department.
The alert, issued April 22, expanded the areas in Mexico that are experiencing drug-cartel-related violence and advised U.S. travelers to exercise caution in visiting some parts of Mexico.
In an exclusive interview with Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann during a webinar on TravelWeekly.com, Guevara acknowledged the challenges facing Mexico in dealing with the cartels but used statistics, survey results and a geography lesson to reassure agents that the tourist areas “are far removed from the drug violence and remain safe and value-driven destinations for U.S. travelers.”
During a half-hour session during the webinar, entitled “Mexico: Perceptions and Reality,” Guevara stayed on message that Mexico remains a popular and safe destination; in a large country of 2,500 municipalities, only 80 are affected by the headline-grabbing gang violence, she said.
She told Weissmann that the Mexico Tourism Board works with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to pinpoint specific cities and locations targeted by the cartels so that the warnings can carry specific recommendations for travelers. “But with a country as large as Mexico, this is quite a challenge,” she said.
 Guevara said that a map and accompanying chart produced by Travel Weekly detailing the specifics of the warning by color-coding in red the cities or areas to be avoided, yellow to exercise caution and green as safe areas not mentioned in the warning “are good tools for understanding and clarifying the specifics of the warning.” View the map by clicking the image to enlarge.
Mexico’s major tourism destinations are, for the most part, located hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles from crime areas, and are areas not visited or frequented by tourists.
“More than 60% of our visitors go to the known tourist areas, including Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Los Cabos and the Riviera Nayarit,” Guevara said. “Add Mexico City, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta and that number is 90%.”
She added, “none of these areas have problems, and all are safe for our visitors.”
The drug-related violence is not targeted at tourists, she emphasized. “There has been a spike in cartel violence. This is our challenge, but we are focused. This violence affects less than 5% of our country, and none of it is in tourist areas.”
Guevara was asked specifically about Guadalajara, which the warning cited as being unsafe for travel on the road from the city to the airport at night.
“Guadalajara is safe,” she said. “We are hosting the Pan Am Games Oct. 14 to 30 in the city and surrounding areas. This is the largest multisport event of the year, and we are proud to play host.”
She was also asked about Acapulco, which the warning targeted as being unsafe in the downtown areas, and the secretary acknowledged the challenges facing the destination. “But it is a city in transformation,” she said. “It is a destination favored by Mexicans for weekend stays and second homes. It has a great night life, and visitors should stay in the tourist areas.”
The secretary pointed out that a survey that tracks visitor satisfaction is done every year; 2010 results showed a 98% return-visitor rate.
“This means that 98% of those who had visited Mexico indicated that they would return to Mexico on a future trip,” Guevara said.
In 2009, that percentage was 97%.
Another result indicated that 99% of the 10,400 visitors surveyed in 2010 would recommend Mexico to friends and family, up from 97% in 2009.
Mexico’s market share of U.S. visitors in 2010 was 14.7%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce figures.
“Those are good indicators of Mexico’s popularity in terms of visitor appeal,” Guevara said. “Our investment figures also show that Mexico ranks high with developers. In the first quarter of 2011, more than $902 million was spent on tourism projects, an increase of 127% over the same period last year.”
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