Tripology

Upon arrival, you have a complimentary transfer to your hotel.

Relaxation

The rest of the day is free.

Hotel

Stay at Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel Tempe (F).

Bus

Depart for Mexico, stopping in Tucson for travelers joining there. Cross the border at Nogales and travel into the Sonoran Desert.

Sightseeing

After a break in the small town of Santa Ana, continue on through the modern city of Hermosillo, known for its cathedral and the murals on the Government Palace.

All-Inclusive Resort

Arrive in the seaside resort of San Carlos, where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez.

Relaxation

Relax tonight at your oceanfront resort on the white sands of Algodones (Cotton) Beach. (FB,L,D)

Sightseeing

First this morning, visit a local cactus garden and learn more about these remarkable plants.

Ocean Cruise

Then board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortez. View a variety of local marine life and learn about their habitat.

Sightseeing

After lunch at a waterfront restaurant, travel south through the rich farmlands to the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and the colonial city of Alamos. Designated as a National Historic Monument, the city's cobble-stone streets are lined with charming Colonial and Spanish buildings.

Food and Dining

Take in the local culture at dinner with a colorful folk show. (FB,L,D)

Hotel

Stay at Casa de los Tesoros (MF).

Sightseeing

Alamos' colonial history is brought to life on a walking tour. Visit one of the restored mansions built when Alamos' silver mines were some of the richest in the world. Also meet the local Mayo Indians and learn about their language, culture and customs.

Hotel

Stay at Torres del Fuerte (F).

Bus

After lunch, journey to the tropical western state of Sinaloa and the historic town of El Fuerte de Montesclaros. (FB,L,D)

Train

This morning, board a private rail car on the "Train Ride in the Sky" into Mexico's Copper Canyon.

Sightseeing

Travel from sea level to 7,500 feet in less than 150 miles, passing through spectacular tunnels and over bridges. The journey takes you along the precipitous Septen­trion and Urique Canyons into the heart of Copper Canyon, more than four times as large as the Grand Canyon.

Hotel

Disembark in Posada Barrancas and check in at the castle-like Mansion Tarahumara hotel. (FB,L,D)

Sightseeing

Spend the entire day explor­ing this dramatic area.

Sightseeing

A highlight today is the opportunity to spend time with the local Tarahumara Indians, a semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors have lived in the Canyon's caves for thousands of years. Learn first hand about their traditions and culture. (FB,L,D)

Bus

This morning, transfer to Creel and descend from the high elevation of the Barrancas del Cobre into the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Casas Grandes.

Food and Dining

This evening, get together with your traveling companions for a Farewell Dinner. (FB,L,D)

Hotel

Stay at Hotel Hacienda (MF).

Sightseeing

Visit the archaeological site of Paquime this morn­ing. A remnant of the great Chichi­meca civilization, this site was once a meeting place for the northern indigenous cultures and the advanced Meso­americans of the south. Many of the ancient dwell­ings and pyramids have been excavated.

Bus

Continue across the Chihuahuan Desert back into the U.S. Stop in Tucson for travelers ending their tour here, before arriving in Phoenix late this afternoon. (FB,L)

You will be transfered to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. (FB)