Treasures of
the Sierra Madre
Mexico’s Copper Canyon
November 2 – 9, 2003

 

THE NATURE OF CANYONS

Since the beginning of time our planet has been at the mercy of nature, undergoing continuous transformations as oceans recede, mountains thrust skyward, and turbulent rivers carve their way through impenetrable rock creating vast depressions in the Earth’s crust. The very definition of a canyon as “a narrow chasm with steep cliff walls” suggests a place incapable of supporting life. Yet those same sheer cliff walls serve as a geological bookmark of life, bearing the evidence of millions of years of history. Canyons also harbor hidden oases teeming with life—unusual wildlife, communities of people sheltered in safe havens, and overgrown vegetation that tenaciously clings to rocky slopes.
     Deep in the mountains of northern Mexico there is just such a place. Located some 400 miles southwest of El Paso, Texas, Copper Canyon is an inter-connected canyon system encompassing over 25,000 sq. miles of extremely rugged terrain. Formed by five major rivers, these “barrancas” (canyons), when combined together, are nearly four times the size of the Grand Canyon. This region is so vast that bandits and revolutionaries, namely Pancho Villa, could escape capture by simply vanishing into the intricate maze of clefts and cliffs.
     The Tarahumara Indians have long lived throughout the huge region now known as the state of Chihuahua. Exploited for centuries by Spanish colonists, they began to retreat deeper into the canyons, away from the so-called “civilization” of the outside world. Today about 40,000 Tarahumara remain, the second largest indigenous group of Native Americans on the continent.
     The completion of the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad in 1961 finally connected portions of this isolated area to the rest of the world. The train passes through 86 tunnels and over 39 bridges in its 410-mile journey from the highlands to the Pacific Ocean. Vegetation ranges from pine, fir and aspen trees at higher elevation to cactus, oak, and mesquite deep in the canyon, with pockets of apples, peaches, beans and corn planted by the Tarahumara.
     Toto Tours invites you to participate in a stunning backcountry adventure without any of the hassles of camping. We stay in comfortable lodges and hotels, and do most of our traveling aboard one of the most scenic trains in the world. This tour can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you want challenging hikes or easy walks to waterfalls, quick dips in secluded swimming holes or simply watching spectacular sunsets from a canyon rim. Come with us and discover why Copper Canyon is considered premier among the Treasures of the Sierra Madre. 

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ITINERARY

Sunday, November 2, 2003
Arrival in Los Mochis, Mexico

Plan to arrive in Los Mochis, Mexico this afternoon. We recommend that you consider taking Aero California flight # 171 from Tucson, AZ, departing at 2:45pm and arriving in Los Mochis at 4:50pm. We will provide one airport/hotel transfer for those arriving on this flight. This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive get acquainted party and Welcome Dinner.     (Dinner included)

Monday, November 3, 2003
Sea of Cortez / El Fuerte

This morning take a city tour of Los Mochis followed by a 90-minute boat ride on Topolobampo Bay on the Sea of Cortez. We'll pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some beach time. This afternoon we transfer to the town of El Fuerte, where we spend a free evening and overnight.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, November 4, 2003
All Aboard

Very early this morning we depart our hotel and transfer to the train station for a full-day train journey, departing at 7am. This is undoubtedly the most scenic railroad in North America, if not the World. The elevation change is nearly 7,000 feet, crossing mountainous terrain and deep canyons, through 86 tunnels and over 39 bridges. Keep your camera handy and bring a lot of film and extra batteries—you will need them.
     We arrive at Posada Barrancas, just 15 minutes walk from the Divisidero Lookout Point with its magnificent views into Urique Canyon from the north rim. Our early afternoon arrival leaves the rest of the day free for hiking, birdwatching, photography, or just relaxing and watching a spectacular sunset across this amazing landscape. Overnight at the Posada Mirador.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Wednesday, November 5, 2003
Free Day

You may want to rise early this morning to take in the truly magical sunrise over the canyon. After breakfast, hike along the canyon rim to several spectacular lookouts. Today is completely free to explore the surrounding area. There are several interesting walks into the hills nearby. You also can do an optional trip into Creel to hike to the unusual rock formations known as Los Hongos (“the mushrooms”) or do souvenir shopping. Some of Tarahumara Indian women are always around the Mirador selling baskets and trinkets.     (All Meals)

Thursday, November 6, 2003
From Barrancas to Bahuichivo

The morning is free before we leave to catch the 1:15pm train, arriving in the mid-afternoon in Bahuichivo. Here we will meet our driver for the 30-minute trip to Cerocahui, a small agricultural community set in a valley at about 5000 feet. After check-in at Hotel Mision, the rest of the day is free to explore.     (All Meals)

Friday, November 7, 2003
Urique Canyon

After breakfast a morning drive takes us across the plateau for a breathtaking look into the depths of the Urique Canyon. In the distance far below you can see the town of Urique on the river. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the rim of the canyon overlook. The rest of the day is free to ride horses, hike, or relax until dinnertime.     (All Meals)

Saturday, November 8, 2003
Return to Los Mochis

This morning is free to sleep in late, take an optional hike, go horseback riding on your own or just relax at the hotel. Around 11am our group takes an early lunch, with Toto’s Farewell Ceremony, before heading to the train station for our final train trip. Dinner is on your own aboard the train. We arrive back in Los Mochis late this evening, where we overnight prior to tomorrow’s return flights back to Tucson.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Sunday, November 9, 2001
Departure

The tour officially ends this morning after breakfast. We will provide one group transfer to the Los Mochis Airport in time to catch Aero California flight # 170 departing at 11:55am, and arriving in Tucson at 2pm. Please see the "Airfare Note" at the bottom of this page for instructions on how to book the Aero California flights.     (Breakfast)

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ACCOMMODATIONS

Los Mochis: Hotel Santa Anita, located in downtown just 10 miles from International airport. 121 guest rooms with double, king or queen size beds, as well as junior suites. Landmark hotel of the city, with continental restaurant and fine dining, also a live music lobby bar with nightly entertainment.

El Fuerte: Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, a beautiful colonial mansion. There are 54 rooms. All of them are air-conditioned and all have private tile baths. There is an inviting swimming pool, a curio shop and a meeting or convention room.

Barrancas: Posada Barrancas Mirador, poised like an eagle's nest at the canyon' edge near the highest point of the canyon. Overlooks showcase the awe-inspiring scenery from the rim of Copper Canyon. This deluxe hotel is surrounded by pine trees, and appears to be "etched out" of the natural rock iteself.

Cerocahui: Hotel Mision has 39 spacious rooms with an attractive mexican decor, each with private baths with wood stoves. Hotel Mision has a comfortable, ample lobby with a large fireplace, bar, gift shop and dining room.

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TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For citizens of the U.S. and Canada, no visas are necessary. All you need is a valid passport.

Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but it is wise to have your inoculations up to date. Is your tetanus booster current?

Exit Requirements—All tourists pay an airport departure tax of about $17 U.S. or the peso equivalent.

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WHAT TO BRING

During late autumn, daily temperatures at sea level range from 62 - 88. The weather is much cooler in our higher elevations (averaging up to 7,000 ft. above sea level) along the canyon rim. You will probably need a jacket for chilly evenings at the canyon rim. Dress is extremely casual. Be prepared for possible brief periods of rain during the day. Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag in case your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do. Leave expensive items and jewelry at home.

Suggested Packing List:

____ Proof of citizenship. Passport needed.

____ Comfortable walking / hiking shoes.

____ Casual dinner wear for the hotel.

____ Comfy shoes for hotel lounging.

____ T-shirts (3 - 4) / Shorts (2 or 3 pairs).

____ Sweatshirt & jacket for cool nights.

____ Long-sleeve shirts / khaki pants (4 or 5) for sun protection/cool nights.

____ Blue jeans (1 pair) for horsebacking.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray.

____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.

____ Hooded rain poncho / mini-umbrella.

____ Bandannas.

____ Toiletries / earplugs.

____ Swimsuit / one liter water bottle.

____ Camera & plenty of film.

____ Spanish-English dictionary.

____ A good book for the plane, train or lounging on the terrace.

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MONEY MATTERS

Budget about $20.00 per day for out-of-pocket expenses or about $150.00 for the entire tour. Bring U.S. currency in small denominations of $1, 5, 10 and 20’s, which you can exchange into pesos at our hotels or the airport. You cannot rely on ATMs being available during this tour.

Taxes and Tipping—You customarily pay a 10% gratuity for dining service, but always check your restaurant bills for automatic service charges. We suggest a minimum $50.00 gratuity (per person), which we will present collectively to our guide during our Farewell Luncheon.

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LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of  8 participants.

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RESERVATIONS   

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the "Reservations" link above. Print the form, fill out the information requested, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The balance of $1,495 (double) or $1,945 (single) is due 80 days prior to departure (by August 14, 2003). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is:  Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

• fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
• good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
• undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
• willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
• eager to try new things & test limits;
• punctual;
• not whiners!

Be the first in your crowd to see Mexico’s magnificent Copper Canyon. Come enjoy the stunning vistas and the invigorating mountain air, discovering the Treasures of the Sierra Madre with Toto Tours. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us toll free at: 800-565-1241.

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THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price: $1,995 double occupancy 

Private Room: $ 450 extra, if available.

Deposit: $500

Final Payment: $1,495 (dbl) / $,1,945 (sgl)

Final Payment Due: August 14, 2003

Included: Fully guided and escorted tour services, hotel accommodations for eight nights; train transportation; services of bilingual trip guide; meals, activities and transfers as listed in the itinerary.

Not Included: Round-trip airfare to/from your home city to Los Mochis, Mexico; transport for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; tips to local guides, gratuities for meals; alcoholic beverages; bottled water; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.

Airfare Note:  We decided to eliminate the Aero California group airfare from Tucson from the tour itinerary for several reasons: First, there was not a significant cost savings to you (you could book the flights directly for the same price); Second, some clients wanted to alter the travel schedule by arriving early or staying late; Third, some preferred to book on a different airline and / or fly alternate routes from different cities. The Aero California flights listed in the itinerary can be reserved online at Travelocity.com, or by calling Aero California at 800-237-6225.