HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

Transcription

1 +44 (0) Offering up a real taste for adventure, this spectacular journey through Mexico s western highlights takes you from the beautiful Pacific coastline of the Baja Peninsula and into the majestic setting of the Copper Canyon, one of nature s most awe-inspiring creations. The journey begins in Todos los Santos, a charming colonial town that offers up idyllic landscapes, remote beaches and the natural beauty of the Sierra de la Laguna Reserve. From there you will move on to the dazzling Sea of Cortez and its marine wonders, where you can kayak and snorkel amongst some of the most pristine waters in the Americas. Then it is on to El Fuerte, gateway into the magnificent setting of the Copper Canyon, home to the native Tarahumara people and one of the deepest and most impressive canyons on the planet. With its towering cliffs of copper and green, this is one of the most photogenic settings anywhere in Latin America and you will get an opportunity to explore it from the air and from the ground, aboard the world s highest cable car ride and the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy walking the Pacific coastline and take the chance to spot whales. Kayak to a remote island and a beautiful beach in the glittering Sea of Cortez. Ride the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway. Hike along the riverbanks of the breathtaking Copper Canyon. Discover ancient petroglyphs and remote caves. TOUR INCLUDES: 11 nights in mid-range accommodation Two domestic flights in economy class 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private or shared basis Sightseeing programme including some entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

2

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: LOS CABOS - TODOS LOS SANTOS Arriving at San Jose del Cabo airport today, you will be transferred on to the charming colonial fishing village of Todos los Santos, located to the west of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. An old mission town, founded back in 1792, the town lies along Baja's beautiful Pacific coast, providing a perfect backdrop of white beaches and swaying palms. DAY 2: TODOS LOS SANTOS Today offers a chance to enjoy a spectacular guided cliff walk, starting at Punta Lobos and ending amongst the idyllic palms of San Pedro Beach. The walk offers a chance to watch fishermen launching their boats into the blue Pacific waters and enjoy the stunning variety of flora and fauna that thrives along this coast. The dramatic coastline provides an ever-changing vista of breathtaking views and, between December and March, whales can sometimes be spotted from the high cliffs. Arriving at San Pedro, you'll have a chance to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel. (B,L) DAY 3: TODOS LOS SANTOS Set out to explore the Sierra de la Laguna Reserve today and take the trail along the arroyo (river bed). Set amongst the southernmost mountains of the Peninsular Ranges, this UNESCO biosphere reserve is home to a rich diversity of life including a number of endemic species. The desert landscape changes and the cactus forest becomes thicker as you head toward three waterfalls that converge on the desert plateau. There will be chance to stop for a picnic lunch and a swim here, before returning to town later this afternoon. (B,L) DAY 4: TODOS LOS SANTOS - LA PAZ After a leisurely morning you will take a private transfer up the peninsula to La Paz, the capital of Baja. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, this desert city boasts a number of lovely beaches and lively squares and, on arrival this afternoon, there will be an opportunity to explore a little something of La Paz's waterfront with a stroll along the Malecon (promenade). (B) DAY 5: LA PAZ Jacques Cousteau once dubbed these waters The aquarium of the world. A day of adventure begins with you transferring to the island of Espiritu Santo by speedboat this morning, where you will then explore these idyllic waters by kayak. Paddling beneath towering volcanic cliffs, you'll cross the tranquil turquoise waters to a beautiful bay where you will take lunch. The afternoon is then spent swimming and snorkelling with sea lion pups and a multitude of tropical fish, before transferring back to your hotel in La Paz this evening. (B,L)

4 DAY 6: LA PAZ - LOS MOCHIS - EL FUERTE Following a private transfer to La Paz airport, you'll then take a local flight on to Los Mochis - the gateway into the spectacular landscapes of the Copper Canyon. After being met on arrival, you will then be transferred to the colonial town of El Fuerte, considered one of the most beautiful in the northwestern Sinola region. On arrival you will check into your hotel, after which there will be an opportunity to explore the cobbled streets of this old mining town at leisure. (B) DAY 7: EL FUERTE Today you'll travel along the banks of the El Fuerte River in the company of your local guide, to view the area's pre-columbian petroglyphs. The excursion is part walk and part boat trip and finishes at a museum that houses a fascinating collection of artifacts that span centuries of local history. The view from the top floor of the museum is something else too, with the river valley to the west and Sierra Mountains lying to the east. Sandwiched between the Sea of Cortez and the Copper Canyon, the setting provides a fitting end to a spectacular day. (B) DAY 8: EL FUERTE - POSADA BARRANCAS Transferring from your hotel to the station this morning, you'll then board the famous Chihuahua-Pacific Railway towards Posada Barrancas. Also known as El Chepe, this remarkable railway traverses the spectacular landscapes of the Copper Canyon, providing a comfortable setting from which to enjoy this natural phenomenon as you ride through dozens of tunnels and across countless bridges towards your destination. Arriving early this afternoon, you'll then have a chance to relax and enjoy this breathtaking scenery before dinner at your hotel. (B,D) DAY 9: POSADA BARRANCAS The Copper Canyon is actually a series of six separate canyons, formed by six rivers. Grander and deeper than the more well-known Grand Canyon, the Copper Canyon is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. After breakfast this morning you will take one of the highest cable car rides in the world, which provides a chance to truly experience the incredible depth of this natural wonder. This spectacular journey takes you up to a breathtaking viewpoint, from where you can look across three of the main valleys and out towards the outlying settlements of the native Tarahumara people. (B)

5 DAY 10: POSADA BARRANCAS - CREEL Your journey continues today with a private sightseeing tour that stops off at some of the area's more interesting attractions. This includes the precariously balanced 'flying rock' of Piedra Volada and the surreal 'Valley of the Mushrooms', so named on account of its bizarrely formed rock formations. You will also pay a visit to a former mining town that now serves as a thriving market for the local Tarahumara, before ending the day's journey at an overnight lodge tucked in between the waters of Lake Arareko and the pine forests of the High Sierras. (B,L) DAY 11: CREEL - CHIHUAHUA A mid morning transfer to Chihuahua takes you via an interesting Mennonite community, where you will stop for lunch before continuing on to your hotel. Arriving this afternoon, the rest of the day is then free to explore Chihuahua's cultural sights. Founded in 1709, the city is home to a number of historic landmarks including the Temple of San Francisco and the Federal Palace. (B) DAY 12: CHIHUAHUA - MEXICO CITY Your driver will transfer you to the airport today, for your onward flight to Mexico City. On arrival in the Mexican capital, you will then connect with your international return flight. (B)

6 ACCOMMODATION CHIHUAHUA QUALITY INN Centrally located in the historic downtown district of the city, and just a short walk from Chihuahua s main cathedral and its bustling Plaza de Armas, the Quality Inn has 131 rooms, all with private bathrooms, cable TV and air-conditioning. The hotel also features a relaxing lounge bar, wireless internet and an elegant restaurant. Ideally located for the shops, bars and restaurants, the hotel is a short 10 minute drive from the Chihuahua CHEPE Train Station, which offers regular services to the Copper Canyon and the Sierra Tarahumara Mountains. CREEL BEST WESTERN CREEL Located in the Sierra Tarahumara, this 4-star Best Western hotel is situated along Creel s main street, in the heart of the downtown area. Its 37 rooms are all decorated to convey a log cabin style, with en suite facilities, wireless internet and an array of modern comforts including Mennonite-type heaters covered in wood to add a rustic, hunting lodge look. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar, a spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and massage facilities and a gym. LA PAZ ( MEXICO) POSADA DE LAS FLORES Posada de Las Flores has just eight rooms with dark wood furnishings, set in a colourful courtyard with a quaint pool. Overlooking the malecon (seaside promenade), the hotel is wonderfully situated in close proximity to shops and restaurants and is a great base from which to explore the Sea of Cortez. TODOS LOS SANTOS TODOS SANTOS INN Situated along the Pacific coast, midway between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, the Todos Santos Inn is located around an hour s drive from La Paz airport. The former home of a 19th century sugar baron, this charming historic property features just eight guest rooms, all lovingly appointed in Spanish-colonial style with private bathrooms, elegant interiors and, in some cases, private terraces or patios. Centrally located, it also features a small pool and a lovely bar with a picturesque patio. The old-world charm is further enhanced by its lack of TVs or telephones. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com