Destination:
Days: 17Discover Baja and the Copper Canyon on a once-in-a-lifetime journey specially crafted for active and curious travelers.
This adventurous 17-day trip includes a raft of incredible experiences, including an amazing hike in the Copper Canyon, a spectacular train journey through the mountains, up-close experiences with friendly gray whales, and a wild camping adventure on Isla Espiritu Santo.
Explore everything from trendy towns to wild islands via indigenous villages and gorgeous landscapes. A fully immersive vacation, this incredible trip uncovers the very best of Baja California and the Copper Canyon.
PHOTO GALLERY
HIGHLIGHTS
Isla Espiritu Santo – Fully explore this beautiful island, kayaking the Sea of Cortez, camping on wild beaches, and swimming and snorkeling with a local sea lion colony.
La Paz – Visit this picturesque seaside town, exploring art boutiques and enjoying sunset margaritas on the famous sea promenade.
Gray whales – Visit the breeding grounds of the Pacific gray whales for an up-close encounter with these ocean giants.
Sierra Madre Mountains – Travel first-class on the world-famous Chihuahua al Pacifico train, nicknamed El Chepe, enjoying incredible vistas.
Copper Canyon – Hike the rugged and wild Copper Canyon with visits to remote indigenous family compounds perched on canyon walls.
Day 1: Arrival to La Paz
After a private transfer from the airport to La Paz, check in to the hotel and meet professional guides for a trip briefing.
Day 2: Isla Espiritu Santo kayaking
Begin a four-day adventure on the uninhabited Isla Espiritu Santo with a transfer to the island in a high-speed motorboat. Join the guides for an introduction to sea-kayaking and safety briefing before heading onto the waters. Paddle beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at the first of many beautiful beaches to set up camp for the night.
Day 3: Isla Espiritu Santo kayaking experience
Hop back in the kayaks and continue around Isla Espiritu Santo’s coastline, exploring small offshore islands where numerous seabirds nest. In the evening, head to a new beach to set up camp.
Day 4: Isla Espiritu Santo
Continue the unforgettable voyage to the end of the island and the final camping beach. In the afternoon, hike to the other side of the island to check out the spectacular lagoons and gorgeous landscapes.
Day 5: Isla Espiritu Santo and La Paz
Take a fast motorboat ride to a beautiful offshore island, home to a large sea lion colony. Experience the thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkeling among thousands of tropical fish. In the evening, return to the hotel in La Paz for a relaxing night at leisure.
Day 6: Day at leisure in La Paz
Enjoy a ‘day off’ in lovely La Paz, taking a stroll around this picturesque seaside town. Dip in and out of Mexican art galleries and craft shops, chatting to the local vendors and, perhaps, picking up a gift for loved ones back home.
For a more active day, speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can organize a day of mountain biking, fishing, or windsurfing. End the day with a sunset margarita on the famous sea promenade known as El Malecon.
Day 7: Gray whale watching at Lopez Mateos
Transfer in an air-conditioned private van to the shores of the Pacific Lagoons at Lopez Mateos – considered the finest whale-watching spot in La Paz. Climb aboard a motorized skiff and head into the bay for incredible up-close adventures with the curious gray whales.
Returning to shore, take a two-minute stroll to the hotel. Relax and freshen up before dining in the Palapa Restaurant with a fresh seafood buffet.
Day 8: Gray whale watching at Lopez Mateos
Arise to a Mexican cooked breakfast before a second whale-watching trip. Venture out into the bay for a second opportunity to see the whales. After, return to Lopez Mateos for a delicious lunch and then transfer back to La Paz, enjoying the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 9: Ferry trip to Los Mochis, transfer to El Fuerte
Relax in the morning and then, after lunch, take a private transfer to the ferry to cross the Sea of Cortez.
Arrive at Los Mochis´ Topolobampo Port, taking a private transfer to the charming colonial gateway to the Copper Canyon, El Fuerte.
Check in to a beautiful historic lodge and then roam the cobblestone streets for a taste of old Mexico.
Day 10: El Fuerte to Guitayvo
Today, board the world-famous Chihuahua al Pacifico train, nicknamed El Chepe, for an unforgettable trip into the Sierra Madre Mountains.
This comfortable first-class train travels through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges with exceptional opportunities for taking pictures or enjoying the view.
Disembark in San Rafael (6,600ft) to load the vehicle and set out driving through the rolling hills of the high sierra. Arrive at a school and church in the indigenous village of San Alonso and continue along the high Sierra Tarahumara.
After about an hour, arrive at Guitayvo (7,590ft) to check in to community eco-cabins. Set off on a light hike to an impressive viewpoint taking the chance to acclimatize to the crisp high sierra air. Spend the first night in this simple yet charming shelter.
Short hike: 1 hour.
Altitude gain/loss: 150/80ft
Day 11: Copper Canyon Trek Day One
Begin the hiking adventure, navigating around the mesa of Guitayvo and dropping down through an arroyo (riverbed) and climbing gradually up the side of a canyon.
The mystical tranquility of this alpine region is reinforced by the wind whistling through the pine needles. Arrive at the small ranch of Huemachi (7,620ft) in the late afternoon.
Hike: 6 to 8 hours.
Altitude gain/loss: 690/1650ft.
Day 12: Copper Canyon Trek Day Two
The descent continues as the trail connects with the Urique Canyon. The route affords stupendous views and adventure, passing along a ridge that spills down into the incredible Copper Canyon. Arrive at the small ranch of Chiruhuerabo (7,720ft) in the late afternoon.
Hike: 6 to 8 hours.
Altitude gain/loss: 1320/142ft.
Day 13: Copper Canyon Trek Day Three
Enter the Urique Canyon through a side canyon to find gorgeous views from a ridge looking down. Carefully navigate the steep descent with plenty of stops to admire the quickly changing vegetation.
Journey towards Naranjo (3,894ft) to be greeted by the friendly locals. After a coffee and some time to chat, make camp in the fruit orchards, and enjoy amazing panoramic views from the tents.
Hike: 6 to 8 hours.
Altitude gain/loss: 1323/826ft.
Day 14: Copper Canyon Trek Day Four
Continue the descent, noticing the change in climate and vegetation as the trail arrives at the Urique River. Continue to the frontier mining outpost of Urique (1,818ft), where a home-cooked meal created by Doña Tita awaits.
In the afternoon, drive out of Urique via an impressive switchback road to the high sierra and a private lodge in Cerocahui. Clean clothes and a warming fire await!
Hike: 4 to 6 hours.
Altitude gain/loss: 258/2,376ft.
Day 15: Cerocahui and Creel
After breakfast, journey to Creel, stopping to see the Cerocahui Mission and some glorious views. Eat lunch en route before arriving at the frontier logging outpost turned tourist center for the Copper Canyon, Creel.
Day 16: Creel to Chihuahua
After breakfast and some time to explore Creel, take a mid-morning transfer to Chihuahua to check in to comfortable accommodation. The late afternoon is free for relaxing or visiting the town’s major landmarks. Spend the last night on the town for a farewell fiesta.
Day 17: Departure day
Enjoy a private transfer from the hotel to the airport for onward flights home.
Dates
Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.
Prices
Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.
Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.
