Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Tucson, Arizona. (Sun.) Upon arrival, transfer to your Tucson hotel. At 7 p.m., meet your traveling companions at the WELCOME RECEPTION hosted by your Tour Director. (R)

Day 2:
Tucson–Tombstone–Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico. (Mon.) This morning, journey south for a stop at Tombstone, “The Town Too Tough to Die,” where you’ll have time to visit the OK Corral and wander the street of this historic town. Afterward, we cross into Mexico at the border towns of Douglas and Agua Prieta. Then continue to the fertile valley of Casas Grandes. Spend the night in the town of Nuevo Casas Grandes. (B,D)

Day 3:
Nuevo Casas Grandes–Chihuahua. (Tue.) During the 13th and 14th centuries, pottery was once the principal ware of trade, and this morning includes a visit to a local POTTERY STUDIO. See how the traditional methods, hand-forming and painting, are still used today. Next, visit PAQUIME, the most important archaeological site in northern Mexico. Once an important trading center, it combines elements of the Pueblo Indian civilization from the southwestern United States with Mesoamerican influences. Continue on to explore Chihuahua, made famous by Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa. Dinner this evening is at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 4:
Chihuahua–Creel. (Wed.) This morning, visit the ornate 18th-century CATHEDRAL, the GOVERNMENT PALACE with its unique murals and the former HOME OF PANCHO VILLA, converted by his widow into a museum. Head west to Cuauhtemoc, the center of Mexico’s Mennonite population, where you’ll enjoy a traditional homemade Mennonite lunch. Then travel through pine forests to the lumber town of Creel, situated at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the Sierra Tarahumara mountain range. There’s time this afternoon and evening to explore this quaint town and shop for local wares. (B,L)

Day 5:
Creel–Divisadero. (Thu.) After breakfast, drive through the VALLEY OF THE MUSHROOMS with its strange monolithic formations. See the CAVE DWELLINGS of the Tarahumara Indians, famed for their colorful tribal customs and prowess as long-distance runners. Afterward, it’s a special visit to a local kindergarten and elementary school to learn more about the children and their culture in this remote area of the world. Depart for Divisadero and catch your first views of the spectacular Copper Canyon. Enjoy a visit to PIEDRA VOLADA, a giant rock miraculously perched on the edge of a precipice. Tonight, savor the sunset as it colors the canyon walls and leaves you with some remarkable memories and photos. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Divisadero–Copper Canyon Train–El Fuerte. (Fri.) This morning, relax and enjoy the solitude and beauty of Copper Canyon. You may choose to join an optional hiking trip along the rim or perhaps an optional horseback riding excursion. After lunch, embark on your rail adventure through El Cañon de Cobre. Experience some of North America’s most magnificent scenery as your TRAIN winds its way along the rim of steep chasms, climbs mountain passes reaching 7,000 feet, and crosses canyons and rivers. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
El Fuerte–San Carlos. (Sat.) For three centuries El Fuerte has been an important commercial and agricultural center. We’ll start the day off with a short walking tour of this picturesque colonial city and see the plaza, city hall, and colorful market place. Then head north along the Sea of Cortez, reaching the resort of San Carlos by late afternoon. Just a short drive from the old port of Guaymas, the Bay of San Carlos is rich with fish and sea birds, and its many beaches attract visitors from around the world. Upon arrival, visit a PEARL FARM, where a Local Guide provides a personal tour. The remainder of the day is yours to relax on the beach, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a cool drink while watching the swaying palm trees. (B)

Day 8:
San Carlos. (Sun.) Today is at leisure. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach, take an optional fishing excursion, or join us on an optional boat ride on the pristine waters of San Carlos Bay. While keeping an eye out for dolphins and other marine life, enjoy complimentary margaritas, soft drinks, and snacks. Tonight, a FAREWELL DINNER celebrates your Copper Canyon adventure. (B,D)

Day 9:
San Carlos–Tucson, Arizona. (Mon.) Head north to the United States today and pass through the Sonoran capital of Hermosillo. Cross the border at Nogales and transfer to Tucson International Airport. Please schedule your homebound flight after 7 p.m. (B)

Dates & Prices

TUCSON:
Welcome reception

NUEVO CASAS GRANDES:
Visit a pottery studio and Paquime

CHIHUAHUA:
City sightseeing; visit the cathedral, the Government Palace, and the former home of Pancho Villa

CREEL:
Valley of the Mushrooms; visit the cave dwellings of the Tarahumara Indians

DIVISADERO:
Piedra Volada; board the Copper Canyon Train

SAN CARLOS:
Guided tour of a pearl farm; enjoy a Farewell Dinner

NOTE:

• Maximum enjoyment of the “Copper Canyon” vacation requires walking on rough streets and uneven pathways. Elevations up to 8,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge.
• See the spectacular sights of the Copper Canyon, “Barranca Del Cobre,” when you travel on the Chihuahua al Pacific Railway (El Chepe). Started in 1871 and taking 90 years to complete, it is considered one of the world’s finest engineering marvels. The complete route from Chihuahua to Los Mochis crosses over 39 bridges, passes through 87 tunnels, and crosses the Sierra Tarahumara traveling from over 8,000 feet to sea level. At one point, the track actually crosses over itself. You’ll experience one of the most dramatic train rides in the western hemisphere as we travel a portion of this route from Divisadero to El Fuerte.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Cancun, Mexico. (Sun.) Transfer to your oceanfront resort in this Caribbean paradise. This evening, enjoy a WELCOME RECEPTION and meet your traveling companions. (R)

Day 2:
Cancun–Tulum–Coba–Chichen Itza. (Mon.) First, we’ll visit the beachfront ruins of TULUM. This stunning 12th-century site, once inhabited by the Mayas and Toltecs, is set atop coastal cliffs overlooking the Caribbean. From here it is a short drive to COBA, an important Mayan city during the 8th and 9th centuries with an estimated population of 50,000 but which was abandoned for unknown reasons. The present-day village straddles Lago Coba and is surrounded by dense jungle. In the late afternoon, arrive at Chichen Itza, where the renowned Mayaland Hotel is your home for the next two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 3:
Chichen Itza. (Tue.) A full day to explore this most important and strategic ancient city. CHICHEN ITZA was built by the Maya between 600 and 900 A.D.; abandoned by the end of the 10th century’ and re-established in the 11th and 12th centuries, possibly by the Toltecs. The site sits amid three miles of cleared forest scrub. Visit the BALL COURT, site of many human sacrifices, EL CASTILLO, a formidable building dedicated to the high priest, and the CENOTE SAGRADO, the sacred well once filled with priceless treasures offered to the gods. This evening, enjoy a SOUND and LIGHT SHOW. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Chichen Itza–Izamal–Uxmal. (Wed.) Today we drive to Izamal, a charming town that was once a classic Mayan religious site and later a center of the Spanish attempt to Christianize the Maya. Tour the Convent, built between 1549 and 1562, and visit the local market before enjoying lunch at an area restaurant. This evening, enjoy an exciting SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Uxmal–Kabah–Merida. (Thu.) This morning we visit UXMAL. Built during the Classic Period, Uxmal is the most famous of the ruins in the Puuc region. Its architecture is considered one of the masterpieces of the old civilization. Later, visit KABAH, a small but interesting archaeological site famous for its PALACE OF MASKS. Journey on to Merida, capital of the Yucatan state and its colonial heart. This evening, take a stroll around this friendly town and explore some of the interesting shops and restaurants. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the best way to spend your evening. (B,L)

Day 6:
Merida. (Fri.) Conquered in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo, Merida remained under Spanish control for the next 300 years. This morning’s city tour showcases a variety of European architectural styles by visiting the CATHEDRAL, the zocalo (main square), and the elegant Paseo Montejo boulevard. Later, visit the MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY with its excellent displays of Mayan artifacts from various sites in the Yucatan. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to relax in your centrally located hotel, shop for local wares, or maybe visit nearby museums such as the Museum of Popular Art, showcasing Mayan art, handicrafts, and clothing. (B,L)

Day 7:
Merida–Ek Balam–Valladolid–Cancun. (Sat.) Today we visit the enormous, elaborate, acropolis pyramid located inside the Mayan site of EK BALAM. Meaning “black jaguar,” Ek Balam was at the height of its importance as a Mayan city during the Late Classic Period (600-900 A.D.). When the Maya abandoned the site, it went under cover as the dense low-lying jungle of the Yucatan engulfed it. Found by archaeologists and adventurers, its restoration has been ongoing since 1997. Next we visit the small but charming town of Valladolid before making our way back to Cancun. This evening your Tour Director hosts a festive FAREWELL DINNER. (B,D)

Day 8:
(Sun.) The vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. (B)

Dates & Prices

CANCUN:
Welcome reception; Farewell Dinner

TULUM:
Sightseeing

COBA:
Sightseeing

CHICHEN ITZA:
Sightseeing; visit Ball Court, El Castillo, and Cenote Sagrado; sound and light show

EK BALAM:
Sightseeing

UXMAL:
Sightseeing; sound and light show

KABAH:
Visit the Palace of Masks

MERIDA:
City sightseeing; visit the cathedral and Museum of Anthropology and History

NOTE:
Maximum enjoyment of the “Treasures of the Yucatan” vacation requires walking on rough streets and uneven pathways.
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in San José, Costa Rica. (Sat.) Upon your evening arrival you will be met by your Tour Director who will help you check into your hotel.

Day 2:
San José. (Sun.) This morning, enjoy a San José city tour that will introduce you to the capital’s most important sights. Driving through Paseo Colon, visit the heart of the city to admire the pride of the ticos, the NATIONAL THEATER. This architectural jewel was designed as the opera house at the beginning of the 19th century. Visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM, a faithful witness to Costa Rican history, then enjoy sightseeing at Central Park, the cathedral, the Congress Building, and the Justice Court. Continue to the town of SARCHI, for centuries a production center of Costa Rica’s famous hand-painted oxcarts, to have an included lunch and shop for unique souvenirs. Tonight, enjoy a WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 3:
San José–Tortuguero National Park. (Mon.) Journey east to the Caribbean shore and TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK. On the way, stop at a BANANA PLANTATION. Later, board a motor launch for your CRUISE along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caymans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore Pachira Lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise. (Tue.) Your Tour Guide accompanies you on a leisurely BOAT RIDE along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby RAINFOREST. During the peak nesting season, from mid-July to mid- October, you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight on an optional tour. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Tortuguero–Sarapiqui. (Wed.) A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Along the way, enjoy views of the passing rainforest. Arrive at your resort hotel for time to relax before dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Sarapiqui–Tilajari Resort. (Thu.) This morning, tour the CORSICANA PINEAPPLE FARM to learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples. Continue through TILAJARI RAINFOREST RESERVE. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort’s BUTTERFLY GARDEN and consider a walk in the nearby tropical rainforest in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, poisonous frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the reserve. (B)

Day 7:
Tilajari Resort. (Fri.) During your morning at leisure you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or, you can take advantage of Tilajari’s amenities by walking along the shaded trails of the private, 750-acre tropical forest. Later this afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Next, drive to nearby ECOTERMALES HOT SPRINGS for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. This evening, view ARENAL VOLCANO, hoping to see lava glowing on its sides. (B,D)

Day 8:
Tilajari–San José. (Sat.) Get an early start this morning to POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK. On the way, see LA PAZ WATERFALL, one of the five magnificent falls in the area. Arrive at POAS VOLCANO for close-up views of the enormous crater with its deep, green lake; perhaps you will even see one of its sporadic geyser-like eruptions. Next, stop at the DOKA COFFEE PLANTATION where you will see firsthand the entire production process—from seedlings to your cup! Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER at a local restaurant, ending an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Dates & Prices

SAN JOSÉ:
City sightseeing; visit the National Theater, the National Museum, and a banana plantation; tour Doka Coffee Plantation; welcome dinner; Farewell Dinner

SARCHI:
Shop for souvenirs

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK:
Guided cruise through the canals to view wildlife; guided walk through the rainforest

SARAPIQUI:
Tour a working pineapple Plantation

TILAJARI RESORT:
Tilajari Rainforest Reserve; visit the Butterfly Garden, Ecotermales Hot Springs, and Arenal Volcano

POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK:
View La Paz Waterfall; visit Poas Volcano