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Mexico’s - All Inclusive 8 Days, 7 Nights Motorcoach / Rail Tour

The largest canyon complex in North America, a destination unlike any other! For those who love the unusual and seek adventure, the “Barranca del Cobre” is the answer. At an altitude of 8000 feet, the mountain peaks are snow-capped in winter while the canyon bottom remains at tropical climate. Here’s the home of the semi- nomadic cliff dwellers, the Tarahumara Indians, the least acculturated Amerindians. Experience one of the most dramatic rail journeys in the western hemisphere, on a rail line that took 100 years to complete. Travel with us and enjoy the majestic beauty of one of the world’s most unique destinations. Tour Breakdown

DAY 1 – Phoenix - Tucson - San Carlos Morning departure from Phoenix / Tucson, AZ. Crossing the border into at Nogales. After a short drive, we arrive at Santa Ana for lunch. From there, we are on our way to , where we visit the Cathedral and the Government Palace to view the famous murals depicting the history of . Arrival in San Carlos Bay is by sunset at our hotel for the night, the Marinaterra Resort. Welcome to Mexico reception hosted by your Tour Director before dinner. (L D) DAY 2 - San Carlos After relaxed breakfast we board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortes - keep a look for dolphins, seals and possible whales, also exotic birds as the blue-footed booby and the great blue heron. After we return we will visit a scenic lookout point en route to the local Cactus Garden. Wander among massive cacti and learn about these fascinating plants. Lunch by the pool side hotel. Time to relax and visit the Marina shops. This afternoon we depart for our seaside, sunset dinner (B L D) DAY 3 – Alamos We will depart San Carlos after breakfast. Our first stop will be at the Guaymas Pearl farm, the first cultured pearl farm in the Americas, here you will learn about the pearl oyster farming, pearl grading and quality selection. Next we travel south through the rich grain farm lands and to the foothills of the Sierra Madre arriving to the quaint of Alamos. A living museum, the city cobblestones streets are lined with beautiful Spanish Colonial Mansions. This evening immerse yourself in the local culture at dinner with a colorful spectacle of music and folk dancing by performers in traditional customs. Overnight at Casa de Los Tesoros, La Mansión o Casa Encantada (B L D) DAY 4 – El Fuerte After breakfast take a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets, visiting some fabled mansions that have been restored to their original glory. The city of Alamos has been declared a national historic landmark by the government. Lunch today is at the hotel. Depart to El Fuerte arriving at Hotel Torres del Fuerte by early CONTACT INFORMATION: afternoon. Dinner and a great entertainment at the hotel. (B L D) DAY 5 – Posada Barrancas Early in morning, we transfer to the train station, boarding at 8:00 a.m. for the most spectacular train ride in North America, lunch onboard the train, we will be arriving at Posada Barrancas by mid-afternoon. Your hotel for the next two nights is the Hotel Mirador. Tarahumara Indians culture presentation. (B L D) DAY 6 – Posada Barrancas Today we have time to view and interpret Tarahumara Indian arts and crafts, visit the rim of the canyon and enjoy the surroundings and the opportunity to board the new Copper Canyon aerial tramway, allowing us to descend to the Canyons and experience great views. There is time today for some optional activities: hiking, horseback riding or just relaxing. (B L D) DAY 7 – After breakfast, on board our motorcoach we will transfer to Creel via Oteros Canyon. After lunch in , we descend from the mountains onto the and the city of . Tonight we have pottery demonstration and our farewell dinner. (B L D) DAY 8 – Tucson / Phoenix Before leaving Nuevo Casas Grandes, we visit Mexico’s northernmost archeological site at Paquime, where the ancient Grand Chichimeca civilization erected their truncated pyramids and adobe multistory apartments. We travel through the plains and cattle country of before reentering the USA at Douglas, AZ. Arriving in Phoenix around 7:00 p.m. (B L) Reserve Your Spot Today!

Mexico’s Copper Canyon - Essential Tour 4 Days, 5 Nights The Copper Canyons provides an experience so shockingly pure and majestic, visitors feel as they entered into a whole new world. Although this area is commonly referred as the Copper Canyon, it is in fact a 900 square-mile maze of more than 200 canyons mostly interconnected and linked by three main rivers through the length of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It is say, that some of these canyons are deeper and cover more area than the Grand Canyon.

These Canyons lands are the home of the Tarahumara (Raramuris) who settle in this place many years ago. This is a unique indigenous culture that has preserved their primitive traditions, living on caves along the Canyon walls, cliff-dwellers or in small log cabins through the Canyons floor. One of the unique features on this destination is the train journey, one of the best ways to experience the Canyon’s wonders. The fabled Chihuahua al Pacifico railway also know by the locals as the “Chepe” runs air- conditioned first class trains every day from to , a city near the Sea of Cortes. This train route, 100 years in the making, traverses some 86 tunnels and 32 bridges revealing breathtaking vistas and towns with diverse cultures. These and the quaint hotels along the route, provide just enough amenities to make this the trip of a lifetime.

This program provides an enjoyable experience of the Canyon rim and the train journey visiting Divisadero which is located at the halfway point between Los Mochis and Chihuahua, offering a crisp mountain air among pine forest combined with inspiring views of the Canyon and river. Views that extend more than 100 miles across at an altitude of more than 7000 feet that can be enjoyed from different overlooks. Here you will also find the Divisadero market were you will see the Tarahumara women and children making beautiful baskets of different sizes, belts, wooden figures, jewelry drums and violins. You will overnight in unique and cozy hotels with a warm atmosphere and great hospitality.

Tour Breakdown

DAY 1 - Tour Begins in Los Mochis CONTACT INFORMATION: Arrive at the Los Mochis International Airport and transfer to the El Fuerte. Overnight at the Posada del hotel. (D)

DAY 2 Early transfer to the train station for a journey to Posada Barrancas. Upon arrival early afternoon you will be transfer de hotel Mirador located at the Canyon rim. Late lunch at the hotel. This afternoon you will visit a Tarahumara Indian dwelling. Dinner and overnight at the hotel (B L D)

DAY 3 Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will have a tour of the different overlooks of the canyon rim. Return to the hotel for lunch and have a relaxing evening. (B L D)

DAY4 Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure for last minute shopping, hacking or maybe a horseback riding. Transfer to the station for your return journey to Los Mochis. Transfer to the Santa Anita hotel for overnight. (B L)

DAY5 Transfer to the Airport for your return flight. Reserve Your Spot Today!

Legacy Of The Maya - All Inclusive 8 Days, 7 Nights

The culture of the Maya is the stuff of ancient legend, but that history dates back longer than many realize. The Olmec people preceded the Maya, colonizing the city of La Venta in the modern-day state of . Here, the giant Olmec heads -- such a landmark feature of Mexico – were discovered. Tour Breakdown

DAY 1 – TUXTLA GUTIERREZ (INCL. DINNER) Arrive at Tuxtla Gutierrez. Once part of Guatemala, the capital city of is now a commercial center and gateway to the state. Check in to the hotel, enjoy dinner and prepare for the days ahead.

DAY 2 – SUMIDERO CANYON AND SAN CRISTOBAL (INCL. BREAKFAST) Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel and board the boat for a voyage up the Sumidero Canyon of the Rio Grijalva. Surrounded by canyon walls as high as 2,000 ft., view awesome rock formations and caves, plants and wildlife. Have lunch in the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo, and see a historic fountain, built in 1562 to resemble the Spanish Crown. Then, head to San Cristobal de Las Casas and the Valley of Jovel. Explore markets, shops and galleries along cobblestone streets, then check in to the hotel for a two-night stay in San Cristobal.

DAY 3 – SAN CRISTOBAL AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES (INCL. BREAKFAST) Breakfast at the hotel, then visit two unique towns to learn about the customs of the Maya. First, San Juan Chamula, where local religious practices blend ancient Mayan traditions with the influences of Spanish Catholicism and other ideologies. Next, visit San Lorenzo Zinacantan, where the citizens are known for producing fine textiles and musical instruments, as well as growing flowers. Return to San Cristobal for lunch and spend the remainder of the day touring the city at your leisure.

DAY 4 – AGUA AZUL, MISOL-HA, AND PALENQUE (INCL. BREAKFAST) After breakfast at the hotel, leave the cool highland country for low jungles. Stop along the way for a quick visit to Ocosingo, known for its cheese production. Continue and view the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha. Finally, arrive in Palenque, a city of ancient Maya and a UNSESCO World Heritage Site. Palenque flourished in lush jungle surroundings from 500 AD to 700 AD. After its abandonment, it went practically untouched for 700 years. Have dinner and spend the night in Palenque.

DAY 5 – (INCL. BREAKFAST) Have breakfast and relish a leisurely morning exploring more of Palenque. Travel to the city of Campeche, another World Heritage Site along the Gulf of Mexico. Many lavish mansions remain from the city’s beginnings. CONTACT INFORMATION: Founded by wealthy Spaniards, the city was a target for pirates, hence the forts and defensive walls that have endured. Have dinner and spend the night in Campeche.

DAY 6 – UXMAL AND MERIDA (INCL. BREAKFAST) After breakfast, journey to the archeological site of Uxmal, a World Heritage Site of great historical importance to the Maya culture. Uxmal’s impressive architecture showcases the brilliant engineering of the Maya. This active city thrived for 300 years before it was abandoned around 900 AD due to drought conditions. Rediscovered in 1929, the city has many buildings yet to be excavated. Have lunch on the way to Merida, the capital of Yucatan. The city offers elements of old Europe combined with modern culture. Grand government buildings surround lovely parks. Hear the music all around as you explore the city and dine at your leisure. Spend the night in Merida.

DAY 7 – CHICHEN-ITZA AND RIVIERA MAYA (INCL. BREAKFAST AND DINNER) Have breakfast at the hotel and set out to discover the famous architectural site of Chichen-Itza. Wonderfully well-preserved, these remnants of ancient Maya make up one of the New Seven Wonders of World. Abandoned in the 14th century for reasons unknown, it has endured as a Mayan pilgrimage site. Conclude the tour along the Riviera Maya on the Mexican Caribbean and enjoy the powdery white sand of its beaches. Have dinner and spend the night in Cancun.

DAY 8 – RETURN FLIGHT (INCL. BREAKFAST) Say farewell with breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the airport. Reserve Your Spot Today!

Mexico City - All Inclusive 7 Days, 6 Nights

Mexico City has a rich history that hearkens back to ages gone by. Spanish colonial buildings, ancient ruins and contemporary style create a unique atmosphere, making the city a must-see for any traveler interested in Mexican culture. A Closer Look Tours offers an unparalleled and unforgettable tour of the marvelous Mexico City.

Tour Breakdown

MEXICO CITY (INCL. DINNER) Arrive to Mexico City Airport and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the Villa Maria restaurant.

DAY 2 – MEXICO CITY (INCL. BREAKFAST, LUNCH) Begin your tour of Mexico City with a stop at the Constitution Plaza, or Zocalo. This city square sits in the center of several architecturally astounding historic buildings. Visit the Supreme Court building, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the archaeological site of Templo Mayor. Then stop at the National Palace to admire the famous murals of Diego Rivera. Continue with a visit to Chapultepec Park, as well as the Anthropology Museum. Finally, peruse some of the most interesting neighborhoods of Mexico City, including the charming San Angel and the modern Santa Fe.

DAY 3 – MEXICO CITY, TEOTIHUACAN PYRAMIDS, THE GUADALUPE SHRINE (INCL. BREAKFAST, LUNCH) Explore the Plaza of Three cultures, where Aztec, Spanish Colonial and contemporary elements combine to create a wonderful, multi-faceted atmosphere. Next, discover the archaeological site of Teotihuacan and take in the grandeur of its great pyramids, temples and avenues. After lunch return to Mexico City for a visit to the celebrated Guadalupe Shrine, one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites worldwide.

DAY 4 – , TAXCO (INCL. BREAKFAST, LUNCH) Venture outside Mexico City for a short trip to Cuernavaca. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it houses important landmarks such as the Cortez Palace and the Cathedral, one Mexico’s oldest buildings. Next, stroll through the narrow streets amid the colonial buildings of Taxco. This silver mining city teems with old-style charm. See the gold-plated altars of the Santa Prisca church and visit the La Borda Plaza. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Mexico City for an afternoon of leisure. CONTACT INFORMATION: DAY 5 – CHOLULA, (INCL. BREAKFAST, LUNCH) Today, discover some of the marvelous attractions that surround Mexico City. Travel through picturesque pine country to Cholula, a significant ceremonial center of the pre-Hispanic period. Along the way, watch fora fantastic view of the legendary Ixtacihuatl and Popocatepetl volcanoes. In Cholula, see the church that sits atop one of the world’s largest pyramids before heading to the city of Puebla for more of Mexico’s architectural treasures.

DAY 6 – MEXICO CITY, COYOACAN, XOCHIMILCO (INCL. BREAKFAST) Tour the delightful neighborhood of Coyoacan. Once a distinct town, it is now a part of Mexico City. The home of historical Spanish conqueror, Hernan Cortez is located here, now a government office. Visit La Casa Azul, or The Blue House, a museum devoted to the celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. En route to Xochimilco, stop at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico to admire the murals of Juan O’Gorman. Once in Xochimilco, board a trajinera to navigate through the area’s beautiful canals. Return to the hotel and spend your last evening in Mexico City at your leisure.

DAY 7 – RETURN FLIGHT (INCL. BREAKFAST) SAY FAREWELL WITH BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL THEN TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT. Reserve Your Spot Today!

Oaxaca - All Inclusive 6 Days, 5 Nights

Oaxaca (wa-hah-kah) is a land of bountiful possibility. Striking scenery, ancient history, authentic cuisine and a lively arts scene come together here to create an unforgettable journey. Oaxaca is a land of extraordinary contrasts, and is must for travelers in search of an adventure for the senses. Its vibrant images, amazing diversity, unique experiences and unexpected possibilities make Oaxaca an unforgettable trip. Travelers who venture here will embrace the spirit of Mexico’s enthralling past, touch the unspoiled beauty of its unusual landscapes, and discover the endless variety of choices that lie at the heart of the Mexican experience.

Tour Breakdown

DAY 1 – OAXACA Arrive to Oaxaca´s international airport and transfer to the Hotel La Noria.. Welcome dinner at the hotel and overnight. (D)

DAY 2 – LA VERDE ANTEQUERA & MONTE ALBÁN (INCL. BREAKFAST, DINNER) Spend the morning exploring the ruins of Monte Albán, an ancient Zapotec city founded around 500 BC. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated high on a mountaintop with outstanding views of the city of Oaxaca below. Rich with history, Monte Albán is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Catch a glimpse of the vibrant past in the fascinating remnants of a once-glorious city. Return for lunch and spend the afternoon touring the City of Oaxaca. Originally called “Nueva Antequera” after a city in Spain, Oaxaca is now nicknamed “La Verde Antequera” for the green quarry stone seen in its buildings. Be sure to bring your camera, Oaxaca is one of the most visually stunning in Latin America.In the evening, see a presentation of Guelaguetza, a song-and-dance display of traditional Oaxacan culture.

DAY 3 – THE MITLA VALLEY (INCL. BREAKFAST, LUNCH) Tour the archaeological site of Mitla, a Mixtec ceremonial center. Then, observe Zapotec weavers at Teotitlan as they demonstrate traditional techniques of weaving and wool-dying. After lunch, visit a distillery to learn the secrets of making mescal.End the day’s adventures with a stop in Santa Maria del Tule, location of the vast and ancient Árbol del Tule, the extraordinary Montezuma cypress. Return to Oaxaca for an evening of leisure. CONTACT INFORMATION: DAY 4 – FLAVORS OF OAXACA (INCL. BREAKFAST, LUNCH) This morning is dedicated to the flavorful and aromatic cuisine of Oaxaca. isitV the Mercado Juarez, a colorful marketplace brimming with local ingredients and handicrafts. Your guide will accompany you for a lesson on the tools and techniques used in the region’s cooking, followed by lunch at a traditional restaurant for the full taste of what you have learned. Return and pass the day at your leisure.

DAY 5 – OAXACA HANDICRAFTS (INCL. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER) Take in the artistry of Oaxaca’s native handicrafts with a tour of artisan villages. Begin with , known worldwide for its unique black pottery, and continue to the village of San Martín Tilcajate, the birthplace of magical wood carvings. Finish with a stop at Santo Tomás Jalietza to see the diligent work of local back strap weavers.

DAY 6 – RETURN FLIGHT (INCL. BREAKFAST) Say farewell with breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the airport.