Copper Canyon

 

The Copper Canyon excursion at almost $600.00USD is expensive and very long (17 hours). But to me is was worth it! For most people it's going to be your only opportunity to go there.

The trip is very well organized and runs on a tight schedule. It's good to know in advance that you don't have much time at the canyon itself (about 2 hours). So though that's the highlight, the focus of the trip is more on the train ride.

Meeting time to start was 4:15am. There was a 2 hour bus ride from Topolobampo to El Fuerte where we boarded the train. Holland America charters the train for it's excursion. On scheduled services it's not possible to go round-trip in one day. The train cars have very comfortable seats with lots of leg room. There are small outdoor vestibules between cars for taking pictures. It was light when the train departed, and we were given coffee as we got underway (lukewarm) then a snack box , then a breakfast burrito and yogurt. The second cup of coffee was hot! It started out quite flat with mixed vegetation and cactus. Then rolling hills with cattle ranches. It's very dry, hardly any rain this season. After about an hour we starting entering the river canyon that we followed most of the way. The tracks are full of curves and there are lots of tunnels and bridges. The speed is like a Canadian train, not like high-speed European! Scenery is wonderful and always changing. 

When we reached the Copper Cancon the scenery is even more spectacular! I was in the group that walked the rim trail first. Absolutely breath taking. About a 30 minute easy walk with some uneven footing and stairs. There were women and kids selling souvenirs at a view point. I think most of us took way too many pictures! We then got the bus to hotel on the edge of the canyon for our tasty buffet lunch.Another wonderful view from here. All too soon time to head back to the train station to catch the train back.

It was still light for the first part of the train ride back. Everyone had switched sides so you had a different view. One of the young ladies on staff sang in the bar car for our entertainment. A boxed dinner was served about 6pm. The last 2 hours it was dark so most people were sleeping or reading. Arrival back at El Fuerte a bit after 8pm, then back on the bus for 2 hours back to the ship. Arrival at the pier about 10:15 to be greeted by many of the crew. Once on board I got a glass of wine then went up to Lido for a snack before seeking my comfy bed around 11:30pm.