Copper Canyon
 

Just wanna share my auntie's experience.

For our fiftieth anniversary, my husband and I decided to spend some money and take a tour of Copper canyon. We’ve been on many a trip, but never to Mexico. Mexico seemed to be a place that is riddled with poverty, not a place I would want to go for fun. I suppose my assumptions are out of line. We had a great deal of fun.

The tour starts at the Hilton El Paso’s airport location. How handy it was to fly in to El Paso and find the hotel is right there, just across a parking lot. The easy location make it a perfect choice for getting into the heated, indoor pool and enjoying a moment of leisure before meeting the rest of the guests, the Caravan tour guide, and hte driver. They were also great at giving the tourists time to themselves. Being our fiftieth anniversary, I felt that moments to spend by ourselves were an exceptional touch. My husband didn’t seem quite as enthusiastic, but I guess it’s the difference between a man and woman.

The first travel day was a bit taxing for my older bones. I noticed my husband shifted a lot so I don ot think I was alone in finding the long bus ride to be rather tiring. Granted the tour guide did an exceptional job of providing us with breaks where we could bget out and stretch our legs. The seats on the bus were very cozy, perfect for taking naps, and having the nearby bathroom was excellent, even if it was smaller than I am used to. Overall, the ride was long, but still enjoyable.

I think I was unprepared with just how long a drive it was from El Paso to Creel, Mexico. At least, there was never amoment when I felt like the driver was being unsafe. That young man’s driving skills are impeccable. He was also the first to ensure that everyone was assisted off the bus safely and carefully. His mother should be proud!

Eventually, we switched the the train through Copper Canyon. The train was also very comfortable and rather homey. I thoroughly enjoyed the décor of the train and the views of hte gorgeous canyon. I am not certain I enjoyed having to walk through two cars to reach the dining car, but I suppose that comes from lacking the balance I had in my youth. Being able to dine privately with my husband was a treat. Table room was plentiful, so you could dine with others or enjoy some time to yourselves.

It is the tour guide who deserves the rest of my praise. This man definitely knew his stuff. He shared details about every town, attraction, and even local fauna with the passengers. Historical tidbits were intermixed with local legend in a manner that kept each passenger glued to his words. If things became dull during the lengthy bus ride, he was sure to come up with some amusing quip to break the ennui. What an amazing guide. If the tour company were to lose him, they would find it impossible to replace his skill! He certainly made the tour memorable.

Thank you for posting this review! I'm getting Caravan's booklets, and the tours look tempting. I may consider.

Maybe you can also post this on the Latin America branch, because that's where people mostly read who are planning a trip to Mexico. Thanks for writing a trip report for us!

I am going on a Caravan trip to Copper Canyon in 2 weeks. What was the name of your tour guide? I have never been on a Caravan tour and am a bit leery now. We were supposed to depart on 5/8 but just found out that they cancelled the trip and are putting us on a trip departing 2 days later. What a pain it is to have to change flights, hotels etc. So far I'm not thrilled with Caravan, but we are looking forward to the trip. What kind of food is served? Do you get a limited menu? Other detailed info would be appreciated.

I am back from the tour, and will post a detailed report on the Latin America forum.

Lola: you will have a menu for breakfast one morning, and buffets all other. As for lunch/dinner it's either fixed, or a choice of chicken or beef, or chicken or shrimp. Very limited. Don't worry about water - this will be unlimited.

If you have any back problems, bring something for long sitting. A light sweater for trains/buses. $1 (US currency) bills for small purchases and tips. Insect repellent - use it before going to El Fuerte and while there.

Make sure you can take lots of pictures - enough storage in your camera, or spare films. Have room in your luggage for souvenirs even if you don't plan on buying.

Not sure how soon I'll finish my report, you can e-mail me [email protected]

Have done this tour with Caravan, and had a marvelous time. The leader's name was Raul...a great guy.

We did a Northern Mexico/Copper Canyon tour with Grand Circle tours www.gct.com about 4 years ago and had a wonderful time.

We drove to Tucson (our choice), and started the tour there. The tour has changed a little, but the bus went from Tucson to San Carlos (on the beach)for 2 nights, then on to El Fuente for 2 or 3 nights, then the train to Devisedaro (?) for a couple of more nights so we could tour around there. From there, the bus picked us up and drove us to Creel for a short trip (no over nights), then on to Chihuahua for a couple of nights. From Chihuahua (where we had a home hosted meal) we went to Las Cruses NM for a night, then back to Tucson.

We had an excellent tour guide and bus driver and we stopped about every 2 hours so we could get out and stretch our legs, go to the bathroom (although there was a restroom on the bus. The driver had plenty of bottled water on board and the guide suggested 'good' places to eat when we were on our own. The hotels we stayed at were above average and close to shopping and restaurants.

We have since gone on three more trips with Grand Circle and plan on taking their 'Great Rivers of Europe' tour this summer. We give them a thumbs up. Just wanted you to compare. Enjoy the trip...it is a wonderful one, no matter who you go with.