Mexico - Copper Canyon & whale watching Baja California

Flight with AeroMexico in Business Class from MEX to CUU AM 140 - departure from Mexico City at 09:30, arrival in Chihuahua at 10:50.

Ciudad de México - Chihuahua

Visit to the cathedral and the nearby city market. Chihuahua was the headquarters of the popular hero Pancho Villa. As well as visiting the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, which is now housed in the general's magnificent villa "La Quinta Luz", you will visit the Governor's Palace with the murals by Aarón Piña Mora on the history of Chihuahua.

1 overnight stay at The Lodge at Creel – Details about the hotel

Short tour of the small logging and tourist town of Creel. A stroll through the streets of the town reveals a colourful mix of local workers, Rarámuri Indians and visitors of various nationalities. Accommodation, restaurants, agencies of all colours, construction, furniture and souvenir shops are springing up like mushrooms.
On your excursion, you will visit a cave of the Rarámuri Indians, who use the natural protection of the rocks as a home. The next stop takes you to the Valley of Mushroom Heads and Frogs, whose characteristic rock formations give the valley its name. Via the mission church of San Ignacio, you reach the Lago de Arareco, which impresses with its deep blue colour and the surrounding rocks when the sun shines.

Creel - Posada Barrancas

Check-in at the hotel.

Enjoy the short hike along the edge of the Urique Gorge at Posada Barrancas. The viewpoints along the edge of the gorge at the confluence of the Copper and Urique canyons are spectacular and breathtaking. If the situation allows, you can visit a Rarámuri family during the hike, who will impress you with their fine wickerwork made from pine needles and agaves.

2 nights at the Hotel Mirador – Details about the hotel

Posada Barrancas - Piedra Volada

The Teleférico takes you on a fascinating ride to the Mesa de Arturo viewpoint in the heart of the copper gorges with a view of the Río Urique, climbing 450 metres in altitude. The cable car system without intermediate posts from the Austrian company Doppelmayr has a length of 2,750 metres and was completed in 2010. The gondolas travel in opposite directions, can accommodate up to 60 passengers each and offer incredible views of the surrounding canyon system during the journey from Piedra Volada. Don't forget your camera to capture these unforgettable moments.

Piedra Volada - Bacajípare

Explore the traditional paths of the Tarahumaras with us on an extended hike. From the Mesa de Bacajípare (the start and end point of the hike is station B of the Teleferico), you will walk to the village of the same name at the foot of the table mountain. Here you will visit the small Casa Tarahumara museum and discover the nearby murals of a bygone era. You will lose track of time amidst the spectacular canyon landscape. The views are unique and the size of the canyon system is almost unimaginable.

Bacajípare - Piedra Volada

Piedra Volada - Posada Barrancas

Free time at the edge of the copper gorges.

Posada Barrancas - Divisadero Barrancas

Train journey on the Chepe Express - First Class: departure from Divisadero and arrival in Bahuichivo.

Divisadero Barrancas - Bahuichivo

On arrival at the train station, you will be met personally by our pick-up man. There is a lot of hustle and bustle at all destination stations. Passengers boarding and disembarking, lots of luggage, the noise of the train and the hoteliers mingle to create a truly Mexican impression. Please observe the individual callers until you hear your name or the name of your hotel from the crowd or see it on a sign and can recognise it. As soon as you have found each other, the transfer will take place.

Bahuichivo - Cerocahui

Transfer to your hotel.

Visit to one of the most beautiful mission churches in the Sierra Madre. Founded in 1680 by the Jesuit priest Juan María de Salvatierra, the mission fell into disrepair over the centuries, but was restored in the 1950s under the leadership of Father Andrés Lara. This energetic padre worked hard to make life more bearable for the inhabitants of the region.

2 nights at Hotel Misión – Details about the hotel

Cerocahui - Urique

The small town of Urique on the river of the same name at the bottom of the Copper Gorge seems like a toy within reach, but it lies over 1,800 metres below! The journey there is a real adventure with spectacular views. The village of Urique was founded in 1690 as a district town by gold prospectors and the precious metal is still mined here in small quantities today.

Urique - Cerro del Gallego

Enjoy the view of Cerro del Gallego. From the edge of the mighty Urique gorge, you can enjoy the view of the gorge at your feet and the small town of Urique - 1,800 metres below you. Near the viewpoint, you will visit the small workshop of a Rarámuri family with the finest wickerwork made from pine needles and rough-headed agaves.
Cerro del Gallego - Cerocahui

Cerocahui - Bahuichivo

Train journey on the Chepe Express - First Class: departure from Bahuichivo and arrival in El Fuerte.

Bahuichivo - El Fuerte

El Fuerte is historically one of the most important and interesting towns in northern Mexico. The municipality was founded in 1564 by the Spaniard Francisco de Ibarra. A fortress was built at the beginning of the 17th century (in Spanish: Fuerte) because of attacks by the Indians. Enjoy the history and flair of the small town on the river on a short tour of the town.

1 overnight stay at the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo – Details about the hotel

El Fuerte - Topolobampo

On a boat tour into the bay of Topolobampo, you will experience the third largest natural harbour in the world. The village of the same name - located directly on the bay - was founded in 1868 as an experiment by the North American engineer Albert K. Owen, who wanted to establish a world harbour of peace and equality here. The experiment failed, but for nature lovers this region of Mexico became a true paradise.

Topolobampo - Los Mochis

Flight with Calafia Airlines in economy class - departure from Los Mochis, arrival in Cabo San Lucas.

Los Mochis - Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas - San José del Cabo

3 nights at the One & Only Palmilla – Details about the hotel

San José del Cabo - Cabo Pulmo

The Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is home to over 350 species of fish and is the only reef in the Gulf of California formed by stony corals. Snorkel with the equipment provided along Mermaid Beach with hundreds of juvenile fish. The second stop is a tame sea lion colony before you watch some schools of tuna dancing in formation near Jureles. The final stop is the colourful coral reef; with a visibility of up to 30 m, you will see paw corals and bush corals, small and large polyp stony corals as well as star and raspberry corals.

Cabo Pulmo - San José del Cabo

San José del Cabo - Puerto Los Cabos

Puerto Los Cabos - San José del Cabo

San José del Cabo - Los Cabos

Your kayak and snorkelling tour takes you to the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo at the southern tip of Baja California - where the Mar de Cortéz and the wild Pacific Ocean meet. After a short briefing at Playa Las Viudas (known as Twin Dolphin Beach), you will kayak into the horseshoe-shaped Bahía Santa María, where you will explore the small coral reefs surrounded by tropical fish (especially parrotfish), eagle rays, starfish and sea urchins - even a moray eel can hide between the rocks here. The tour continues to Chileno Bay for a swim on the long sandy beach or a second snorkelling trip.

Los Cabos - San José del Cabo

San José del Cabo - Todos Santos

Todos Santos, the town on the Tropic of Cancer, has an enchanting colonial ambience. Today, the small town offers interested visitors a variety of shops, restaurants and, above all, galleries offering traditional craftsmanship and modern paintings. With its pleasant climate, nearby beaches and historic old town, the town attracts many artists.

Todos Santos - La Paz, BCS

2 nights at the Posada de las Flores La Paz – Details about the hotel

You board your boat in the marina in La Paz and reach the uninhabited island of Espíritu Santo in around 90 minutes. The rugged island of volcanic origin offers fascinating views and beautiful bays as well as unique vegetation. At the sea lion colony of Los Islotes, you can snorkel with the playful young animals. Enjoy your "box lunch" on a paradisiacal sandy beach.

The beaches of Balandra are lined with different types of mangroves. On your hike, you will get to know a delicate ecosystem. The unique flora and fauna in the bay and the surrounding area will stay with you for a long time.

The whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), which can be up to 15 metres long, are the largest fish in the world and can reach a weight of up to 10 tonnes. They are peaceful and curious. Every year from November to February, you can observe the sharks with licensed boat guides in the Bahía de La Paz and - with the appropriate permit - even snorkel with them. Whale sharks are also known as "gentle giants" as they feed exclusively on plankton.

La Paz, BCS - The Islands of Loreto

1 overnight stay at Villa del Palmar – Details about the hotel

The Islands of Loreto - Bahía Concepción

Let yourself be enchanted on your journey along the Bahía Concepcíon. The picturesque backdrop of the deep blue sea, white sandy beaches and the mighty Cardón cacti in the background is unique. The bay is a designated marine reserve, home to various bird species as well as whales, dolphins and whale sharks.

Bahía Concepción - Santa Rosalía

Santa Rosalía owes its rise to the French mining company El Boleo in the 19th century. The impressive industrial facilities are only partially preserved (some industrial monuments are now to be preserved), but the remnants of the French influence are clearly visible on your tour - typical villas, an administrative building (Museo Histórico Minero), the Hotel Francés and the iron church of Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalía designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Santa Rosalía - San Ignacio, BCS

2 nights at Hotel La Huerta – Details about the hotel

San Ignacio, BCS - Laguna San Ignacio

During the whale watching season (mid-January to the end of March), you go out on pangas (manoeuvrable motorboats) to Laguna San Ignacio to observe the grey whale population in their natural environment. Your excursion can be quite wet and strenuous, but it is fascinating and very rewarding.

Laguna San Ignacio - San Ignacio, BCS

You will experience the green palm oasis like a mirage; more than 80,000 date palms, fig and orange trees thrive along a river that only rises to the surface of the volcanic rock here. San Ignacio, founded in 1728 as a mission to convert the Cochimí Indians living there, lies in a funnel of lava rock. Visit the village centre of San Ignacio on foot, the imposing mission church and the informative museum about the rock paintings.

San Ignacio, BCS - Laguna San Ignacio

During the whale watching season (mid-January to the end of March), you go out on pangas (manoeuvrable motorboats) to Laguna San Ignacio to observe the grey whale population in their natural environment. Your excursion can be quite wet and strenuous, but it is fascinating and very rewarding.

Laguna San Ignacio - San Ignacio, BCS

San Ignacio, BCS - Guerrero Negro

2 nights at the Hotel TerraSal – Details about the hotel

Drive through the installations of the Guerrero Negro salt extraction plant to the whale-watching pier, from where you take panga boats (manoeuvrable motorboats) out onto the Ojo de Liebre lagoon to observe the American grey whales in their natural environment. Depending on the weather conditions, your excursion may well be wet and strenuous.

Guided tour through the impressive salt extraction plant of Guerrero Negro; the bizarre world of the white salt basins is monumental and unforgettable. Short hike through the savannah dune landscape followed by a detour to the bird sanctuary, where you can observe migratory birds such as hornbill pelicans or resident species such as the osprey foraging for food.

Guerrero Negro - Bahía de los Ángeles

Private yacht charter - exclusive and just for you:

Trip to the islands of the Bahía de los Angeles to observe different species of whales - especially humpback and fin whales. Huge pods of dolphins are to be expected.

4 nights in the embarkation Nautilus - Gallant Lady– Details about the hotel

Drive to San Pedro Martír, the hidden jewel of the Gulf of California. As the northern end of a huge underwater canyon, the island fascinates with an endless variety of marine life. In addition to large sea lion colonies, the island is home to blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, frigate birds and many other species.

Bahía de los Ángeles - Isla San Pedro Martír

Free time to swim with the sea lions.

Isla San Pedro Martír - Loreto, BCS

Drive south towards Loreto National Park, observing the marine life along the way.

Enjoy the views along the coast of Baja California.

Between mid-February and mid-March, you have the opportunity to observe various species of whales and dolphins close to the coast of the Gulf of California. The largest mammal in the world, the blue whale, also stays here during this time. Enjoy an extended boat tour to the southern tip of Isla Carmen in the Bahía de Loreto National Park.

Loreto was the religious and secular centre of the whole of Spanish California, which stretched as far as the present-day US state of Oregon. In 1829, a violent hurricane destroyed the "mother of all missions". It was only sport fishing that brought a new boom, which was accelerated by the completion of MEX 1. On the tour through the tranquil centre, you will visit the mission and the adjoining mission museum.

Your boat will be waiting for you at the pier in Loreto to take you to Isla Coronado. You will not only be amazed by the bizarre volcanic landscape, but also by the wildlife: California sea lions, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, shags and many other seabirds make their home there. Afterwards, we take a longer break on the pretty beach of Bahía Luz, with its fine sand and turquoise-blue water, which is also ideal for swimming or snorkelling.

Farewell dinner on the Gallant Lady in the harbour of Loreto.

Disembarkation early in the morning.

Loreto, BCS - López Mateos

Whales are constantly travelling through the narrow channel of López Mateos. Panga boats take you out into the lagoon to observe the grey whales up close in their natural environment. Our excursion into the waters can be wet and strenuous, but is very rewarding and absolutely fascinating.

López Mateos - La Paz, BCS

1 overnight stay at the Hotel Posada de las Flores La Paz – Details about the hotel

Transfer to the airport.

Flight with AeroMexico from LAP to MEX with AM 369 - departure in La Paz, arrival in Mexico City.

La Paz, BCS - Ciudad de México

After landing, please proceed to the baggage area of the airport. Collect your luggage and leave the security area; our collector will be waiting for you - please look out for a sign with your name on it.

Transfer to your hotel.

Experience and marvel at one of the largest cities in the world. Mexico City is the political, social and cultural centre of the country with numerous universities, museums and monuments. Tour of the city centre with a visit to the presidential palace, the Zócalo and the cathedral. Surrounded by the snow-capped twin volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, more than 25 million people live in Mexico City today.

The Museo del Templo Mayor has existed since 1987. In addition to the 8-tonne stone disc with the image of the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui, whose discovery initiated the Templo Mayor project in 1978, the museum focuses on the cult of human sacrifice in Tenochtitlán, the cultivation of grain and maize on the floating gardens and the history of the ancient Aztec temple district.

2 nights at Hotel Las Alcobas – Details about the hotel

Ciudad de México - Teotihuacán

Visit the enormous pyramid complex of Teotihuacán. It was the first city of the "New World". Built between 250 BC and 700 AD, around 125,000 to 250,000 people lived in around 2,300 residential complexes at the time of its heyday, certainly the largest metropolis on the American continent. Only when you walk along the enormous - 1 km long - "Street of the Dead" do you realise the dimensions of this complex. Excavations have been systematically carried out over many years and new insights into this bygone civilisation are being gained every day.

Teotihuacán - Ciudad de México

The picturesque La Ciudadela market in the heart of Mexico City takes you into the special world of Mexican arts and crafts. Founded especially for the 1968 Olympic Games, the market brings together artisans and traders from all regions of the country. The colourful halls are located on Calle Balderas and offer traditional souvenirs as well as modern design adaptations for every taste and budget - from hammocks from Yucatán to trees of life and catrina figures from Metepec as well as elaborately hand-embroidered clothing from Chiapas and Oaxaca.

If you love exclusive and unusual delicacies, then Mercado 77 San Juan in the historic centre of Mexico City is the right place for you. Not only lovers of flavoursome fish and seafood - from Veracruz, Campeche and Baja California - will get their money's worth at the market, but also those who enjoy trying exotic dishes: Iguanas from Chiapas, scorpions from Durango, alligators and pejelagartos from breeding pools in Tabasco and much more. Never-before-seen varieties of fruit and vegetables as well as unique creations of various meats allow you to experience Mexico's cuisine in a whole new way.

Opened in 2012, the Quintonil welcomes you to the popular Polanco neighbourhood. An elegant, contemporary interior with wooden elements and muted colours provides the perfect backdrop for the modern gourmet creations of renowned chef Jorge Vallejo. Here, traditional Mexican ingredients are transformed into innovative dishes such as braised avocado tartare with escamoles and herb chips or cactus sorbet. The seasonal vegetables are harvested daily from the restaurant's own garden and fresh seafood is also on the menu. Treat yourself to a delicious dessert at the end - how about mamey pannacotta or sweet corn crumble? In 2018, the stylish restaurant was ranked 9th among the 50 best restaurants in Latin America.

The Museo Nacional de Antropología is the most visited museum in Mexico. It consists of twelve exhibition halls, each dedicated to a different pre-Columbian cultural group in Mexico - totalling almost 80,000 m² of exhibition space. Designed in 1964 under the direction of architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, the monumental building is particularly impressive with a mighty column in the inner courtyard supporting a huge concrete umbrella. Discover the cultures of the Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs and Maya, among many others.

Transfer to the airport.