Tour Copper Canyon and meet the shy Tarahumara Indians. Travel through Sonora and Sinaloa without paying huge Mexican Vehicle Insurance premiums. Traveling with us you will enjoy the camaraderie of caravan travel; you'll receive assistance with insurance, border crossing, camp grounds, seafood and Sonoran beef; you'll enjoy margaritas, siestas, dining out and loads of fun arranged by your experienced wagon masters. Watch dolphins and sea lions along the coastline of the Sea of Cortez; go deep sea fishing; relax on tropical beaches; explore colonial towns; enjoy first-class passenger train travel, and see the magnificent Copper Canyon.
We rendezvous in Amado, Arizona. The park is convenient to the Mexican border,Tucson and Santa Cruz County Arizona and has (30' x 50') full hook up spaces. Once you've settled in, you'll find a heated indoor pool, hot tub and exercise room. All spaces feature cable TV and WI-FI or modem Internet accesses. RV accessories, supplies, and propane service are also available.
If you want to start your vacation early, plan to arrive in Santa Cruz County with enough time to explore. There is no shortage of places to go or things to see during your stay. Take a tour of their wine country or pick up a Chamber of Commerce map and see where some of the over 100 locally filmed movies were shot. Shop in the historic district of old Nogales, travel a few miles north to Tubac's world-class galleries and shops, and visit the striking Tumacacori National Historic Park.
Guaymas is the most important port in the State of Sonora. In 1701 missionaries founded the Mission of San José de La Laguna few miles from Guaymas. In 1769 the port was officially named San José de Guaymas and by 1859 it was declared a city.
Be sure to bring your camera when we see the San Fernando Mission built in the XIX century, the Sacred Heart church, the Bank of Sonora with a neo-classic style, the San Fernando square with its kiosok and the symbol of the city; the famous fisherman statue and the Plaza of the three Presidents: Adolfo de la Huerta, Plutarco Elías Calles and Abelardo Rodríguez, all born in Guaymas.
Enjoy a walk on beautiful beaches - Miramar is one of them at Bahía deBacochibampo. The coast line of Guaymas offers a unique opportunity for whale watchers and photographers. During January and February whales coming south from cold waters come to the Sea of Cortez to mate and have their cachalotes.
The old colonial city of Alamos is rich in history and architecture. The entire town is designated as a Mexican National Historic Monument. By the 17th century there was a substantial settlement here. There are still many of the lovely colonial homes in town. This former silver mining town had it's own mint in the 1860s but by the turn of the 20th century the mint had closed and the mines had dried up. There is talk now of reopening the mines.
Here we truly take a trip to the past. We wander through Parque de Alameda, the town market, and the Plaza de las Armas in front of the church and are invited into the restored colonial homes as we enjoy a guided walking tour of this breathtaking colonial city. We are guided into the mountains to visit localartesans making pottery in the nearby town of Aduana where the desert and tropical climates meet.
El Fuerte was founded in 1564 by the Spanish conquistador Don Francisco de Ibarra who was the first explorer of the lofty western Sierra Madre mountains. In 1610 a fort was built to ward off the fierce Zuaque and Tehueco Indians who constantly harassed the Spaniards. El Fuerte was the gateway to the last frontier of the northern indian territories of Sonora, Arizona and California.
For three centuries El Fuerte was the most important commercial and agricultural center of the vast northern region of Mexico. This city became a major trading post for silver miners and gold seekers from the Urique, Batopilas and Rain ofGold mines in the nearby Sierra Madre.
In 1824, El Fuerte became the capital of the area that is now divided into the states of Sonora, Sinaloa and part of Arizona. There is much rich history in and around El Fuerte. Our historical walking tour through this picturesque colonial city of 30,000 people is an amazing adventure filled with history, beauty and lavish hotels.
The Copper Canyon spreads across the North of Mexico. It is not one single Canyon but rather a series of more than 20 canyons running through the states of Sinaloa and Chihuahua, Mexico. The canyon covers over 20,000 square miles and is four times larger than the Grand Canyon in the U.S. The best way to enjoy it is by relaxing on the comfortable Chihuahuaal Pacifico First Class Passenger train through the mountains.
The scenery is filled with incredible vistas, crystal clear mountain lakes, amazing rock formations and waterfalls. A stay of a few days at the top of the canyon gives us the opportunity to see and learn about the unassimilated Tarahumara Indians who still live in the area the way they have for hundreds of years. We will be traveling to a much higher altitude in the Sierra de Occidentals. Elevations in the region vary from 7,500' to 9,500' with a few peaks reaching 12,000'. That is where the train station and our hotel, La Mansion Tarahumara, are located. So, be sure you have packed jackets and lots of layers to keep out the cooler weather. On the other hand, don't forget your swimsuit for the pool and hot tub at the hotel.
Just a few miles west of Guasave on the Sea of Cortez lies Playa Las Glorias. This sleepy shore town is filled with virgin beaches and there is a bird sanctuary nearby. Our RV park and hotel sit right on the beach and feature spectacular sunsets all year. The hotel's Seafood Restaurant is considered one of the finest on the Mexican West Coast . The pool and bar areas provide a central point for campers and hotel clientele to relax and have a poolside siesta. You can go off-roading on the beach, stroll through the subtropical bird sanctuary, wander the miles of deserted tropical beach and have a frozen margarita while enjoying the sunset over the beautiful Sea of Cortez!
For those staying with us for the entire trip, travel will last for 23 days (subject to change). We'll spend 3 days and 2 nights in Copper Canyon.
Where does the trip begin?
We will rendezvous in AMADO,AZ at the De Anza RV Park. The park is convenient to the Mexican border, Tucson and Santa Cruz County Arizona. Santa Cruz County is packed full of plenty of things to explore and enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, boating, swimming, waterskiing, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing and golfing.
What insurance will I need?
It is Mexican law that you have Mexican liability insurance while traveling in Mexico. If you traveled to Baja within the last year, you probably bought the policy for 12 months. The same policy that coversBaja also covers our caravan travel in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. If you plan travel to other Mexican states independently, you should contact your Mexican Insurance agent to see whether you'll need additional coverage.
What paper work will I need?
You will need your passport in order to get a travel visa to allow you to travel in Mexico. The cost is approximately $25 for each Visa.
You will need to have a major credit card, your driver's license and a copy and either the title or registration for each vehicle as well as a copy of each. If any vehicle is titled or registered to a 3rd party or an LLC, you must have a notarized letter of consent from the person or company to take the vehicle into Mexico. This letter must be on the letterhead of the company in the case of an LLC.
We will use these documents to get a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit for each vehicle you take into Mexico. The cost is $25 - $50 for each Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit.
(If you have specific questions about getting your vehicle in Mexico, email Jim & Polly at coppercanyoncaravans@hughes.net )
What about my rig while I go into the Copper Canyon?
Our campground is fenced and provides security for our rigs while we are in the canyon.
What about my pet while I go into the Copper Canyon?
Feeding and walking will be arranged for your pet(s) through your wagon masters at the campground in El Fuerte. The only paperwork you will need is a current Veteranarian shot record. All immunizations should be current. No reptiles or birds are allowed back into the U.S.A.
What does the fee include?
The fee includes train fare for travel from El Fuerte to Posada Barranca; payment for our 3 days and 2 nights stay at Mansion Tarahumara Hotel in Copper Canyon and all meals and tours while we are there. We also provide assistance with paper work for travel in Mexico; a daily itinerary; reservations for camping, group meals and optional tours; knowledge of the roads, and assistance with customs, language and available repair facilities if needed.
What is not included in the fee?
Everybody pays for his or her own meals,camping,optional side trips and tolls. You decide if you want to eat at home or out, and if side trips are in your interest. For those staying with us for the entire trip tolls will cost approximately$350 and campground costs will average $22 per night.
How much time do we spend on the road each day?
No worries here, we simply don't drive much each day. Remember we want you to learn to slow down and enjoy yourself. The majority of our travel is spent on four lane toll roads similar to those in the U.S. Most days we drive 250 miles or less. Our itineraries are designed so that we spend most of our time enjoying the wonders and arrive at our next destination mid-day or at worst in the early afternoon. You are on vacation and we will not forget that. On driving days we take numerous breaks as a group. You will always know well in advance when to expect these breaks.
Is the climate warm like the Baja?
We will be traveling through several climate zones in the States of Sonora and Sinaloa on this trip. Our hotel in Copper Canyon is at a high elevation (7,000 ft. and above) and can get cold at night. It has been known to snow there in January and February. On the way we will visit low-lying beaches and colonial towns along the beautiful Sea of Cortez. So, bring a warm jacket, comfortable shoes, your sombrero, a bathing suit and plenty of sunscreen.
What about a CB Radio? Do we need one?
Baja Winters requires all travelers to have a good working CB radio. There are a number of reasons for this. Communications between the staff and members of the group is important. Your Wagon Masters will provide lots of information via the radios like announcements about road hazards, travel directions, lunch & breaks, and general information that will make the trip safer and more enjoyable. If you do not currently have a working CB, please contact us before you purchase one. We would like to provide you with a few pointers. Please arrive at the rendezvous with a good working CB (not a handheld walkee talkee). We will have radio checks and there will be time for last minute repairs and adjustments.
What if I want to winter in Mexico?
There are many great campgrounds in Sonora and Sinaloa. San Carlos, Playa las Glorias, Celestiono Gasca and Mazatlan are the most popular destinations for a sunny, warm winter stay. We will be happy to help you with contact information so that you can reserve a spot for as long as you like.
How do I get answers to my other questions?
If you have a question that isn't answered here just call Bajawinters at (866) 771-9064 or email Jim and Polly at coppercanyoncaravans@hughes.net
They have led caravans down the Baja Peninsula and Mexico's West Coast and are familiar with the customs, language and laws and roads of Mexico. Their expertise and adventurous spirits provide customers a safe and relaxed vacation. As RVers, they planned the Copper Canyon Caravan taking into consideration the needs of today's big rigs; a comfortable length of travel days, and requirements for safe water and stable electricity. Jim, Polly and their dog Luna look forward to meeting and traveling with you.
Jim and Polly Oldberg have been traveling the U.S. and Mexico in their RV for several years. They have an affinity for Mexico and its people and truly enjoy introducing others to the wonders of this magical land.
Los Mochis, in Sinaloa, is a coastal city of 350,000. Founded in 1893 by Benjamin Johnson of Pennsylvania favored by him because it was a fertile sugar cane growing area. It is a wealthy city in a fertile agricultural area but holds little of interest for the visitor. The most important aspects of the city are that it is a boarding point for the train, it has an airport, and it is connected to La Paz, Baja California, by ferry into the port of Topolobampo.
