Baja California
Snorkel with whale sharks and dive with tropical fish from secluded beaches.
Travel to Mexico’s little-visited Copper Canyon, exploring its extraordinary network of passageways on foot and horseback, before moving on to the place that explorer Jacques Cousteau called “the world’s aquarium”.
This is the archetypal adventure for whale-loving wayfarers and those seeking to step off the hidden track in Mexico.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Meet the Tarahumara
Encounter the Tarahumara, the indigenous people who thrive in this incredible place.
Chihuahua Express
Travel on one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway.
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Visit Sleepy Batopilas
Discover a colonial town deep in the wild west of Copper Canyon, once a booming silver mine.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
There are few secrets left in Mexico, but the Copper Canyon has been kept better than most. A world away from the well-known beaches and Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula lies a vast and rugged desert-like landscape that is dominated by colossal canyons and home to remote indigenous communities. Combining one of the world’s most coveted train rides with time spent snorkelling with whales on the nation’s spectacular Pacific Coast, this wildlife and wilderness adventure is truly exhilarating. Add a sprinkling of Jesuit churches, time spent on the golden beaches of Los Cabos and opportunities for zip-lining on one of the world’s longest lines and this trip becomes truly extraordinary.
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Days 1-3
Mexico City
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Day 4
Mexico City - Los Mochis - El Fuerte
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Day 5
El Fuerte - Posada Barrancas
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Day 6
Posada Barrancas
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Day 7
Posada Barrancas - Batopilas
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Day 8
Batopilas
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Day 9
Batopilas - Creel
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Day 10
Creel
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Day 11
Creel - El Fuerte
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Day 12
El Fuerte - Los Mochis - La Paz
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Day 13
La Paz
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Day 14
La Paz - Todos Santos - San Jose del Cabo
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Days 15-16
San Jose del Cabo
Days 1-3
Mexico City
Explore the mysterious hand-built city of Teotihuacan (“the place where the gods were created”).
Day 4
Mexico City - Los Mochis - El Fuerte
Day 5
El Fuerte - Posada Barrancas
Day 6
Posada Barrancas
Day 7
Posada Barrancas - Batopilas
Day 8
Batopilas
Discover a colonial town deep in the wild west of Copper Canyon, once a booming silver-mining centre.
Day 9
Batopilas - Creel
Day 10
Creel
Dip in hot springs in the alpine town of Creel and encounter the traditionally-dressed Tarahumara Indians.
Day 11
Creel - El Fuerte
Day 12
El Fuerte - Los Mochis - La Paz
Day 13
La Paz
Day 14
La Paz - Todos Santos - San Jose del Cabo
Days 15-16
San Jose del Cabo
Snorkel with whale sharks and swim with sea lions on Espiritu Santo Island and navigate to a secluded beach.
More Details
Temple of the Moon
Explore the mysterious hand-built city of Teotihuacan (“the place where the gods were created”), the partially-collapsed site that houses some of one of the world’s most perplexing archaeological sites. In the company of an expert private guide, learn how the civilisation responsible for building the ancient city still remains a mystery and discover their glyph-based written language. When moving through the temples, noble palaces, pyramids and dwelling compounds, unearth the secrets of the inhabitants’ ritual sacrifices, deities, cosmological beliefs and everyday lives. You might even like to climb the 65-metre-tall Pyramid of the Sun and the 43-metre-tall Pyramid of the Moon, which afford unmatched views across the timeworn metropolis.
The Copper Canyon Train
Board the Copper Canyon Train for an enthralling journey, alighting to visit old Jesuit churches, dip in dazzling lakes, walk amongst extraordinary rock formations and revel in the cool pine-scented breeze that contrasts starkly to the heat rising from arid gorges. Those seeking even more exhilaration can navigate a series of zip lines that stretch over half a mile in length and reach speeds of up to 60mph. Connecting the sun-drenched Pacific Coast with the arid mountains of the north, the tracks carve a route through some of the most dramatic scenery that Mexico has to offer. Beginning in grey mist-shrouded farmlands before climbing into the mountains that are home to the Tarahumara Indians, the route metamorphoses into a thrilling sequence of craggy cliffs and sheer canyon walls.
Meet Tarahumara Indians & Visit Mushroom Valley
Learn about the fascinating rock formations of Mushroom Valley, laze by the river in time-forgotten Batopilas, dip in hot springs in the alpine town of Creel and encounter the traditionally-dressed Tarahumara Indians. Among the vast array of unique and off-the-beaten-track experiences that can be woven into this route are a privately guided tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum and a visit to Xochimilco, an ancient series of channels lined with floating gardens best visited on a flower-draped trajinera (a sort of Mexican punt).
Baja California: Snorkel with Sea Lions & Whale Sharks
In search of sea lions, playful mother and calf whales and a plethora of colourful marine life, sail out on a small boat to spend time in one of the world’s finest marine destinations. In the company of a naturalist guide, don snorkelling gear to swim with a playful sea lion colony and whale sharks. Swim with king angelfish, look out for bottlenose dolphins and perhaps catch a glimpse of blue whales whilst navigating the Sea of Cortez. Look out for surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and colourful parrotfish, and perhaps spend extended time simply floating in their cloud of colour or trying to spot a giant sting ray hiding in the sand before retiring to a spoiling beach hotel.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $7,792 Per person
When to travel
Mexico in January
January and February are peak months of travel as the weather is dry, temperatures and temperatures are warm. As these are popular months, we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance. Many beach hotels and resort have required minimum night stays during this time, which will be taken into consideration when planning your itinerary.
Mexico in February
January and February are peak months of travel as the weather is dry, temperatures and temperatures are warm. As these are popular months, we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance. Many beach hotels and resort have required minimum night stays during this time, which will be taken into consideration when planning your itinerary.
Mexico in March
March continues to be a dry month in Mexico and peak time to visit. Crowds have calmed from January and February school holidays and can be a great time to travel.
Mexico in April
April continues to be peak season to travel to Mexico. Weather is still dry and towards the end of the month temperatures begin to rise slightly in the south.
Mexico in May
May is a shoulder season set between the dry season ending in April and the start of hurricane season in June. Expect the occasional afternoon shower and temperatures to begin rising in the south.
Mexico in June
The rains become more prevalent in June, in the form of afternoon storms and showers. Humidity and temperatures are building as hurricane season begins, though historically most hurricanes take place between August and November.
Mexico in July
July is very much the wet season across Mexico. Expect temperatures of +30 along the coast which break into afternoon showers to cool the evenings. The temperatures inland are marginally less, averaging mid-20s.
Mexico in August
Hurricane Season
Mexico in September
Hurricane Season
Mexico in October
Hurricane Season
Mexico in November
November is considered the first month heading into the dry season. The rains have subsided but not completely gone, following the hurricane season. Early November can be a good time to visit, before the school holiday (for the USA) crowds begin.
Mexico in December
December is one of the most popular months for travel in Mexico. Weather is dry and warm across the country making for a comfortable environment to experience the culture and wildlife that Mexico has to offer. As this is a busy time, we highly recommend planning 9-12 months in advance.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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