USA Train Journeys

Join the world renowned Sierra Madre Express to Mexico's magnificent Copper Canyon and enjoy the best in a soft adventure vacation. Step on to our historic train and embark on an exciting journey that you'll always remember as a trip of a lifetime.

The Sierra Madre Express offers a travel experience reminiscent of the golden age of railroading. Our fleet of six classic rail cars includes a domed dining and observation car and open decks from which you can enjoy the many spectacular views. Our experienced and friendly staff will provide gourmet food and beverage service and attend to your every need aboard the train.

The Sierra Madre Express travels through the stark beauty of the desert Southwest

Train Itinerary

Day 1. Tucson, Arizona

Arrive in Tucson and check into your hotel. After settling in, meet your fellow travellers and tour escort at a "Get Acquainted" dinner and orientation. Hotel accommodations and dinner is included, and parking is available for local guests.

Day 2. Nogales, Mexico & The Sierra Madre Express

After breakfast, we board a motor coach for a tour of Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley. There is a visit and photo stop at the historic San Xavier Mission and lunch along the way. We then cross the border into Mexico and board the Sierra Madre Express. You are welcomed aboard with a cocktail reception. That evening, a full dinner is served in our classic Dome Car Lounge and the night is spent on the Express.

Day 3. Cerocahui and Divisadero, Mexico

Breakfast and lunch are served onboard while the Express ascends into the Copper Canyon region. Shortly after passing the spectacular scenery of Temoris, we arrive in Bahuichivo. A 45 minute bus ride takes you to the charming Colonial style Hotel Mision in Cerocahui. Stroll around the plaza or visit the nearby mission church before returning to the hotel for the margarita reception and entertainment before dinner.

Day 4. Cerocahu, Mexico

After breakfast, you can spend a quiet morning in Cerocahui or take an optional bus tour to Gallego Outlook for an unforgettable view of the remote Urique Canyon. After returning, lunch is served at the hotel, then you may join us for a visit to the neighbouring school for Tarahumara girls before boarding the bus for a return to the Express. We arrive at Divisadero by late afternoon and are taken to the Posada Mirador Hotel. A reception in the Mirador Lounge with entertainment by the Tarahumara Indians is followed by dinner in the dining room.

Day 5. Divisadero and Creel, Mexico

Following breakfast, we depart on the Express to Creel in the heart of Tarahumara country. There will be time for shopping for native handicrafts, Mata Ortiz pottery and other souvenirs before departing on a tour of Cusarare. In this Tarahumara village you can visit a one of a kind colonial art museum and enjoy lunch near a Tarahumara ranchito. After our return to the Posada Mirador, we will enjoy a margarita reception, followed by a dinner served in the dining room.

Day 6. Sierra Madre Express

After breakfast, your morning is free for exploring, Hummer tours, shopping, hiking, horseback riding, or simply relaxing. After returning to the train, you will have a final opportunity to view the spectacular scenery as the Express descends towards the coast. A farewell dinner will be served in the Dome Car.

Day 7. Sierra Madre Express & Tucson, Arizona

Your last day aboard the Express is spent travelling north along the coast. You will enjoy the daylight view of the Sonoran Desert from the observation decks on the Express. Breakfast and lunch are served onboard, followed by our arrival in Magdalena in the early afternoon. A motor coach then brings you back to the hotel in Tucson for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8. Tucson, Arizona

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out and departure.