Los Cabos to Copper Canyon

This itinerary offers a great deal of contrast and starts in the resort area of Los Cabos. After enjoying any number of seaside activities, take a short tour of southern Baja that includes bohemian Todos Santos before crossing the Sea of Cortez and boarding a train that climbs up through rugged Sierra Tarahumara, hugging the sides of the Copper Canyon. Stop here to enjoy the peace and the beauty, and then reboard the train heading to the historical city of Chihuahua, which was home to Pancho Villa. This tour has been made easier by improvements to the ferry service between La Paz and Topolobampo.

Days 1, 2 & 3: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo & Todos Santos

Spend your time enjoying the beauty of the area and the many activities offered in this large resort. Rent a car to drive along the coast and perhaps visit the town of Todos Santos to get a feel for the nonresort character of the region.

Day 4: La Paz to Los Mochis

Take a bus or colectivo to La Paz and, from there, to the ferry dock. After a 5-hour voyage, you'll arrive at Topolobampo, the port area of Los Mochis.

Days 5 & 6: Bahuichivo & Cerocahui

The train departs early in the morning and, by late morning, is snaking its way through some of the most beautiful canyon land on the trip. By midday, you reach Bahuichivo, where you can get transportation to the town and mission of Cerocahui. This is a good place for hiking, horseback riding, and driving tours to the overlook of Cerro Gallego.

Days 7 & 8: Creel

Continue by train on to Creel, where you can get a car to take you to the nearby Copper Canyon Sierra Lodge. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the sierra, visit an old mission, hike to a nearby waterfall, and meet Tarahumara Indian women, who come to sell their pine-needle baskets and other handicrafts.

Days 9 & 10: Chihuahua

You'll arrive at night. Use part of the next day to enjoy the historic downtown area and visit Pancho Villa's house before flying back home.