Copper Canyon Tour

[HenryFord]

Has anyone taken the Copper Canyon Train Tour in the Mexican Riveria?

[Cauvet]

Yes, we took it a couple of years ago, one of the first to take this adventure. It is a very long trip and not for complainers, non-adventuresome types, or the infirm.

 

We met around 3-4 am in the main lounge (we were on the Ryndam). They assigned us to buses and we where literally whisked off to the train depot which is at least an hour or so away. They had the local police stop all the traffic at intersections along the way so that we could hightail it there. We were also escorted by the police.

 

When we got to the train, we were assigned a carriage and took a seat. It was just dawn by now. They gave us boxed meals. The train is very old and the track is not very smooth so the trip is very very rough and not conducive to walking around. There is a lounge car that you can visit. The train is noisy with screeching wheels but the views are breathtaking!

 

We didn't get to the Copper Canyon until early afternoon. They divided the group in two--one to eat and the other to see a native indian show. Then we switched. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm blew over right after we go there and it sleeted. You are very high up and it is quite chilly up there. A handful of us "adverturesome types" went down the steps to see where the indians lived on the side of the cliff. The rain had stopped and it was the highlight of the trip. We bought some lovely baskets and trinkets from them and then had to leave to catch the train back. I forget the altitude but it is 8 or 9,000 feet so the trip back up to the hotel can be tough because of the altitude so I wouldn't venture down unless you can handle the altitude.

 

We reboarded for the long trip back. They had a happy hour in the lounge with some music entertainment. We got another box lunch. Soon it got dark and we were quite tired by then and just relaxed on the way back. Again we got on the busses and were whisked back to the ship with the police escort. When we got back, they had a band playing for us and a special buffet set up for us. We were one of the first buses back and it was about 11:30 pm, the last getting in about midnight. We immediately left for our next port. We were so exhausted by then, we skipped the buffet and went right to bed.

 

We loved the trip. The only bad thing about it was all the complainers and whiners. They whined about the train, the length of the trip, the altitude, their inability to get around the train and the Copper canyon because of canes and walkers. I think you get the picture. Mind you, HAL sent everyone a letter well in advance warning of all of these things and pleading people not to go unless they were absolutely sure they could handle it. We booked the trip just to go on this excursion and we enjoyed it immensely. Just wish we had more time there. The hotel is stunning sitting on the edge of the canyon.

 

If you like adventure, don't mind some unpleasantness or inconvenience, and can handle a very long day, you will like this trip.