Copper Canyon Tour

[Speedo]

My wife and I are taking the November 1st, 10 day Ryndam Tour of the Sea of Cotez. I would be interested to hear any comments on the Copper Canyon Tour at Topolobampo, Mexico. Sounds like a great tour.

 

Thank you

[Love Cruises]

We did the Sea of Cortez cruise in October/2005 on the msRYNDAM and went on the Copper Canyon Tour. The rail trip was the main reason we booked this cruise. HAL does a wonderful job with this shore excursion and we highly recommend it. It is a little pricey but well worth every penny spent. It is a very long day ... breakfast was served for us between 4 and 5 am. Shortly later we all boarded buses (there were 8 bus loads of HAL passengers going on this tour). We had a police escort to get to the railroad stop on time. The trip was so spectacular and the views up at the canyon were breath-taking. We didn't get back to the ship until almost 11:30 pm that night. The next day many of us just slept in and did not get off the ship at the next port.

 

We would highly suggest you take this great shore excursion!!!!

[cruz chic]

I've got to take the opposing view. I was also really excited to take this trip. For the amount of time that you spend at the Canyon, about 2 hours, which included eating it wasn't worth it. It's a very long day and people were not very accomodating at letting others take very quick pictures at the lookouts. I even got told when there is something for you to take a picture of I'll "let" you in. I would not opt to take this trip again. That said I have a short attention span and am not used to sitting for hours and hours at a time. If that doesn't bother you and you love trains you will probably like it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

If either of you have any health conditions -- do not take this tour!!

 

The day is very LONG!!

 

We were invited to private Question and answer session at the end of our cruise. If I can find what was discussed about this tour I will try to post it here.

[cruz chic]

If either of you have any health conditions -- do not take this tour!!

 

The day is very LONG!!

 

Totally agree!

[Krazy Kruizers]

This is from 2005:

Topolobampo - Copper Canyon

This tour was offered on our first segment (Nov 7th cruise). I tried to get as much information from those who did take it since we were unable to take this tour.

 

The tour can handle 330 people. Breakfast was served from 3 - 4 AM in the Lido for those who went on the tour. Then everyone gathered in the Veermer Lounge at 4:30 and waited until 5:30 when they boarded their buses. Each person was given a card that indicated their bus number, train seat assignment, and what time they were to eat at the summit. It is about a 2 hour bus ride to the train station - the buses were given a police escort through Los Mochis so as to avoid lights and traffic. Once on the train everyone got a box breakfast. There were 2 shifts for lunch at the summit. And everyone was given a box snack on the train on the way back to the buses. Some said the food was definitely not HAL's - the overall rating - typical Mexican food. Everyone was back on the ship by 11 PM. So in order to eat between 3 and 4 AM you had to be up by at least 2:30. For those passengers - a long day - 20 and 1/2 hours!!!

 

We were able to attend a small meeting with a few TA's and the captain after this tour. All the TA's had small groups on this cruise (20 - 30 passengers in each group). One man claimed that he had brochures that said the train was supposed to be the Southern Orient Express (I have never heard of this) and the some of the cars were supposed to be dome cars - none were. He had shown his clients this brochure and felt that he had been mis-represented by HAL. The train nothing more than a regular Mexican train. All complained about the dirty windows - it appeared that the windows had not been cleaned in weeks. The bathrooms wer terrible - especially on the return trip down - no one had bothered to clean them or restock the toilet paper or paper towels. As I mentioned before, everyone was assigned seats. Some people had great views on the way up to the summit. Others didn't. On each car there are 4 windows that are quite small making viewing the scenery difficult for 8 passengers. On the return trip passengers trade assigned seats so that those who had the bad windows now have the larger windows. But as one woman said - it was great for about 2 hours but for the last 4 hours you travel in all darkness. In the talk session that we attended, another woman was asked if she would take this tour again and she said no and she said that she wasn't really certain if she would recommend this tour to anyone or not.

[CowPrincess]

I even got told when there is something for you to take a picture of I'll "let" you in.

 

:eek:

 

How fortunate for that person that you have better manners than I!

[cruz chic]

:eek:

 

How fortunate for that person that you have better manners than I!

Don't kid yourself...I've got a big mouth. On that occasion I didn't use it however. I think I was in shock. He was lucky:eek: .

[cruz chic]

This is from 2005:

 

Topolobampo - Copper Canyon

This tour was offered on our first segment (Nov 7th cruise). I tried to get as much information from those who did take it since we were unable to take this tour.

 

The tour can handle 330 people. Breakfast was served from 3 - 4 AM in the Lido for those who went on the tour. Then everyone gathered in the Veermer Lounge at 4:30 and waited until 5:30 when they boarded their buses. Each person was given a card that indicated their bus number, train seat assignment, and what time they were to eat at the summit. It is about a 2 hour bus ride to the train station - the buses were given a police escort through Los Mochis so as to avoid lights and traffic. Once on the train everyone got a box breakfast. There were 2 shifts for lunch at the summit. And everyone was given a box snack on the train on the way back to the buses. Some said the food was definitely not HAL's - the overall rating - typical Mexican food. Everyone was back on the ship by 11 PM. So in order to eat between 3 and 4 AM you had to be up by at least 2:30. For those passengers - a long day - 20 and 1/2 hours!!!

 

We were able to attend a small meeting with a few TA's and the captain after this tour. All the TA's had small groups on this cruise (20 - 30 passengers in each group). One man claimed that he had brochures that said the train was supposed to be the Southern Orient Express (I have never heard of this) and the some of the cars were supposed to be dome cars - none were. He had shown his clients this brochure and felt that he had been mis-represented by HAL. The train nothing more than a regular Mexican train. All complained about the dirty windows - it appeared that the windows had not been cleaned in weeks. The bathrooms wer terrible - especially on the return trip down - no one had bothered to clean them or restock the toilet paper or paper towels. As I mentioned before, everyone was assigned seats. Some people had great views on the way up to the summit. Others didn't. On each car there are 4 windows that are quite small making viewing the scenery difficult for 8 passengers. On the return trip passengers trade assigned seats so that those who had the bad windows now have the larger windows. But as one woman said - it was great for about 2 hours but for the last 4 hours you travel in all darkness. In the talk session that we attended, another woman was asked if she would take this tour again and she said no and she said that she wasn't really certain if she would recommend this tour to anyone or not.

KK as always you are an excellent resource. This pretty much sums up how it was.

[MightyQuinn]

I've got to take the opposing view. I was also really excited to take this trip. For the amount of time that you spend at the Canyon, about 2 hours, which included eating it wasn't worth it.

Agree completely lorekauf.

 

The Copper Canyon excursion is both too long (getting to the summit) and too short (actual time spent there). Not just right! A 2-hr bus ride, followed by a 6-hr train journey just to get where you're going. Once arrived, you grab a 1-hr buffet, watch a 1/2-hr performance by the indigenous people, take a quick bathroom break & get ready to do it again in reverse. IMHO this part of the Sierra Madre is fascinating & deserves more then an 18-hr side excursion to do it justice.

 

If seeing the Copper Canyon is on your Bucket List, then go for it! Otherwise, I'd only recommend it with reservation.

[Richard in Panama]

I reviewed the HAL Copper Canyon shore ex this Spring on VOLENDAM . . .

http://richarddetrich.wordpress.com/2008/05/31/mexicos-copper-canyon/

 

Also pictures of the trip at http://cruisingguide.wordpress.com/?s=copper+canyon

 

It's a long day, but enjoyable . . . beautiful scenery along the train route. I'm glad I did it, but probably wouldn't do it a second time. She ship's doctor went along, fully equipped, and wasn't needed. Well planned and executed, just a long trip.

 

Regards, Richard

[lardor]

Agree completely lorekauf.

 

The Copper Canyon excursion is both too long (getting to the summit) and too short (actual time spent there). Not just right! A 2-hr bus ride, followed by a 6-hr train journey just to get where you're going. Once arrived, you grab a 1-hr buffet, watch a 1/2-hr performance by the indigenous people, take a quick bathroom break & get ready to do it again in reverse. IMHO this part of the Sierra Madre is fascinating & deserves more then an 18-hr side excursion to do it justice.

 

If seeing the Copper Canyon is on your Bucket List, then go for it! Otherwise, I'd only recommend it with reservation.

 

We did a week there 11 years ago both a few days on top in the mountains and down below in Batopilas, the 2nd city in Mexico to have electricity. Copper canyon is really another world, nothing like the rest of Mexico. I know most of the people on Cruise Critic are cruisers but think about seeing something completely different. You can't do it by train alone....

[gophercruiser]

We did this tour in April of this year and although a very long day, we enjoyed the overall trip. The time at Copper Canyon itself is only a couple of hours but it is the sights from the train on getting to the Canyon that made this trip enjoyable. It is one of those excursions that you would take only once, but if you had only one chance and passed it up, you would probably be questioning yourself if you did the right thing.

[Loreto]

My wife and I are taking the November 1st, 10 day Ryndam Tour of the Sea of Cotez. I would be interested to hear any comments on the Copper Canyon Tour at Topolobampo, Mexico. Sounds like a great tour.

 

We took the Copper Canyon Tour several years ago at approximately the same time of the year you are going. Our tour was Nov. 2, the Day of the Dead feast day. I will never forget the experience. I did a lot of research at Mexican travel sites and I learned that for the best view, sit on the right hand side of the train. Seats are reversed on the return, but the sun sets, so you will be in the dark!

 

You take this trip for the train ride, the final destination was interesting but pales in comparison to the US Grand Canyon, or the canyon on Kawaii , Hawaii. It was a spectacular ride! Previous posters give accurate descriptions. I wouldn not go if you have health issues, and the bathrooms were deplorable. I cherish the baskets I brought back.

 

Because it was the "Day of the Dead," there were small shrines in many places along the tracks. On the bus from El Fuerte back to the ship there were shrines with candles everywhere. We passed a cemetery that appeared to be a rectangle of fire, ablaze with thousands of votive candles to honor the dead. It was an inspiring testament to the faith of the Mexican people!

 

I'm glad we went. Sit on the right and don't fall asleep (like a lot of people in our car did.) It was an adventure!

 

Karen

[Gone to Sea]

We did this last October 2007. It is a long day but we thought it was well worth it. They brought along HAL stewards to clean the bathrooms to solve the previous issues and it worked well. HAL did a great job explaining exactly what to expect during a required hour presentation on the ship and allowed people to back out if they did not feel there were up to it. The train ride is beautiful, but the track is bumby, it is hard to walk in the car, you have to grab seatbacks as you walk. We had a few folks that could not get up and walk without falling. A guide in each car is provided and ours was great. For pictures, there is a small open window between the cars. People were great about sharing, however, it was very tiring holding on as the cars do swing back and forth. I would strongly discourage anyone with mobility issues. As HAL put it on the ship "This is for adventurers, not tourists. On the plus side, you will sleep well that night :)

 

If you like great scenery and trains and you don't mind a long bumby day, then go for it. If you are questioning if it is worth it, I would avoid it.

 

If you go, sit on the right on the way there for better scenery, people switch sides at mid-point, but it gets dark quick and I used the way back to sleep. Also, bring along a small tip, or even better, pass the hat for the HAL stewards who clean the restrooms. It is quite a job on a rocking train car. At lunch, instead of being able to walk to the canyon rim, the stewards had to clean the restrooms at the restaurant. They really worked hard for us.

[Howasaur]

Enjoyed the very long trip. The cruise was called the Copper Canyon Cruise so that's why we went. Enjoyed it all. The HAL had put a number of staff on each Train car and they were forever cleaning and wiping down the area the Bathrooms at least once every half hour the open area between the cars staff wipe all areas that people may touch. VERY CLEAN and much appreciated. :) :) :)

[Ine]

My wife and I are taking the November 1st, 10 day Ryndam Tour of the Sea of Cotez. I would be interested to hear any comments on the Copper Canyon Tour at Topolobampo, Mexico. Sounds like a great tour.

 

Thank you

 

We just booked this cruise, but saw a very inactive Roll-call.

I think we will not book the Copper Canyon, since it is a very long long (too long?) day.

Hopefully we will go there one day. but probably with one of those 8 day tours from El Paso.

 

Looking forward to a nice sunny cruise after a wet NL summer.

[Growler]

There may be some Brits (and others) reading this thread who might not understand just what this tour entails, or the distances involved on this 'day trip'. To put in in perspective, here's a comparison...

 

....imagine your cruise ship docks in Southampton, England. You board a coach around 4am which drives you in two hours or so to London. In London, you transfer to a train, which runs up the country for seven hours, into Scotland to somewhere near Inverness. You get off the train, spend two hours (if you're lucky) sightseeing, then do the whole thing in reverse.

 

Now don't get me wrong, the sights from the railway and the canyon at the end are spectacular to say the least, but on our Sea of Cortez cruise last year there were many more 'complainers' than 'happy campers' the next day.

 

Tim

[Krazy Kruizers]

There may be some Brits (and others) reading this thread who might not understand just what this tour entails, or the distances involved on this 'day trip'. To put in in perspective, here's a comparison...

 

....imagine your cruise ship docks in Southampton, England. You board a coach around 4am which drives you in two hours or so to London. In London, you transfer to a train, which runs up the country for seven hours, into Scotland to somewhere near Inverness. You get off the train, spend two hours (if you're lucky) sightseeing, then do the whole thing in reverse.

 

Now don't get me wrong, the sights from the railway and the canyon at the end are spectacular to say the least, but on our Sea of Cortez cruise last year there were many more 'complainers' than 'happy campers' the next day.

 

Tim

 

I like the way you explained it so that the Brits can get a better picture of what distance and how long the day will be.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I have a feeling that a lot of people complained about the train's bathrooms -- thus HAL made the decision to have a few stewards go along to do the cleaning.

Great job HAL!!

[Ine]

I like the way you explained it so that the Brits can get a better picture of what distance and how long the day will be.

 

Although not british, I know this is also to dutch and americans a very long daytrip. That is why I hope to do this canyon in the future on a longer tour.

[PCruzer]

We did the Copper Canyon excursion in Feb. 2008. My husband is a train buff, so we've been on many train rides in the USA & Canada - some long, some short. We enjoyed the Copper Canyon trip. For us, the train ride was the reason we chose to book this excursion, not the time spent at the canyon. If you love trains, this is an excursion for you! Yes, it was a very long day. Yes, it was expensive. Would we do it again? Probably not. Were we glad we did it? Absolutely yes!

[RevNeal]

I did the Copper Canyon tour in March 2007. It was a wonderful tour, and while expensive and very long it was, nevertheless, well worth the trip. Go here for my photographs. Two of the galleries in this Index are of the Copper Canyon tour; the rest are of the rest of the cruise and the ship (the lovely Ryndam).

[Speedo]

Thank you all for your comments and photos. Food for thought. I will have some homework to do before I decide if this is a tour for us.

[Gone to Sea]

I forgot to mention, on our cruise last year, the copper canyon trip was sold out BEFORE anyone boarded the ship. The waiting list was huge. Book early if you want to go.