Fast becoming Mexico’s most popular soft-adventure attraction, the
Sierra Tarahumara (Copper Canyon) has appeal that runs the gamut.
Bird watchers, historians and naturalists are drawn to the area for
experiencing its remarkable scenery and the most primitive
aboriginal culture remaining in North America.
Brennan Vacations is sharing this unique part of Mexico via rail
journeys, with special discounts on limited dates in February. The
company will offer a $50 savings per person on its Feb. 23 and Feb.
27 departures. In addition to commission, agents receive a bonus of
$25 per person they book on the itinerary.
The Copper Canyon trek is special on several fronts, not the
least of which is the ingenious train route. The Sierra Tarahumara
is, in fact, a maze of 200 gorges, which combine to form a series
of six massive, interconnected canyons (barrancas). Massive may be
an understatement in this case, however. To put it in perspective,
this canyon system is four times larger than the Grand Canyon.
Tom DeMent, Brennan’s director of marketing, sales and creative
design, explained that the tour is exciting as well as
informative.
“The rail journey is unique in itself,” said DeMent. “It’s a
trip to a bygone era, filled with switchbacks to the canyon rim. So
the tour builds with anticipation along the way. This is truly a
remote area of the world that’s somewhat untouched.”
Prices for eight-night plans are from $1,799 per person double
occupancy (before savings). Savings are not applicable with any
other savings, certificate or discount. To receive savings,
reservationists must be alerted at the time of booking.
The tour includes first-class and deluxe hotel accommodations,
welcome reception, meals (eight breakfasts, six lunches and seven
dinners), services of a professional Brennan Tour Director/Mexican
Guide, transportation from Tucson, Ariz., all admissions as
outlined in the itinerary, gratuity for baggage handling and hotel
personnel, all local taxes and a Brennan Vacations documentation
package.
Complimenting the area’s natural attractions is the Tarahumara
(Raramuri, as they called themselves) Indian culture. These
semi-nomadic people number around 50,000. Many are predominately
cliff-and-cave dwellers eking out a meager substance from simple
farming, ranching and selling their handicrafts.
The Brennan itinerary has been designed to highlight these and
other points of interest. From Tucson, it includes a stay near the
highest point of the canyon at the La Posada Barrancas Mirador
Hotel. Accommodations feature private terraces overlooking the
Copper Canyon rim.
Heading south, the tour passes through the mining town of
Bisbee, before crossing the Mexican border at Douglas/Aqua Prieta
for a visit of the ancient ruins at Paquime in Casa Grandes.
Travelers are in for a nature lover’s treat, as this area is
considered the most important archeological zone in northern
Mexico.
Along the way, the tour visits a local pottery studio, the
Chihuahuan Desert and the historical sights of Chihuahua. En route
from Mexico’s Copper Canyon, it stops at the colonial town of El
Fuerte, the agricultural area of the region at Sinaloa and Sonora,
and then on for a two-night stay at the resort of San Carlos
located on the Sea of Cortez.
“We receive a lot of referral and repeat business,” DeMent
added. “Feedback is very positive, from how we’ve taken people to a
part of Mexico they didn’t know existed to how experienced and
knowledgeable our tour guides are. It is a truly unique
experience.”
Since 1978, Brennan Vacations has been operating “safe - close
to home” escorted 5- to 13-day motorcoach and rail vacations both
domestically and internationally. All Brennan Vacations feature an
all-inclusive price.
800-237-7249
www.brennanvacations.com
