Topolobampo, Mexico???

[vb,cruisers]

Has ANYONE ever been here? I realize this is the "gateway" to the Copper Canyon, and HAL offers this tour. Has anyone taken it? Thanks for any information..........

[Copper10-8]

Has ANYONE ever been here? I realize this is the "gateway" to the Copper Canyon, and HAL offers this tour. Has anyone taken it? Thanks for any information..........

We looked at it for our upcoming cruise on Ryndam. It's probably the longest if not, one of the longest, shorex that HAL offers and not one of the cheapest. Almost 18 hours at $399 a pop. Gotta get ready for a meeting at 4:00 AM (ship's there from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM). Probably a once in a lifetime experience but there's some of those strings attached

Tour Description

The Copper Canyon by Train[IMG][COLOR=navy]PriceAdult $399; Child $205DurationApproximately 18 hours DescriptionHolland America Line is thrilled to offer one of the world's great train rides as a shore excursion for our guests. The Copper Canyon Train is a notch in the belt of serious travelers, and the canyon itself is legendary for its breath taking scenery and stunning landforms. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, it is essential that you bring a spirit of adventure! This is not a typical train ride in any sense. This rugged, full-day adventure will begin with a meeting time on board of 4:00am for a 4:30am departure (subject to change). Take a two-hour drive by motor coach to the town of El Fuerte where you will board your privately chartered train on the Chihuahua Pacifico railway. Enjoy a leisurely morning and a continental boxed breakfast on board the train while you traverse the magnificent Sierra Madre Mountain range, and eventually enter the Copper Canyon--only accessible by rail. Your approximately six-hour rail journey (each way) will wind through tunnels and bridges as you climb from sea level to 7,200 feet. Arrive at Posada Barrancas, where lunch will be served at the Posada Barrancas Convention Center. Before or after lunch, there will be a short transfer by school bus to the Mirador Hotel where you will have the chance to admire the vastness of the Copper Canyon from the terrace of the hotel. A Tarahumara dance presentation will be held outside the entrance to the hotel. Board the train for your journey back to El Fuerte. Enjoy an afternoon boxed snack, then transfer by motor coach from El Fuerte for your return to the ship. The journey up and back will be along the same route, considered by many to be one of the most scenic rail routes in the world. NotesPrices have increased for 2007 and are reflected in the booking screen. The train cars are not wheelchair accessible. Bring a coat due to the elevation and possible weather systems moving through. In December and January, in addition to your coat, bring hat and gloves as there could be snow at higher elevations. Occasional fog can limit the view at the top of the canyon. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as terrain is uneven at the stops. Guests who have a heart condition or respiratory difficulties should note that the tour gains over 7,000 feet in elevation in a short period of time. For your enjoyment, there is a car on the train selling beverages and snacks (US dollars; cash only).

[AWED23]

Has ANYONE ever been here? I realize this is the "gateway" to the Copper Canyon, and HAL offers this tour. Has anyone taken it? Thanks for any information..........I used to travel to Topolobampo on business at least once a year. In and of itself, it was not a great stop.....But......Los Mochis is one of my favorite towns on the West coast of Mexico. I am looking forward to visiting it the end of April from the the Rrrrrrrryndam. Iwent to google earth and it would appear that the Hotel I treasured so much has been rased. The Hotel "Santa Anita." Their nightly Bar B Q of "CABRITO" was great !!!!....I would suggest touring Copper Canyon by train from Nogales , Arizona with someone like Tauck Tours. The trip that is offered as a shore excursion is very long, uncomfortable and just not desireable. Search these boards and you will see what I mean. Now if by any chance there is a bird hunter in your group then I would suggest they google Los Mochis and arrange a guided hunt. The absolute finest bird hunting[ducks, geese, quail, and doves]is just inland from Los Mochis. There are guides available in Los Mochis with all the gear you might need. Ducks and geese are past their prime season but Quail and Doves are always there in huge numbers.....Hope this helped....Copper 10-8, Have you considered a bird hunt?...Rob













Rob:cool:

[Love Cruises]

We did this tour when we were on the RYNDAM in October/2005. It was very well organized by HAL. There were about 385 that did this tour that day and we didn't hear anyone complaining. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time eventhough it was a very tiring day. It was one of the best tours we have ever taken with HAL.

[Copper10-8]

....Copper 10-8, Have you considered a bird hunt?...Rob


Hi Rob; sorry dude, never hunted in my life (except for bad guys;) ). Some of the guys I work with are very much into it, though (rifle, shotgun and bow) Take care!:)















Rob:cool:[/quote]