ALAMOS
Alamos was founded in 1540, when Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, the future governor of the Colony of Western Mexico, selected it as his campsite. The haciendas and cathedral we see today reflect the town's days as a silver mining center in the 1600s. Following narrow cobblestone streets, we enjoy a guided home and garden tour, with visits to Spanish mansions and the old plaza. This afternoon, we lunch in the picturesque hotel Hacienda de Los Santos, while a musical trio plays traditional Mexican songs. Later, we are free to shop, explore or just take in the rustic ambiance and relaxed atmosphere. (B,L,D)

DIVISADERO
Today the train travels the world's most scenic rail route –– Mexico's famous Copper Canyon, which the locals call Barranca del Cobre. A vast network of canyons and six rivers, this region is accessible only by rail. The train winds through 83 tunnels, crosses 35 trestles and climbs 8,000 feet into the heart of the Sierra Madres to experience its pristine beauty. By afternoon, we arrive in Divisadero, where we explore Balancing Rock Overlook and take part in a geological discussion. Later, local Tarahumara Indians demonstrate their traditional dance and footrace. Inhabiting one of the most isolated regions in North America, these indigenous people were relatively unknown to the outside world until the late 1800s. This evening, we dine at the Hotel Posada Barrancas Mirador, positioned on the canyon's edge, before boarding the train for overnight. (B,L,D)

CREEL
After breakfast, enjoy a guided hike through Divisadero, or spend time shopping. Late morning, the train journeys to Creel, where we transfer to Cusárare Falls. Jesuits built the Cusárare Mission nearby in 1741 and acquired 12 Miguel Correa oils, depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. These restored paintings and others are housed today in the Loyola Museum. We visit the adobe mission, with a presentation by the curator, then tour the museum and enjoy a gallery reception. (B,L,D)

CHIHUAHUA
We pass through montane forest, ranchlands and fertile apple orchards this morning, arriving in the afternoon in Chihuahua, known for its livestock auctions and rodeos. Here our guided city tour includes opportunities to explore the Museum of the Revolution –– once the home of Pancho Villa, the towering Chihuahua Cathedral, with its marvelous baroque facade, and the Government Palace. At the Quinta Gameros Museum, we hear the love story of Manual Gameros, who built this exquisite art nouveau-style mansion for his fiancé, who then left him for the builder. Today it houses the University of Chihuahua art collection in the upstairs galleries. This evening evening we enjoy our farewell cocktail reception and dinner on the train. (B,L,D)

EL PASO, TEXAS
We arrive in Juarez in the late morning, where we board U.S. motorcoaches and cross the border to the airport in El Paso, Texas for our domestic flights home. (B)