Mexican Rail Adventure

Day 1 – Flight to Mexico

Fly from Heathrow to Guadalajara via Mexico City.

Day 2 – Arrive Guadalajara

Morning arrival in Guadalajara and transfer to our hotel for a 2-night stay. This afternoon we will have a guided sightseeing tour to include Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Teatro Degollado, a neoclassical theatre famous for its stunning frescoes. This evening includes a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 – Tequila Express

After breakfast we transfer to the station to board the Tequila Express train for the scenic journey through the agave fields to the town of Tequila. This rail experience includes live music, Mexican food and a visit to a Tequila distillery. There will be time to explore the town before returning to Guadalajara by train late afternoon.

Day 4 – To Los Mochis

A short early morning flight to Los Mochis where we will have breakfast at the hotel. Today we will enjoy a yacht cruise on the Topolobampo Bay where the dolphins are almost certain to greet us and put on a display. Afternoon at leisure to explore Los Mochis’ historic setting and culture.

Day 5 – Copper Canyon Railroad

Early morning transfer to the station to board the Chihuahua al Pacifico train for the full day journey through the Copper Canyon on the famous El Chepe Express. Marvel at the spectacular scenery as we travel through the Sierra Madre Mountains, ascending from sea level to over 7,000ft. This is an engineering masterpiece with 87 tunnels and 39 bridges. Overnight in Creel with the evening free to explore this frontier-lumbering town in the heart of Tarahumara Indian country.

Day 6 – To Mexico City

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer by road to Chihuahua Airport for a midday flight to Mexico City. The route to Chihuahua offers amazing views of the Sierra Tarahumara, with opportunities to see pine forest, rock formations and possibly wildlife. On arrival in Mexico City we transfer to our hotel for a 2-night stay and an evening at leisure. The centrally located hotel is within walking distance of many attractions, shops and restaurants and a few blocks from the main square (Zócalo).

Day 7 – City Tour & Xochimilco Gardens

We start the day with a historic walking tour to include the Zócalo (main square), the National Palace and Templo Mayor. This afternoon we travel on the city’s light rail system to Xochimilco, famous for its canals, colorful Trajineras (flat-bottomed boats), and floating gardens known as "chinampas. Take a leisurely ride along the canals with tapas and drinks on board (included).

Day 8 – To Salina Cruz

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Huatulco. On arrival we will take lunch on the beachfront (included) before transferring by road to Salina Cruz. Arrive late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Day 9 – InterOceanico Train to Coatzacoalcos

An early breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the station. Travel on the InterOceanico train, the recently inaugurated passenger service from Salina Cruz on Mexico’s Pacific Coast to Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf of Mexico, crossing the Isthmus of Tehuantepec en route. Enjoy coastal vistas of the Pacific Ocean before travelling inland with views of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains - providing a stunning backdrop as you sample the local life and culture on an overnight stay in Coatzacoalcos.

Day 10 – InterOceanico Train to Palenque

We continue on the InterOceanico train from Coatzacoalcos to Palenque for a 2-night stay. Travel through tropical rainforest, home to diverse wildlife, including birds, monkeys and other animals. Arrive Palenque mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free to explore.

Day 11 – Palenque Ancient City

Following a leisurely breakfast, we have a full day’s guided sightseeing tour of the ancient city of Palenque, one of the most significant and well-preserved Mayan ruins in Mexico and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is famous for housing the tomb of the Mayan ruler Pakal the Great. Explore the expansive Palace, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross, and the Ball Court.

Day 12 – Tren Maya to Campeche

Morning departure on board the Tren Maya train to Campeche, travelling through beautiful landscapes of the Yucatán Peninsula en route. Arrive at Campeche mid-afternoon and transfer luggage to the hotel before taking a guided tour of this historic fortified city famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 13 – Tren Maya to Cancun

Transfer to the station for an early morning departure on board the Tren Maya train for Cancun. We journey through lush landscapes and may see local farmers tending to their crops, which can include corn, sugarcane, and other agricultural products. On arrival in Cancun we will transfer to another train for the short journey to Playa del Carmen and a 2-night stay.

Day 14 – Playa del Carmen

A full day at leisure to explore this vibrant destination famous for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters.

Days 15 & 16 – Flight Home

Time for a leisurely breakfast before transferring by road to Cancun Airport for the direct flight to London Gatwick, arriving the following morning.