This magical tour will take you deep into the Mexican countryside. We will travel through enchanting mountain villages and then board the El Chepe train, Mexico’s last passenger train. This train ride is an experience of a bygone era of travel into a place of surreal beauty.
In the Southwest corner of Chihuahua State, nestled among the Occidental Mountains of the Sierra Madre’s lies a region of uncommon beauty and natural diversity.
The Copper Canyon is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon of the United States. It is home to the Tarahumara indigenous people, known for long-distance running, many varied and exotic bird species, and stunning scenery.
Alamos is an 18th-century silver mining town abandoned in the early 20th century when the mines gave out. It was rediscovered in the middle of the century when wealthy gringos started to buy up and renovate the Spanish Hacienda-style homes in the city center. Today, Alamos is an inviting town of distinctive architectural style and beauty. Surrounding the town is a rich landscape known for its biodiversity of bird species and beauty.
Instruction
This workshop is primarily a field shoot, each day we will pack in as many photographic sights as is comfortably possible. Some days we will start before sunrise, other days we will go past sunset. Our pace will be energetic, but not exhausting. Instruction will be a combination of field demonstrations and one on one instruction. Instructors, John Gregor, and Tomy O’Brien each have over 35 years of professional photographic experience. Our goal is to help you get great photographs.
Location
We will start and finish the workshop in Hermosillo a modern industrial town with convenient flight options. From there we will travel into the Mexican countryside, visiting the towns of Alamos, El Fuerte, and Creel, as well as the Copper Canyon.
We will greet you at the Hermosillo International Airport, and take you to your hotel. If you arrive more than 2 days in advance of the workshop we won’t be able to greet you at the airport. When the workshop is completed we can work with you for an extended stay in Mexico or drop you off at the airport.
Itinerary
We have a great itinerary for you packed with photographic opportunities. Mexico is a very spontaneous culture and there are times when we may have to deviate from our stated schedule or destinations, but rest assured, we will keep you informed and have your best photographic opportunities in mind.
We have reserved some incredible hotels for your stay. Mexico is famous for the style and value of its accommodations.
You arrive on March 20, 2022. The workshop begins March 21 at 9:30 A.M. local time. We are available to pick you up from the airport up to two days prior.
March 20, pick up from airport and transport to hotel. Hotel City Express
March 21, Travel to Alamos. Photograph town square, vistas, and distinctive Spanish Hacienda architecture. Hotel Bonito Resort El Centro Historica.
March 22-23, Alamos, a birding tour with, David McKay, renowned bird guide, guided tours to local bird destinations at the Cuchujaqui River and the Sierra de Almos Natural Preserve. Hotel El Pedregal.
March 24, Drive to El Fuerte. Photograph town square, marketplaces, and hummingbirds. Hotel Posada de Hidalgo.
March 25, All aboard! El Chepe train ride to Mirador in Copper Canyon. Hotel Mirador.
March 26, Bus ride to Creel, photograph Casada de Cusárare Waterfall, and birding opportunities. Hotel The Lodge at Creel.
March 27, Return train ride to El Fuerte. Hotel Posada de Hidalgo.
March 28, Drive to Guaymas on the Sea of Cortéz, bird photography opportunities. Hotel Beach Club.
March 29, Drive to Hermosillo Airport. End of Workshop.
Payment
Workshop Cost: $3895
Non-Refundable Deposit: $750
Your Non-refundable deposit of $750 holds your registration until 90 days prior to the workshop when the balance is due.
Includes ground transportation during the workshop, 9 nights hotel accommodations based upon double occupancy, guided tours, El Chepe train round trip, and admission fees to all scheduled locations.
Not included: food, tips, airfare, hotels prior to the start of the workshop or after it finishes, any personal expenses or admission fees to any spontaneous locations, or events.
Accommodations
We have made special arrangements with a variety of hotels along our route. Our hotels are chosen for cleanliness, comfort, and safety. We have included the names of the hotels where we plan to stay. Occasionally we may have to alter from this list but if we do it will be for accommodations that are equal to or better than the ones listed. We invite you to google these destinations and get a feel for the uniqueness of the hotels. Hotels are provided for the evenings of March 20 through the morning of March 29. If you need hotels prior to or after these dates contact us and we will work with you to suggest the best accommodations that fit your needs.
