Western Adventures 4X4 Driving School

This exceptional 12 day adventure is an exciting adventure which includes the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad.

You will experience first hand the thrill of the most exciting rail adventure in the western world combined with some hair-raising roads. Travel the impossible railroad, as we slip into tunnels and bridges (with 39 bridges and 86 tunnels) ride through some of the Barranca's (Canyons) climbing into the Sierra Madre. We will use lodging along the way except for a few of nights where we will need to camp-out. You will travel into remote Indian villages, mining camps, and the rim views with majestic vistas.

We will meet in Nogales, AZ as we prepare to cross the border. We will need to get our temporary vehicle import permit and visas. You can buy your Mexican Insurance on line at Bajabound.com if you have not already done so. We will meet for a get acquainted evening dinner the night before we cross the border. Our route will take us down Hwy. 15 to our first night lodging in Mexico. This will be a long day as we get to the start of our Sierra Madre adventure. A nice drive in the toll roads to where we pick up the train Our next day we will have a early start as we get to the boarding location for the train. We will leave our vehicle behind for a couple of days. We relax as the train climbs from near sea level to over 8,000'. You will feel the excitement as we disappear into a tunnel, over a bridge and back into another tunnel. We will even do a complete loop this is only a sample of the many bridges and tunnels along the way to Creel. This is a daylight ride and we will arrive in Creel at about 4:30 and walk over to the lodging for the evening. We will get to see some canyons with breath taking views all around. We will have a night in Creel before our return. The following day we will return by the train back to our vehicles.

Now your special 4X4 adventure begins as we visit many additional remote canyons with their small Tarahumara Indian villages. It was silver that first brought Spaniards to this area and the mining. With the Spanish they brought their religion, so we will visit the Lost Cathedral at Satevo in Batopilas canyon. The only way out is up and we will go up and down for the next 225 miles. We will travel further into the remote lands of the Tarahumara. Our travels will take us through Batopilas, Creel, Cusarare, Chinipas, San Rafael, Temoris and eventually to the rolling hills and ranchos. There is no tourist shopping in this towns, just "Beauty". Each of these town have a story to tell of their reason for being, and we will relish in the flavor of each. The days we spend in the Barrancas of the Sierra Madera Mts. will give you a better understanding of the Tarahumara Indians and life. The narrow mountains roads will slowly get us to the reactivated mining district above the town of Chinipas. This is the same as it was 200 years ago with a road running to it, just a little wider then the original "El Camino Real". Again more up and down as the maintains and canyons never seem to end. When we finally get to some rolling hills and flatter land we can pick up our speed. The call of Alamos is drawing us into it's spell of this old colonial town. A nice hotel and a shower and a special drink to celebrate the crossing of the Sierra Madre. We can relax and take in the local sights or shop, or have time to ourselves pondering all we have done. The town of Alamos is just like being transported back 300 years into Spain. Alas we will take the pavement back to the states crossing at Nogales, AZ. Our adventure will concentrate on the western slopes and canyons. After this trip you will probably be become one of the my clients to return back again and again as the wonders of Mexico get into your heart. Rated as 3 to 3 ½ this can change from year to year $2,095 for 1 person, $2,399 for 2 people sharing a room. Additional people per vehicle are at additional cost.

Important Notes

Vehicle Equipment: Any stock or slightly modified vehicle with a transfer case will do just fine (no rock crawlers). A vehicle that can maintain highway speeds of 65 MPH, C.B. radio, 2 Extra 5 gal. empty gas cans (we will let you know when to fill them), good spare tire, 2 gallons of drinking water per person, extra oils, cameras, film, and spare batteries, binoculars, camping gear with food, snacks, and drinks. A complete servicing of your vehicle prior to departing prevents most problems. Use your camping and off- road check list sent after we get your deposit. Important is a spare fuel filter, check before you leave as some newer vehicles are a dealer item, only also learn how to change it.

Weather - We are going at the best time of the year, but we can not control Mother Nature. This adventure covers areas from sea level to over 8,000 ft and from possible freezing to possible 100 degrees in temperature bring clothing for all extremes. It is better to have it and not use it then to need it and not have it. We are going at the best time of the year, but we can not control Mother Nature.

To enter and return from Mexico -You will need to have for your vehicle and yourself to enter mainland Mexico: Passport, Vias, registration to your vehicle(s) drivers license. If you do not own the vehicle outright, a notarized letter from your Legal owner to state that they have given you permission to take the vehicle to Mexico for the specified period of the adventure.. The Visa and temporary vehicle importation permit have approximate $40.oo charge to be paid only by Credit Card. You will need two photocopies of your proof of citizenship, drivers license, and vehicle title. This cost about $1.oo at the border.

Fording rivers - This remote adventure will have us fording rivers as there are No Bridges. This is one of the determining factors as to when we go on this adventure. We have had to take long detours when we could not cross the rivers, you can not guarantee what Mother Nature. As a rule the water is less then 18" deep and from 100" to 300" wide.

Personal items - Be sure and bring any medications in the prescription bottle. Some prescriptions can only be prescribed by Physicians and you do not want to be caught with controlled drugs with out a prescription. If you wear glasses or contact lenses bring spares and cleaning items. Though most items are available in the larger cities, small towns just do not have them. Laundry service is very limited, so plan on some hand washing some items or bring enough for the fourteen days. With markets being different than here plan on some differences, it is fun. You Will have to get Mexican Insurance as our U.S. companies are not recognized in Mexico. You can get this online at my links pages or before we cross the border.

The trip includes cost of all rooms and camping fees .Eight meals are also included also. No adult beverages are included.

Finances - This adventure will be in the remote areas of Mexico. The use of a credit card will not work, even travelers checks can be a problem in some locations. Even the use of Greenbacks can be a problem and it is best to use the Pesos. This can be taken care of ahead of time through most banks or at Money Exchanges in the U.S. or Mexico. This is a good time to buy a "Safe", fake soda can or gas cap or other container to hide extra moneys check with a locksmith. We have never had a problem, but it is just better to be safe. We will have a opportunity to use a ATM machine at day 3, 4 8 and 11 into the adventure. The cost of this adventure is $2, 049.oo for one person, $2,399.oo for two people any additional persons are extra as are separate rooms.

You should be sure and bring enough cash to cover all of your expenses, plus some extra as a cushion. The guide of expenses you will incur are listed below. From border to border expense guide - your exact expenses may vary from one half to double depending on your taste. This is a average of what most clients spend per vehicle with two people.

• Fuel & oil - $250
• Toll roads - $40 with a trailer $60
• Souvenirs - $200
• Insurance - $90 to$145
• Restaurants and tips - $100 to$150
• Additional food & water - $25 to $75
• Ice - $20