Trip Overview
If there is one continent that's designed for the great road journey, it has to be North America, and that is exactly what this trip is all about, a great North American road trip. Travelling from Banff in the Canadian Rockies, down to Mexico through the Rockies and the great deserts, this is a journey to show you the wilds of the Canada and the USA.
Exploring, hiking and horse riding in the plethora of national parks is fundamental to the tour; Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks; the list seems endless. But the journey is not all about the great outdoors and we allow ourselves to embrace the culture of the good old US of A, whether it be the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, the zeal of Salt Lake City or the wild west culture of Arizona.
Moving into the northern states of Mexico is a continuation of the journey, and certainly the historical links are clear to see.
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40% Highlights
Explore scenic Banff National Park and Lake Louise
Roam the lakes and mountains of Glacier National Park
Watch Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park
From Jackson Hole drive through Grand Teton National Park
Salt Lake City and the famous Temple Square
Spot bison and longhorn at Antelope Island
Go trekking in Canyonlands & Arches National Parks
Overnight in Navajo country at Monument Valley
Visit Antelope Canyon near Page
Explore beautiful Bryce and Zion National Parks
Try your luck in glitzy Las Vegas
Visit the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon
Try your hand at surfing in Saulita, Mexico
Enjoy a shot of tequila in Tequila
Explore Paricutin Volcano, with optional horseriding
Immerse yourself in chaotic Mexico city
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTS
This is definitely a camping trip, but with the great advantage that we are staying in North American camp sites and so the facilities are great. Plenty of easy hiking, horse riding and rafting opportunities, but there are huge distances to cover. It’s a road trip in a converted School Bus.
Border information: If joining in Banff, you will most likely enter Canada at Calgary International Airport (IATA code: YYC).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
The rest of the day is free to explore Banff and its stunning surroundings. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Banff before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Banff.
In Banff we will stay in dormitory rooms in a centrally-located hostel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out on a horse riding trip through the mountains and forests near Banff
Take the gondola up to the fantastic viewpoint on Sulphur Mountain that looks out over Banff
Explore the wonderfully-scenic Banff National Park and see its famous lakes and walking trails
Relax in the sulphuric hot springs near Banff
Head out on an incredible white water rafting experience on the Kananashin or Kicking Horse River near Banff
Visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, used for around 5,500 years by the indigenous peoples of the plains to kill buffalo by driving them off the 11m-high cliff
Border information: Exit Canada at Chief Mountain, enter USA at Chief Mountain.
Today we will have a full day drive over the US border into the state of Montana and arrive at the eastern side of Glacier National Park, stopping en route at the fascinating Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a cliff that aboriginal people used for hunting for almost 6000 years.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
On Day 3 we will free time to fully explore the pristine ecosystem of Glacier National Park and take some optional treks or scenic drives up the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass and other scenic points.
In Glacier National Park we will camp in a campsite near the spectacular St. Mary's Lake.
Daily Activities
Visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, used for around 5,500 years by the indigenous peoples of the plains to kill buffalo by driving them off the 11m-high cliff
Explore the spectacular lakes and mountains of Glacier National Park in the state of Montana
Today we have a full day drive south into the state of Wyoming and to the famous Yellowstone National Park, home to magnificent landscapes, fantastic treks, and the incredible Old Faithful geyser.
On our first night we will stay at a Campsite on the northern edge of the park with good facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-11 hours.
On Day 5 we will pack up our camp and explore Yellowstone National Park as we make our way to our camp on the southern edge of the park, where we will base ourselves for the next 2 nights.
From here we have a free day on Day 6 to fully explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National park and take part in optional treks and other activities.
In Yellowstone National Park we will camp at a campsite in the Madison area of the park.
Daily Activities
Explore the highlights of the famous Yellowstone National Park, including its hiking trails and the iconic geyser of Old Faithful
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Drive through the stunning Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, stopping at the picturesque Jenny Lake
Take a short trek or boat ride at Jenny Lake in the heary of Grand Teton National Park
Today we will drive south through the stunning Grand Teton National Park and take a stop at the spectacular Jenny Lake, where we'll have some free time to explore the lake and possibly take a short boat trip. We will then continue to the beautiful town of Jackson Hole.
In Jackson Hole we will stay in quad rooms in a comfortable hostel, the following day we have a free day for activities and to explore the area.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.
Daily Activities
Drive through the stunning Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, stopping at the picturesque Jenny Lake
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
White water rafting near Jackson
Take a short trek or boat ride at Jenny Lake in the heary of Grand Teton National Park
Today we will drive to Utah's state capital of Salt Lake City, where we will have time for quick free exploration of the city centre and its famous Temple Square. We will then head to the nearby Antelope Island State Park, known for its abundant population of American bison and pronghorns.
In Antelope Island we will camp at a basic campsite with few facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Daily Activities
Explore the rugged Antelope Island State Park and go in search of American Bison and Longhorns
Today we will have a full day drive to the town of Moab, perfectly located next to the rugged wildernesses of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
We will spend the next day exploring and trekking in Canyonlands National Park, and taking part in some optional activities in and around Moab.
In Moab we will camp in a well equipped campsite.
Daily Activities
Explore the phenomenal 'Islands in the Sky' region of Canyonlands National Park and walk on some of it's stunning trails
Explore the other-worldly landscapes of Arches National Park and see the iconic Delicate Arch at sunset
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Hire mountain bikes to explore the canyons around Moab
Head on an amazing rafting trip to Fisher's Tower near Moab
Visit the Moab Museum and the Museum of Western Film and Heritage
Today we will drive to the incredible Monument Valley, the iconic landscape symbolic of the American West. On arrival we will head out on an included jeep tour of the Monument Valley Tribal Park, seeing the stunning rock formations up close and learning about the local Navajo culture.
In Monument Valley we will spend the night in a traditional Navajo ‘Hogan’ (an igloo-shaped dwelling of wood and earth where 6-8 people sleep together on the ground in a circle).
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.
Daily Activities
Spend a night sleeping in a traditional Navajo hogan and take a jeep tour of the spectacular Monument Valley
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the ancient Navajo National Monument in Arizona
Today we will continue our drive to the beautiful town of Page near the stunning Lake Powell.
In Page we will camp in a well-equipped campsite.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit the iconic Antelope Canyon on a trip from the town of Page
Today we will drive to the wonderful Kodachrome Basin State Park, where we will have free time on arrival to explore the beautiful landscape.
In Kodachrome Basin State Park we will camp in a scenic campsite.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will drive to the incredible Bryce Canyon National Park, where we will have a few hours here to take some optional treks to its hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion). Following this, we will take a very scenic drive to the stunning Zion National Park.
In Zion National Park we will camp at a well-equipped campsite just outside the park.
On Day 16, we have a free day for exploring and activities in the Zion National Park.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit the beautiful and scenic Bryce Canyon National Park and the nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park
Visit the spectacular canyons and rock formations of Zion National Park
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Go on a horse riding trip through the magnificent Zion National Park
Head out on some scenic trekking routes in Zion National Park
This morning we will have free time to explore, trek or take scenic drives through the spectacular deserts and rock formations on Zion National Park. In the afternoon we will drive to the bustling and energetic city of Las Vegas.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to fully explore the fascinating city of Las Vegas and enjoy its world-famous all-night entertainment options, including its casinos and shows!
In Las Vegas we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a dazzling helicopter flight over Las Vegas at night
Explore the incredible casinos and resorts of Las Vegas
Visit the collosal Hoover Dam near Las Vegas, one of the most important architectural projects of the 1930s
Visit some of the fascinating museums and exhibitions in Las Vegas, such as the Titanic Exhibit, Madame Tussauds, and the Mob Museum
Head out on an exhilarating ATV quad biking tour of the deserts surrounding Las Vegas
Kayak down the Colorado River to the scenic Black Canyon
Go on a fantastic horse riding trip through the rock formations and deserts around Las Vegas
Today we will continue south into the state of Arizona and to one of the most spectacular highlights of the USA - the world-famous Grand Canyon. On arrival we will head up to one of the stunning viewpoints over the Grand Canyon for sunset.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to explore the Grand Canyon area and take optional treks and scenic helicopter flights over the canyon. The entrance to the Grand Canyon is included on the trip, but as there are many options once inside the National Park the day will be free to explore in your own way.
At the Grand Canyon we will camp at a well-equipped campsite in the Grand Canyon Village.
Daily Activities
Visit some of the spectacular viewpoints over the world-famous Grand Canyon and the Colorado river
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out on one of the incredible trekking trails around the Grand Canyon
Take an unforgettable scenic helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
Today we start to drive south through Arizona to the area near Phoenix.
In the Phoenix area we will most likely stay in multi-share rooms in a hostel, if time allows we may have the opportunity to go horse riding or visit Antelope Canyon.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will drive south to the border town of Nogales.
In Nogales we will camp in a well equipped campsite.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Border information: Exit USA at Nogales, enter Mexico at Nogales.
Today we will cross the border into Mexico, and over the next two days we will drive south along the Pacific coast, staying close to the towns of Guaymas and Mazatlán en route.
In Guaymas and Mazatlán we will camp in well-equipped campsites.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-11 hours each day.
Today we will drive to the surfing town of Sayulita on Pacific coast and enjoy some free time on arrival.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to explore the Playa Los Muertos beach and possibly try your hand at surfing!
In Sayulita we will stay in a basic hostel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Try your hand at surfing at the relaxed coastal town of Sayulita
Today we will drive to the town of Tequila, where we will have time for an optional visit to the town's famous distilleries (either today or on the following morning).
In Tequila we will stay in a basic hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a guided tour of the famous Jose Cuervo tequila distillery
Today we drive to the town of Angahuan. This village is inhabited by the Purépecha people, who have been indigenous to the area since one thousand years before the Spanish invasion. Angahuan is the gateway to the Parícutin volcano, the only volcano in the world to have been born in modern times.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to explore the village of Angahuan or to go for optional walks around the area of the Parícutin volcano. The creation of the volcano in 1943 buried two nearby villages, and it's still possible to see the spire of the cathedral of San Juan Parangaricutiro sticking up from the lava field.
In Angahuan we will camp at a campsite near to the volcano.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Trek up the Parícutin volcano in Angahuan, the only volcano in the world to be spawned during modern times
Explore the area of the Parícutin volcano on horseback
Today we will have a full day drive to the massive and chaotic Mexican capital of Mexico City.
The following day we have a free day to enjoy Mexico.
In Mexico City we will stay in a good hotel in the central district of Bellas Artes.
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
See Mexico City's famous traditional mariachi bands in the evening around Garibaldi Square
Explore the magnificent ancient Mesoamerican ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City
Freely explore the huge area of the Zocalo in Mexico City's centre, along with its famous Metropolitan Cathedral and the Temple Mayor (the last remains of the old Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan)
Visit some of Mexico City's other incredible landmarks, such as the Palacio Nacional, the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, and the Basilica de Guadalupe
Explore the vast system of waterways and flower gardens at Xochimilco, possibly including a visit to the creepy Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls)
Visit some of Mexico City's most important museums and galleries, such as the old house of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo, the former home of revolutionary Leon Trotsky, and the Museo Dolores Olmedo art gallery
Border information: if leaving in Mexico City, you will most likely exit Mexico at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA code: MEX).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Mexico City. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
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