All Aboard! Exploring Mexico’s Copper Canyon by Train
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“El Chepe” The Copper Canyon Train
Chihuahua, Mexico
Join me for a scenic ride through Northern Mexico’s most rugged & beautiful landscapes on “El Chepe” — the Copper Canyon train.
“WOW.” That’s the most intelligent expression of awe that came from my mouth while standing on the edge of a 400 foot cliff overlooking Barranca del Cobre, also known as the Copper Canyon.
It’s difficult to find better words when you’re in the moment.
We’d been traveling by train through one of Mexico’s greatest natural treasures, and the scenery was spectacular. But the views here in the little town of Divisadero were my favorite by far.
Mexico’s Copper Canyon dominates the southern landscape of Chihuahua, the country’s largest state. You really can’t appreciate how vast and remote this area is until you see it in person.
Local Cowboy in Creel
The Copper Canyon Train
In fact the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona isn’t quite as “grand”. Mexico’s version is both bigger and deeper than it’s neighboring cousin in the US.
There is a first-class railroad that will take you through the rough wilderness too. Affectionately called “El Chepe”, this train journey was a highlight of my recent trip into Northern Mexico. It was both comfortable and safe.
Starting in the city of Chihuahua, we chugged along across the desert before slowly climbing into the towering Sierra Madre mountains. El Chepe stops at many small towns over the course of it’s itinerary.
One such town was Creel, the big tourism hub of the region.
Just One of 37 Bridges Along the Route
Tarahumara Indians
Creel has a whopping population of 5,000. It also marks the highest point of the train journey at just under 8,000 feet. Beginning it’s life as a logging town — these days Creel is full of colorful craft shops, small family-owned restaurants, local cowboys, and Tarahumara Indians trying to earn a meager living.
The Tarahumara (known locally as the Rarámuri) live throughout these canyons in small wooden shacks and natural caves. They currently number about 50,000 and most still practice a traditional semi-nomadic farming lifestyle.
Tarahumara women sell beautiful handmade baskets and other crafts to help support their families.
Both the men & women are famous for their superhuman long-distance running abilities, as described in Christopher McDougall’s best-selling book “Born to Run“.
Indigenous Tarahumara: Carmen & Little Maria
Diverse Natural Landscapes
After a night in Creel, we jumped back onto El Chepe for some of the most breathtaking canyon scenery yet. From the train’s vestibules between cars you can lean out and breathe fresh mountain air. It’s surprising chilly at the higher elevations too. They get snow here in the winter.
Because I was traveling as part of a tour with Authentic Copper Canyon, we were always notified when the best views were approaching.
The train stopped in the town of Divisadero for 20 minutes so everyone could drink-in the most incredible view of the whole trip.
Next it was on to Bahuichivo, and then to Temoris. This leg of the journey entails even more mountain tunnels, thick forests, tall bridges, sheer drops, and a few waterfalls.
Copper Canyon Landscape at Divisadero
Train Travel in Northern Mexico
The people you encounter on this trip are a big part of it’s appeal. It’s the old ranchers on horseback, indigenous Tarahumara women in colorful dresses, and groups of waving local children that really made me smile.
We disembarked in the tiny village of Temoris and jumped in a truck to explore mountain roads — but the full train route continues another 130 miles to Los Mochis and the Pacific Ocean.
The complete 400 mile, 16 hour train journey from Chihuahua to Los Mochis boasts 37 bridges and 87 tunnels along a rugged landscape that makes you wonder how difficult it must have been to build a railroad track here in the first place!
A true marvel of engineering for the early 1900′s.
Riding El Chepe through northern Mexico’s beautiful Copper Canyon was easily the best train experience I’ve ever had. ★
What About You?
Do you enjoy train travel? Where is your favorite route?
Details & Information:
Location: Chihuahua City, Mexico
Place to Stay: Hotel Mansión Tarahumara
Company: Chihuahua-Pacific Railway
Cost: $170 US (First-Class ticket to Los Mochis)
Notes: Price of the trip varies depending on how far you go. There is also a 2nd Class section that is plenty comfortable for the budget-minded traveler. Check the railroad’s website for more details.
*This journey was made possible with help from Authentic Copper Canyon & Chihuahua Tourism. However, as you probably know by now, all opinions & experiences are my own. Learn More..
Posted in Mexico
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