Journey The Copper Canyon Train Mexico

The Copper Canyon

Identification

Mexico's Copper Canyon is actually a set of half a dozen distinct canyons in the state of Chihuahua. The overall system of canyons is longer and in places deeper than even the Grand Canyon of the United States. The only railway running through the Copper Canyon is the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico. The train itself is usually known as "El Chepe," from the train's reporting mark, CHP.

The Copper Canyon railroad line, “the most dramatic train ride in the Western Hemisphere” (Reader’s Digest), begins in Ojinaga and continues, via Chihuahua, to Los Mochis and Topolobampo. The railroad was started in the 1870s to enable produce grown in southern Texas to be exported via a Pacific port. Simultaneously, the twin settlements of Los Mochis and its port Topolobampo were developed on the other side of the Western Sierra Madre. The railroad project floundered and successive attempts to complete it all failed. Some innovative engineering finally led to the line being completed in 1961.

The Journey

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico runs between the cities of Chihuahua and Los Mochis, on the Sea of Cortez. This route extends for over 400 miles, with the middle third spent in the Copper Canyon. Traversing the canyon makes a trip on El Chepe one of the world's most breathtaking train rides. Imagine staggering cliffs akin to those of the Grand Canyon, but instead of rocky, dusty desolation, a landscape fringed in deep green. The engineering of the railway also contributes to the excitement of the journey, as El Chepe must pass over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels along the way.

 

Train Features

El Chepe has trains offering two different levels of service, Economic Class and First Express. The Economic Class cars have reclining seats and air conditioning and are serviced by a snack car. First Express cars are similar, albeit with better appointments, and are serviced by a full dining car with a bar and a la carte menu. All cars on either train are attended by their own porter, and smoking is prohibited everywhere on the train.

 

Time Frame

The full journey on El Chepe takes about 15 hours, and depending on whether the trip started in Los Mochis or Chihuahua, reaches the outer fringe of the Copper Canyon in five or six hours. El Chepe's route usually ensures it spends the entire afternoon in the canyon area. As of 2010, Economic Class trains run from Los Mochis on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and from Chihuahua on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and do not operate Wednesdays. First Express trains depart both cities every day.

Canyon Stations

Frommer's glowingly praises the Copper Canyon for its wildlife and as a place to pursue outdoor activities and experience the culture of the indigenous Indian population, so it is not surprising many tourists get off the train in the canyon in search of adventure. El Chepe stops at Creel, Barrancas and Bahuichivo inside the Copper Canyon. Of the three, Creel is probably the best place to stop for a side trip to pursue adventure sports in the canyon or see something of the local Indian culture.