Mexico’s Best-Kept Secret Is A Train Ride On The Copper Canyon Railway

Mexico is a hugely popular country for Americans, who head to the Mayan Riviera and more for the glorious beaches. However, for those looking for a new adventure to experience in Mexico, there is a train ride just waiting for them in the stunning Copper Canyon. Moreover, the train crosses 37 bridges and heads through 86 tunnels with breathtaking views along the way.

Ride the Copper Canyon Railway in Mexico

The Copper Canyon Railway runs along one of the most rugged and scenic railways, crossing 37 viaducts and bridges and heading through an amazing 86 tunnels through the mountains. However, this wonderful journey is relatively unknown to American travelers.

Officially known as the Chepe Express, the Copper Canyon Railway is one of the most exciting train journeys in Mexico. Meanwhile, the Copper Canyon is much bigger than even the Grand Canyon, making a worthy journey through the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in the southwestern part of Chihuahua State. The Copper Canyon Train Tour is a first-class express journey that takes around four hours through to the coast.

Meanwhile, the railway line also features seven stops along the way, so passengers can either stay on the train for the eight-hour return journey or hop off the train to explore the wonders of the canyon and local culture.

About the Chepe Express

The railroad is an outstanding feat of engineering that took almost 90 years to complete, at a cost of 90 million dollars. It was opened after decades of construction back in 1961 and was designed to connect the Pacific Ocean with Mexico’s central desert territory and Chihuahua.

Meanwhile, there is no bad time of the year to ride the Copper Canyon Railway and see the breathtaking scenery as it changes with the seasons. During summer, between August 8 and September 9, the rail route is longer and travelers can ride the train all the way to Chihuahua.

The train departs from Chihuahua on Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 am, arriving in Divisadero at 2:15 pm. Meanwhile, out of peak season, passengers can ride from Creel to Los Mochis on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Moreover, they can return from Los Mochis to Creel on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Important to note

When planning a trip, it is important to remember that the train doesn’t operate on Wednesdays. Moreover, during May and June, the train also doesn’t run on Mondays and Tuesdays, so carefully scheduling your trip is important.

Meanwhile, the Chepe Express, which is the official name of the tourist train that runs this route offers a more comfortable experience than the regional railway that runs on the same route, primarily taking locals from A to B.

Booking tickets for the Copper Canyon Railway

Tickets are available from the Chepe Express website directly and it is important to make your booking online before heading to catch the train. Meanwhile, the train offers three classes of ticket and carriage – First, Executive and Tourist.

As for the prices, a tourist class ticket from Creel to Los Mochis costs MXN 2,598.00 ($141), while an executive class ticket costs MXN 3,374.00 ($183). Meanwhile, traveling in first class costs travelers MXN 4,820.00 ($262). While the prices might sound high for a train journey, the incredible natural beauty along the way is well worth the money. Whichever class passengers choose offers spacious carriages with comfortable padded seats.

In executive class on the Copper Canyon Railway, travelers will enjoy reclining seats and panoramic windows and will enjoy access to a stylish bar where they can enjoy drinks and snacks, and have access to quality toilet facilities.

As for the first class, passengers will enjoy all the above, plus extra space, a terraced car with an observation deck overlooking the best views, along with a complimentary meal in the restaurant car.

Find out more about the Copper Canyon Railway and book tickets on the official website.