Chepe – All Aboard the Chihuahua Pacifico Train to Copper Canyon

Mexico surprises. After each and every visit I return home wanting more.  My recent trip to the Mexican border state of Chihuahua proved no different. The seven nights in the state will always be remembered for the warmth of its people, the taste of its cuisine and the beauty of its landscapes. It was an absolute adventure. And if there was highlight, it might select Chihuahua Pacifico Train through Copper Canyon, el Chepe.

it is officially classified as a marvel too

I love train travel, so this was an easy sell for me. Whether the Amtrak to Washington DC or South Africa’s luxurious Blue Train, train travel always seems to be a great adventure. And the Chepe train through the Copper Canyon takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes on earth. It is a Mexican marvel, it is a “Mexican must.”

The railroad passage offers eighty-six tunnels and thirty-seven bridges. The journey transitions through multiple terrains, eco-systems and altitudes (reaching over 8,000 feet above sea level). Plus, countless markers of historical or scenic significance line the tracks. Each are  marked and labeled in available guide books. So you can spend your time wisely watching from your seat and attempting to capture pictures from standing in the vestibules. Although having a guide from Authentic Copper Canyon proved even better.

On my journey, I probably spent more time in the vestibules snapping images, here are some of my favorites.

Chihuahua City to Creel

At 6am the train leaves Chihuahua City each day and heads to the coast through the canyons. We boarded and spent our first day riding to Creel.

the train makes a turn

the landscape started out flat

we passed many farms and learned many are run by Mennonites

Creel to Divisadero

After an overnight in Creel, we boarded the train and continued along and worked our way to the main canyons, known as “barrancas.” When all the canyons were added together, they actually become four times (yes, four times) the size of the Grand Canyon in the Untied States.

arriving to Creel

a look out the back from the Caboose

still climbing

the track was perpendicular beneath us, a big turn was about to begin

the train stops for 15 minutes at Divisadero so you can see you the canyon

Divisadero to Temoris

After the stop, we continued further to Temoris. The next part of the journey would provide some of the most scenic passage on my partial journey. It included countless tunnels and numerous bridges.

el conductor in the sun

stops had Tarahumaras selling crafts, I purchased.

another stop, this time to switch crew with the passing train heading to Chihuahua City

looking down over a bridge

just crossed over a bridge

one of the many tunnels

seeing the Barrancas, or the Canyons on the train

the track ahead... after Temoris

I unfortunately did not take the entire journey, but the scenic journey certainly left its impression. It provides just another reason to return to Mexico and the state of Chihuahua, actually it is just one of many reasons to return to Chihuahua. So, yes, I’ll be back. Ah! Chihuahua!

stay adventurous, Craig

I’d like to thank Dave from Authentic Copper Canyon, TravelLand and the Mexican Tourism Board (my friends in the New York Office) for making this journey and one of my dream trips inside Mexico a reality. Ah! Chihuahua!