Copper Canyon Railroad

The Copper Canyon Railroad, which was built to connect the Pacific Ocean to Mexico's central desert territory, has been a popular tourist attraction since its inception. The four-hour journey through Mexico's Cooper Canyon, which is four times larger than the Grand Canyon, to the coast, passes through snow-capped mountains and primeval forests.

This journey takes you through some of Mexico's most spectacular scenery, much of which is inaccessible by other means. Copper Canyon, in the northwest state of Chihuahua, is said to be four times the size of the Grand Canyon. It is actually several canyons, the deepest of which is 6,167 feet. The length of the ride varies depending on where you board, but the Chepe Express journey from Los Mochis on the west coast to inland Creel takes about nine hours.

The train travels over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, and it was finally opened in 1961, several decades after it began construction. Rugged terrain, mountains, gorges, deep ravines, and even agricultural areas make up the landscape. The seclusion-loving, semi-nomadic Tarahumara people live in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and can occasionally be seen in the towns along the route selling their handmade wares.

Some advice: Plan your trip ahead of time or work with a tour operator to make your arrangements. For the best views when traveling east, take a seat on the right side of the train.

Country: Mexico