What to do and see in Chihuahua, Chihuahua: The Best Transportation

Reviewed By Roddek - Melbourne, Australia

My arrival into Los Mochis meant I was extremely fortunate to ride one of the world's great rail journeys in the Copper Canyon, which is five times larger than the Grand Canyon and is a mile and a half deeper than the latter. The El Chepe train departs at 7.30 three times a week, but I was adamant that I arrive an hour earlier. Today the train was half empty and departed right on time. I gazed out of the full panoramic windows, and I could observe that the land is harsh, inaccessible, and desolate. The ride between Los Mochis and El Fuerte moves at a steady pace, but then gradually starts to pick up speed. I could observe the small, poorly constructed dwellings that lie beside the train track, and a small single light signals that morning has broken, and families are preparing for the day ahead. The train suddenly slows its pace, as it starts to climb higher ground over one thousand meters — the landscape changes from scrub with scattered grazing cattle to a more dramatic backdrop. The Siera Madre mountain range is stunning, and the train moves through vast viaducts and wide tunnels that have been carved into the rock. The Copper Canyon railroad was given the green light in the 1840s to commence construction, but it took the latter over one hundred years to complete all the track work. As I settled into lunch, the train is climbing at a slow pace, and the view of the Canyon is merely stunning. The Interior of the train is plush, and the carriages are immaculate. The conductors and waiters are stylish attired and the service second to none. Whichever way you travel, make sure the seat is on the right side. Either way, the beauty of these sweeping mountain vistas, sheer size canyon walls, waterfalls, and lakes, etc., have stood the test of time. Every often one rises from the seat just to hang out in the vestibule, where a guest does a tricky balancing act. After lunch, we approach Dividesedero, and the depth of the canyons is easily accessible. One can view the photos and marvel at the beauty and majesty of Barrancas Di Cobra, but it takes a visit to the Canyon to appreciate the vistas and experience the warmth of the people. The entire journey from Los Michos to Chihuahua takes 26 hours, boasts 37 bridges, and 87 tunnels, along a rugged landscape that is a marvel of engineering for the early 1850s. The people that I encountered on the train are a big part of its appeal. It's the old ranches on horseback, Indigenous Tarahuane women in colourful dresses, and a group of waving children that makes it unique. I sat with some local Mexican men and women, and they never fail to impress, with their beauty, grace, good manners, and kindness. I disembarked at Divisadero for the night, and it was a great decision. The view from my hotel was unforgettable and I would not forget this easily. The next day I did a tour of the canyon and also came across the local Indians selling their wares. This trip is highly recommended for all train buffs and those wanting to experience the magnificent scenery all the way from Los Mochis to Chihuahua.