Mexico/Chihuahua: Chepe Express Train to Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon has long been a bucketlist item that finally came true – a ride on the iconic Copper Canyon train aka Chepe! It is one of the most venerated journeys not only in Mexico and North America, but globally. We took the train from El Fuerte in Sinaloa to Divisadero at the highest point of the Copper Canyon. The Copper Canyon Railroad, aka Ferrocarril Barrancas del Cobre, is one of Mexico’s grandest achievements. This railroad marvel took almost 90 years and 90 million dollars to complete. The Copper Canyon railway is a stunning piece of engineering – opened after decades of construction in 1961, the railway was designed to connect the Pacific Ocean with Mexico’s central territories and the state of Chihuahua. The Copper Canyon line is over 673 km (418 mi) and crosses 39 bridges and 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above sea level near Divisadero. It is often considered one of the most scenic railroad journeys in the world – and it didn’t disappoint: absolutely stunning vistas, mountains, rivers, and blue skies. The First Class on the Chepe Express includes lux seats, full meals, and access to the panoramic carriage at the back of the train where the views and atmosphere are to die for. Bucketlist is now shorter by an item.
