The Copper Canyon railway is a superb work of engineering
The Copper Canyon is one of the best natural wonders of country, in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The Copper Canyon is a group of several canyons that together larger than the Grand Canyon in the U.S state of Arizona. This series of canyons were formed by six different rivers over several years. The Copper Canyon houses the some of the most stunning scenes of Mexico. The best way to explore this amazing beauty of nature is to set across the area on the Copper Canyon railway routeaboard the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway popularly known as the El Chepe.
The Copper Canyon railway is a superb work of engineering that runs between the cities of Los Mochisand Chihuahua City and back. The rail route opened in 1961 and spanning across 673 km crossing 37 bridges and 86 tunnels. The highest point on the route is 2,400 m above sea level near Divisadero, which is the best viewpoint over the canyons. A one-way trip on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway takes around 14-16 hours.
The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway has two class service trains operating on the route; the First Express and the Economic Class.Visitors can confirm the days of departure and timings from an official source.
The First Express: Itdeparts from Chihuahua to Los Mochis and from Los Mochisto Chihuahua. It makes stops at Cuauhtemoc, Creel, Divisadero, Posada Barrancas, Bahuichivo/Cerocahui, Temoris, and El Fuerte before terminating at Los Mochis.The train stops for 15 to 20 minutes at Divisaderoso and guests can enjoy some of the best views of the Copper Canyon.
The First Express offers 2 or 3 carriages with 64 reclining seats and also a restaurant (not halal). There are clean washrooms and toilets on the train and every carriage has porters to attend to the requests of the guests. The carriages are equipped with air-conditioning and heating systems.It is important to note that the price of the ticket does not include the dining charges.
The Economic Class: The Economic Class is similar to the First Express excepting the number of stoppages, the days of running and the seating capacity. The Economic Class makes three extra stops as compared to the First Express and also makes a long stop at Divisadero.
The Economic Class has 3 or 4 passenger carriages each with a capacity of 68 passengers. All the carriages have heating and cooling systems with reclining seats and also clean toilets. There is a snack car in the train that offers fast food (not halal); the cost is not included in the ticket.
Visitors who are looking to explore the Copper Canyon in detail can make stopovers at Divisadero and Creel; these destinations have lodges where you can stay and explore the canyon. If you wish to make a stop at one of the stations you will have to book in advance. If you are planning to make the journey during Christmas or Easter holidays then you need to book your tickets in advance.The best time to take the journey is between October and March when the temperatures are a bit cooler.
