TRAVEL + LEISURE World's Most Scenic Train Rides

El ChePe, Mexico

Courtesy of www.mexicoscoppercanyon.com/ Christian Heeb

The most modern, comfortable passenger train in Mexico chugs along the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico, also known as the Copper Canyon Railway. The 13-hour trip connects the mountainous arid interior of northern Mexico with the Pacific coast, passing sheer canyon walls, waterfalls, high desert plains, and the imposing landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara.

Train Trivia: El ChePe passes through the six Copper Canyons, which, if they were combined, would be four times larger than the Grand Canyon. The ravines and crevices go as deep as 1.25 miles from top to bottom.

Insider Tip: Temperatures are most comfortable from October to March—summers are hot and dusty. Advance booking is essential. One-way tickets from $991.

Camping In The Copper Canyon

Thinking of doing something outrageous? How about a hiking and camping trip to  Barranca del Cobre or Copper Canyon.  Situated in Northwest Mexico, Copper Canyon was formed by six rivers that empty into the Rio Fuerte, which flows to the Sea of Cortez. Inside Copper Canyon you will find canyons as deep or deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, waterfalls (two of the highest in Mexico) and vegetation that varies from the tropical mango and avocado trees in the low spots to pine and oak forests in the higher elevations.

Copper Canyon is easily accessible by riding the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico, or ChePe, Railroad. The train ride can be the entire 405 miles and passes over 37 mountain bridges or you can stop at popular hiker destinations, including El Divisadero, the Continental Divide. By purchasing a first-class ticket, you can get on and off the train at any or all of the 7 stops before its final destination. Bring a tent for camping and spend a night or two there while your explore the local area. You can hike the rim of Copper Canyon.  It is a 38-mile loop that has a 20,000-foot elevation gain.

When camping, remember you are a guest and using a camping tent site without asking is trespassing.  You can camp in Creel and Urique, however, many hikers prefer to find their own camp site along the way.  Just remember to go up to a rancher or farmers house and ask permission perhaps offering a small payment.

The best time for Copper Canyon is after the heat and rain of July through September.  In the fall, you’ll see full rivers, and the second-highest waterfall located in Candameña Canyon. You can also hike to Copper Canyon landmarks like Cuarenta Casas, which features 15 adobe houses from the 13th century featuring “T” shaped doorways.