Mexico’s Copper Canyon Railway
10 days from £3,300
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer to your hotel in the historic centre of the city. Mexico City, known by the local people simply as ‘DF’ (Distrito Federal), was built on the site of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, and it lies at 2,250m above sea level. Vast, chaotic and vibrant, this sprawling megalopolis of more than 20 million people has a multitude of attractions.
This well regarded hotel’s name drops the hint that it sits right in the centre of the capital’s colonial heart – the huge Zócalo square lorded over by the vast cathedral. From there you have access to a grid of lively streets with shops, restaurants and night-life.
With its ornate 18th century façade contrasting with contemporary interior design and alongside many attractive little personal touches it has many of the facilities of a good business or leisure hotel: office facilities, gym, steam room, cash machine, free parking, complimentary Wifi and even bicycles among other amenities. The décor and furnishings of the rooms, in white and silver, is really striking and there are some subtle Mexican decorative artifacts throughout. There’s access to a high class restaurant (tasting menus, themed dinners) with views over the plaza and the city beyond.
Today you’ll be driven to the archaeological site at Teotihuacán, home to some of the most remarkable relics of ancient civilisation in the world. The immense ruins – dominated by vast pyramids – are thought to date from around 300BC. The identity of the city’s founders and where they came from remains a mystery. It was completely abandoned until the Aztecs arrived, eventually collapsing for good in the 7th century AD.
Continue to the basilica of Guadalupe, a statue of the Virgin Mary atop a hill where a local Christian convert claimed to have seen her in a vision. Here, pilgrims approach the shrine on their knees across the flagstone courtyard. The most devout make the whole pilgrimage on their knees.
<
This well regarded hotel’s name drops the hint that it sits right in the centre of the capital’s colonial heart – the huge Zócalo square lorded over by the vast cathedral. From there you have access to a grid of lively streets with shops, restaurants and night-life.
With its ornate 18th century façade contrasting with contemporary interior design and alongside many attractive little personal touches it has many of the facilities of a good business or leisure hotel: office facilities, gym, steam room, cash machine, free parking, complimentary Wifi and even bicycles among other amenities. The décor and furnishings of the rooms, in white and silver, is really striking and there are some subtle Mexican decorative artifacts throughout. There’s access to a high class restaurant (tasting menus, themed dinners) with views over the plaza and the city beyond.
Fly to Chichuahua in northwest of the country in the afternoon (2.5hrs); overnight here. Now a rather unprepossessing industrial town it does have an interesting historical centre and some grand mansions in the suburbs.
Travel by road to Creel, a journey of about 3.5 hours. The route runs parallel to the track for most of the journey. The scenery features cattle grazing pastures, with long Pampa grass narita azul) and some of the world’s largest apple orchards, run by Mennonite communities. Open plains give way to oak forests and limestone as the road climbs to the rim of the canyon. Arrive at the mountain town of Creel where you’re now positioned to board the train the following day.
Board the train, looping out of the canyon onto a pine-wooded sandy plateau. This is the most dramatic stretch of the canyon. You can make a short stop here to gasp at the superlative views from a dizzying lookout point; you’ll probably be met by indigenous Tarahumara indians selling hand crafted gifts.
The rustic-style hotel is located across the tracks from its own station on the Copper Canyon Railway.
The mid-rage, medium-sized property perches on the top of a hill with unrivalled and spectacular panoramic views over the canyon from the attractive terrace.
The 70 guest rooms and suites are set within brightly painted wood and adobe buildings reflecting the traditional style of local Tarahumara indian homes. These simple rooms are cosy and pleasant, with tiled floors, wood-beam ceilings and ochre and terracotta coloured walls. Each has a balcony where you can sit and survey the canyon below. The vistas are truly spectacular: the hotel was nominated by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the world’s top ten for its sweeping views.
You might choose an optional adventure to experience the spectacular cable car and or zipline across the Canyon. The cable car is one of the most dramatic in the world, flying over ravines and boulder fields: at several points you are hanging at 450m above ground level. If you are feeling even more adventurous, whizz along seven ziplines and two hanging bridges down into the canyon: the trip takes about 90minutes. It’s quite a daunting prospect but there’s a guide with you at all times. The most extensive zip line is 1,130m long. From the bottom of the canyon you might take the cable car back up.
The rustic-style hotel is located across the tracks from its own station on the Copper Canyon Railway.
The mid-rage, medium-sized property perches on the top of a hill with unrivalled and spectacular panoramic views over the canyon from the attractive terrace.
The 70 guest rooms and suites are set within brightly painted wood and adobe buildings reflecting the traditional style of local Tarahumara indian homes. These simple rooms are cosy and pleasant, with tiled floors, wood-beam ceilings and ochre and terracotta coloured walls. Each has a balcony where you can sit and survey the canyon below. The vistas are truly spectacular: the hotel was nominated by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the world’s top ten for its sweeping views.
Get ready for your third day on the tracks. This is the most spectacular section of the whole journey as the train sweeps round bends, crosses cantilever and box-girder bridges, disappears into and re-emerges from tunnels and climbs switchbacks as it snakes its way down the cliff face, eventually arriving in El Fuerte. The day’s rail journey is about 5.5hrs.
This hotel occupies a converted colonial mansion overlooking the town of el Fuerte, close to the station on the Copper Canyon railway. The original residence, which cost a fortune to construct using redwood pines brought down from Canada, was built over a period of 10 years by an influential mayor and grandee.
The elegant, arched property is set within a beautiful flowery garden dotted with fruit trees and hosting a swimming pool. Guest accommodation is built in five separate buildings, each room with their own patio. There are 70 simple rooms decorated differentially with pastel and ochre colours, some with wrought iron bedsteads and others with beamed ceilings.
The old part of the hotel – La Casa Vieja – was supposedly built on the site where El Zorro was born (interested guests can request to stay in the Zorro Room) and there is a statue of him in the grounds. There is also a restaurant serving regional cuisine.
There’s time to relax and stroll around the pretty, colonial town of El Fuerte before the drive to Los Mochis airport – about 90 minutes along good paved roads. As you head away from the arid mountains, the latter part of the journey passes working farms and fertile sugar cane and maize fields.
A 2-hour flight takes you back to megalopolis Mexico City where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for a further 2-night stay.
This well regarded hotel’s name drops the hint that it sits right in the centre of the capital’s colonial heart – the huge Zócalo square lorded over by the vast cathedral. From there you have access to a grid of lively streets with shops, restaurants and night-life.
With its ornate 18th century façade contrasting with contemporary interior design and alongside many attractive little personal touches it has many of the facilities of a good business or leisure hotel: office facilities, gym, steam room, cash machine, free parking, complimentary Wifi and even bicycles among other amenities. The décor and furnishings of the rooms, in white and silver, is really striking and there are some subtle Mexican decorative artifacts throughout. There’s access to a high class restaurant (tasting menus, themed dinners) with views over the plaza and the city beyond.
We can pre-book a range of optional excursions for your final day in Mexico, or feel free to explore independently.
This well regarded hotel’s name drops the hint that it sits right in the centre of the capital’s colonial heart – the huge Zócalo square lorded over by the vast cathedral. From there you have access to a grid of lively streets with shops, restaurants and night-life.
With its ornate 18th century façade contrasting with contemporary interior design and alongside many attractive little personal touches it has many of the facilities of a good business or leisure hotel: office facilities, gym, steam room, cash machine, free parking, complimentary Wifi and even bicycles among other amenities. The décor and furnishings of the rooms, in white and silver, is really striking and there are some subtle Mexican decorative artifacts throughout. There’s access to a high class restaurant (tasting menus, themed dinners) with views over the plaza and the city beyond.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Mexico - Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the world’s great capital cities, where ancient civilisations, colonial heritage and contemporary culture converge. Built on the foundations of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, this vast metropolis offers everything from historic architecture and world-class museums to vibrant neighbourhoods and exceptional gastronomy.
Mexico - The Copper Canyon
Deep in the north-west Mexico, the Copper Canyon seems to have no end. A maze of ravines and gorges set among some of the continent’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Our Copper Canyon holidays take you through the heart of the Sierra Madre, aboard one of the world’s most celebrated railway journeys.
Welcome to wild country. South of the Rio Grande, Mexico’s vast far northern state of Chihuahua unfolds as a land of stone-strewn desert offset by a deep blue sky. Cities and settlements are few and far between, the glitzy state capital of Chihuahua and the occasional Mennonite town connected by a long desert highway, eventually yielding to the craggy mountains and forested gorges inhabited by the Raramuri, the native people of the region.
It’s here, deep inside Chihuahua, that the seemingly fathomless Copper Canyon cuts a swathe through the barren desert crust. Seemingly against all the odds, the world-famous Chepe railway traverses this route, with views of some of the continent’s most spectacular mountain scenery. There are relentless ravines and gorges, and an infinite variety of landscape and vegetation from snow-dusted peaks smothered in conifers to sub-tropical citrus groves.
This route shows two extremes of Mexico, from little-explored expanses to Latin America’s most populous and multi-dimensional capital city. You’re ideally positioned at the end to continue to the destination of your choice, whether it’s a beeline to the Pacific coast, a colonial gem such as San Miguel Allende or an ancient temple in the Yucatan peninsula.
The Copper Canyon Railway has long been one of Mexico’s relatively unsung highlights. Needless to say, railway departure schedules are subject to change, which could result in alterations to the described itinerary. Our expert Travel Consultants will be able to advise you if this is the case at the time of booking. Where possible, we use the more comfortable Chepe Express service.
Kathryn Rhodes
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
The jet flight from Mexico City to Chihuahua takes 2.5hrs, 2 train journeys (2hrs and 5.5hrs), airport transfers.
- Accommodation
In Mexico City your hotel is well-located in the historic centre. The accommodation on the Copper Canyon route consists of mid-range properties perfectly positioned for hopping on and off the train.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; dinner day 5; full board day 6.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 30 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
10 days, 9 nights: Mexico City 2; Chihuahua 1; Creel 1; Posada Barrancas 2; El Fuerte 1; Mexico City 2
- Currency
The unit of currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40 will cover food, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. We recommend approximately $10 per person for a half day and $20 for a full day for guides and half that for drivers.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for people of all ages including children. The rail trip does not present problems for people of limited mobility but there are some steps to be negotiated. There is a minimum age for solo ziplining. Young children can be accompanied on the zip by a guide..
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Climate
In Mexico City and the mountains towns the climate is temperate all year round and, because of the altitude it never gets too hot. Temperatures can drop to freezing in Mexico City over the winter months.
The weather in the canyon varies according to altitude. Evenings can get very cold in the canyon when temperatures drop below zero, especially in Jan-Feb and there may be snow on the rim. The valley floor has a tropical climate.
On average, the warmest months of the year are Jul-Aug, during which time the daytime high temperatures will generally hover around the upper 20°s C and lower 30°s C. The night-time temperatures during these months will drop to the 20°s. From Apr-Sep, the canyons are not only hot, but they also are very humid. The oldest months are Jan-Feb.
The rainy season in the Copper Canyon is from June through September. During this time everything in the canyon is green and lush. - Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring practical, comfortable clothing and a light-weight jumper. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants in Mexico City, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
Strong, comfortable shoes or trainers are advisable and you should bring insect repellant, sun block, sun glasses, and swim wear.
Please get in touch with the JLA office before departure if you have any doubts.
- Vaccination
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- When is the best time to go to Mexico?
It’s a year-round destination. Over half the country enjoys temperate highland weather, while the coasts are mostly sunny, hot and relatively humid. The northwest has an arid desert climate. Elsewhere most rain falls from Jun to Sep though precipitation can be expected up to Nov. Hurricanes are possible around the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula Jul – Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Mexico?
The official language of Mexico is Spanish and indigenous languages.
- What is Mexico's official currency?
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card.
Credit card or debit cards are widely accepted, although cash is still useful in Mexico. You’ll need some Pesos (or US$) cash for smaller expenses such as tips or souvenirs. Pesos can be obtained locally at ATMs or a Casa de Cambio. - What is the time difference between Mexico and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Mexico is GMT-6 hours; ;and -7 hours in Southern Baja California and the Copper Canyon.
- Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins.
If you are entering and/or leaving Mexico via a land border, you are required by the authorities to complete an electronic Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) form via the Gobierno do Mexico portal on https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html#
We recommend doing this several days before crossing the land border, as you need to upload a scan of your passport to complete the process and print the form once completed. If you arriving by air and leaving by land, you can ask our local partners to assist you with this process once you are in Mexico.
Anyone with a different nationality should ensuire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Mexico?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What other countries combine well with Mexico?
A visit to neighbouring Belize, where there are luxury eco-lodges, superb diving and snorkelling all embraced in British Caribbean cultural heritage.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Mexico?
Independence Day, 16 Sep Celebrations throughout the country.
Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, 1 – 2 Nov. Celebrated throughout the country.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Ride the rails on one of the world’s most awe-inspiring train journeys.
Observe the untamed mountain scenery of the Copper canyon from the air on a zipline and cable car.
Take luxury rail service the Chepe Express through Mexico’s Copper Canyon.
Take a stroll through the historic plazas and boulevards of Mexico’s cosmopolitan capital, discovering the city’s Aztec foundations.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Cosy, rustic accommodation with extraordinary sweeping views across the breadth of the Mexican Copper Canyon.
Historically significant converted colonial mansion offering evocative accommodation at el Fuerte on Mexico’s Copper Canyon Railway.
A good value mid-range hotel with plenty of Mexican character, one block from Mexico City’s main plaza and its magnificent cathedral.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
