Ride the Copper Canyon railway
Ride the rails on one of the world’s most awe-inspiring train journeys.
The burnt ochre rock faces of the Copper Canyon are the setting for one of the most spectacular rail journeys on the planet, penetrating into the Sierra Madre mountains and Sonora desert. There are no roads in the Copper Canyon, the only way to view the wild and dramatic scenery is from the carriage of a train.
Whether clinging to sheer cliff walls, sailing across ravines or slicing through the inaccessible mountainside, the railway line provides an unrivalled vantage point over the striking terrain as the landscape transforms from snow-dusted peaks smothered in conifers to subtropical citrus groves.
Los Mochis is the starting point of the full rail journey, before a stunning ride of hairpin bends, bridges and tunnels transports you to the most dramatic section of the canyon at Divisadero, where you can disembark to spend the night at a hotel perched right on the canyon edge. It’s also possible to take the train in the opposite direction, starting in Chihuahua. There are two rail services, varying in degree of comfort. Depending on which service you choose and where you embark and disembark, the trip can take from five hours to several days.
You might choose to upgrade to the Chepe Express, a more luxurious service starting at Creel.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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.
