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Mexico is the most popular destination in the world for American travelers.
But if you want to try something new beyond the usual beaches and bars the country is famous for, then you should consider this breathtaking train journey in Mexico that no one knows about.
I use the word breathtaking often, but the Copper Canyon Railroad truly breathtaking.
The route runs along one of the world’s best routes, crossing viaducts over deep gorges and winding its way through mountain tunnels.
During your journey you will even cross it 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels.
Here’s why the Copper Canyon Railroad is one of the best:
Why explore the Copper Canyon Railway?
I have a thing for trains (I love them!), so I’m always looking for new, fascinating routes.
Copper Canyon is often called the Mexican Grand Canyon, and a trip through it is one of the most exciting train rides in Mexico.
Copper Canyon is even much larger than the Grand Canyon.
Located in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in northwestern Mexico, the Copper Canyon is a vast and stunning network of six different canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.
The Copper Canyon Railroad charts a course straight through the canyon system.
You can make the journey from start to finish in an 8-hour journey, or you can disembark along the way to really explore the beauty and culture of the gorge.
Spectacular landscapes, excellent technical feats and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. This is an unforgettable train experience.
When should you travel on the Copper Canyon Railway?
There’s no bad time of year to travel on the Copper Canyon Railway. The breathtaking landscape changes with the seasons.
But it’s worth noting that the scenic train route you can enjoy depends on both the day you travel and the time of year you travel.
During the summer season, between 08/08 – 09/29, the route is longer and you can take the train all the way to Chihuahua.
On Thursdays and Saturdays the train leaves Chihuahua at 7:00 AM and arrives in Divisadero at 2:15 PM.
Outside this high summer season you can drive from Creel to Los Mochis on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays and from Los Mochis to Creel on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
When planning your trip, please note that the train does not run on Wednesdays, nor on Mondays and Tuesdays in May and June.
The Chepe Express is the name of the tourist train that runs on this route and offers a more comfortable and luxurious experience than the regional railway that runs on the same route and is mainly used by locals traveling from A to B.
Book tickets for the Copper Canyon Railway
There are a handful of luxury providers that run tours of the Copper Canyon Railroad, and new packages are being launched all the time, but I checked out the prices and the cheapest way to get tickets for them book directly via the Chepe Express website.
There are 3 different ticket and carriage classes for the train: First, Executive and Tourist.
A tourist class ticket from Creel to Los Mochis costs $2,598.00 MXN ($141), while an executive class ticket on the route costs $3,374.00 MXN ($183).
Ultimately, the same trip in first class would cost $4,820.00 MXN ($262).
These prices may seem a little higher than you would expect for a normal train journey, but this is not a normal train journey.
Leaving aside the breathtaking natural beauty you experience (which you simply couldn’t see any other way), the train itself is a work of art.
Which class is the correct class?
Whichever ticket class you choose, you can expect spacious carriages with comfortable, wide, padded seats.
In Executive Class you benefit from reclining seats and panoramic windows so you can make the most of the view. In addition, you will have access to a stylish bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks, as well as access to high-quality toilets.
So, what do you get when you save the money and upgrade to first class?
Everything mentioned above plus extra space, a carriage with an observation deck that offers the very best views on board, and a complimentary meal in the dining car.
But honestly, no matter which class you choose, this train is luxurious and the views you see are truly awe-inspiring.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
