The train to Copper Canyon tour is a mind-blowing experience where visitors cross a series of colored gorges located in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in Northwestern Mexico.

The canyon’s entire area is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, but Copper Canyon in Mexico is 5 times bigger. The train to Copper Canyon travels through this mountain range in an exciting tour that takes around 5 days. It has been declared one of the most wonderful train trips in the world.

The train to Copper Canyon travels all the route in approximately 16 hours in one day. But tourists stop along the way to visit the local towns a discover breathtaking views.

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There are two trains to Copper Canyon

Train to Copper Canyon
Train to Copper Canyon Crossing Bridge

Before getting in detail about the best stops in the train to Copper Canyon it is important to know that there are two trains that cross the Copper Canyon route:

  • Chepe Express Train – This train is specifically for tourists making the Copper Canyon train tour.
  • Chepe Regional Train – This train is specifically for commuters, although tourists can also get up.

If you want to know more about the differences between Chepe Express train and Chepe Regional train we have written a specific post for that: Chepe Express vs Chepe Regional Train

The train to Copper Canyon runs from Chihuahua to Los Mochis to travel the entire route or the other way around. This magnificent railway winds through breathtaking scenery above 8,000 feet to sea level, with 87 tunnels and 36 bridges, providing the ideal environment for a thrilling Copper Canyon train trip.

Copper Canyon Train Ride Itinerary starting from Chihuahua

The tour to Copper Canyon can be travelled in either direction, from Chihuahua to Los Mochis, or vice versa. Creel and El Fuerte are little towns further along the railway towards the center of Copper Canyon from each end, and are alternative starting sites to do the Copper Canyon train tour. This article is based on the Copper Canyon tour starting in Chihuahua and ending in Los Mochis.

It is also more common to do the train to Copper Canyon route starting in Chihuahua because Chihuahua has a much bigger airport than Los Mochis. So to people searching Copper Canyon tours from USA it is almost always more convenient to start in Chihuahua.

American and Canadian citizens mostly search for Copper Canyon tours from El Paso, Copper Canyon tours from Tuxcon and Copper Canyon tours from Phoenix. All of them almost always start in Chihuahua, although we sometimes recommend starting in Los Mochis.

Chihuahua, the starting point of the train to Copper Canyon

It is recommended spending at least a full day in Chihuahua. This city in the Mexican desert is known for its historic importance and it is an interesting city to visit. Cowboy boots, hats, and shirts are sold in a variety of colors and styles in every corner.

There is also a good chance you’ll see Mexican cowboys strolling down the street on horseback. Chihuahua’s revolutionary roots and delicious burritos will surely enchant you.

If you prefer to travel in the opposite direction, it is possible. You can check all current available itineraries by clicking in the tours section in the top of this page.

Food in Chihuahua is delicious, the specialty is cow meat and burritos. Do not miss them! It is also recently the birthplace of an area of wine production that has won international awards.

Chihuahua to Creel

Normally your tour will start one day before in Chihuahua. You will need to fly form a mayor airport in the US and probably will do a stop in Mexico City. We will not talk a lot about Chihuahua and we will concentrate on the train to Copper Canyon.

Arrive into Creel

To arrive to Creel with the train to Copper Canyon you will need to take the Chepe Regional. There are two trains that run through Copper Canyon:

  1. Chepe Express – Specially for tourists
  2. Chepe Regional – More for commuters.

We have a fantastic article explaining the main differences between these two trains to Copper Canyon that you can read here: Chepe Express vs Chepe Regional Train

The main difference is that Chepe Express is a newer and more luxurious train thought for tourists and that Chepe Regional is an older train thought for commuters. Chepe Regional Runs from Chihuahua to Los Mochis and Chepe Express only runs from Los Mochis to Creel.

It is not easy to buy the Chepe Regional or the Chepe Express train tickets. We recommend doing it through an agency such as us. The main reason is that the official website of Chepe Express does not work properly and the call center never answers the phone.

And you need to book beforehand, there is a big risk of not finding tickets if you go directly to the train the day of your tour.

Explore Creel and surroundings

Cusarare Creel
Cusarare Waterfalls Creel

Creel is the first mind-blowing stop of the train to Copper Canyon. Stroll through Creel’s modest town center. Begin your journey in the charming main plaza or square, where Tarahumara women sell colorful fabrics hung over low fences.

The Tarahumara are a tribe of ancient people who live in caves and wood houses throughout the Copper Canyon and are still partially nomadic. They are known in the area as Rarámuri and are noted for their long-distance running abilities.

Christopher McDougall’s famous book Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen tells more about them.

After leaving the square, go down Creel’s colorful main street, which runs parallel to the railway. The street is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as a few of tour companies that offer excursions of the canyon and its environs. Note that normally all the tours to Copper Canyon that we offer include excursions and free time (depending of the itinerary).

Although Creel itself does not have much to offer in terms of attractions, the surrounding area does. There are several options nearby that are ideal for a single full day in Creel.

A circle in the forested hills and slopes of San Ignacio Arareko overlooking Creel is one possibility. This 20,000-hectare plot of land is managed by a Rarámuri village as a community initiative.

To perform the same loop without trekking, rent a bicycle or arrange a guided horse ride from town. If you prefer to go with a local guide, your lodging should be able to connect you with one.

We recommend doing all the following activities with a tour guide. It is not convenient to do it on your own.

The Caves of the Tarahumaras

Tarahumara Train to Copper Canyon
Tarahumara Child

There are many caves of Tarahumaras that you can visit such as “La Casa de Petra” and “La Cueva de San Sebastian”. These are examples of the classic Rarámuri cave homes that may be found on the Copper Canyon train route. You can explore the cave and possibly purchase handicrafts manufactured inside. Throughout your journey, you will come across several Rarámuri families, all of whom were really welcoming.

Valle de las Ranas and Valle de los Hongos

Valle de las Ranas (Valley of the Frogs) and Valle de los Hongos are a few kilometres further along the trail, around 5 kilometres outside of Creel (Valley of the Mushrooms). These are groups of organic rock formations that [vaguely] resemble frogs and mushrooms, as the names suggest. Rarámuri women and children set up camp for the day on the lowest level surfaces of the rocks to sell their handicrafts and supplement their livelihood.

San Ignacio Mision

The 18th century San Ignacio Misson is located to the left of the frog and mushroom rocks. This little church, built by Jesuits, is still used by Rarámuri people to worship. Take a short peek inside, but beware of the small children who will try to sell you items by saying “compras, compras” (“you purchase, you buy”).

A tiny shop behind the Mission sells drinks and snacks from a friendly Rarámuri lady. Take them to a nearby basketball court to get some shade and get out of the sun. You might even get to see some local kids shooting hoops — a wonderful glimpse into valley life.

Lake Arareko

Proceed to Lake Arareko after some rest and refreshment. It’s another 5 kilometres (10 kilometres total) from Creel, so bring plenty of water and avoid going off-piste.

The peaceful u-shaped Arareko Lake is nestled among aromatic woods and makes for a lovely picnic place. It isn’t particularly impressive in terms of lakes, but it is tranquil and makes for a pleasant area to rest after your hike. For 60 pesos, you can rent a rowing boat to paddle around the core island’s rock formations after lunch.

Valle de Los Monjes

Because of its phallic rock formations, the Rarámuri dubbed it Valle de Bisabirachi (Valley of the Erect Penises). The Spanish dubbed it Valley of the Monks because they thought it was more suitable. This is the most impressive valley of all.

Copper Canyon Train Route Valle de los Monjes

Creel to Divisadero/ Posada Barrancas

The time to start your tour will be determined by which El Chepe train you take from Creel. But from this point you will most probably take the Chepe Express that departs from Creel at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

This section of your Copper Canyon train excursion will be the shortest. From Creel, it takes roughly 1.5 hours to go to Divisadero, and another ten minutes to get to Posada Barrancas.

For the first hour, there isn’t much to see because it’s mostly just a continuation of the pine-covered hilly countryside from Chihuahua to Creel.

After about an hour, the view begins to change as the country becomes more rough and the valleys become deeper. The train will then arrive at Divisadero station, from where you will be in the most mind-blowing part of Copper Canyon.

This is the most important stop of the train to Copper Canyon. All tours stop in this place and here you will find two of the most amazing attractions of all the tours to Copper Canyon:

  • Hotel Mirador
  • Copper Canyon Adventure Park

Hotel Mirador is a hotel that is build in the edge of a cliff. All the rooms of this hotel have a private terrace from where you can see the sunset and the views of the Copper Canyon.

Front Hotel Mirador Copper Canyon Barrancas del Cobre
Front Hotel Mirador

Copper Canyon Adventure Park is the place where the largest ziplines of all Latin America are. The Zip Ridder is a 2.5 kilometer zipline that crosses from canyon to canyon. There are also other adventure experiences such as hanging bridges and the “via ferrata”.

The main activities are a zip line course, a high ropes course with rappelling and rock climbing, a cable car, a tree-top walk with ten suspension bridges, cycling, horseback riding, trekking, and children’s activities are among the other activities available. There’s a glass-walled café or various seats along the pathways where you may relax and take in your surroundings.

Zip Line Circuit Copper Canyon Adventure Park
Zip Line Circuit Copper Canyon Adventure Park

Divisadero and Posada Barrancas View

When you initially arrive at Divisadero station, you won’t notice it, but this is where you’ll find one of the greatest views of the train to Copper Canyon. Every Chepe train, regardless of class, makes a 20-minute stop in Divisadero. This allows travelers who aren’t staying the night to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Posada Barrancas to Basaseachi

From Posada Barrancas or Divisadero you will be heading to Basaseachi. This stop is also an amazing place to spend at least a night. Near Basaseachi is a little town called Cerocahui. Basaseachi is the fourth mind-blowing stop of the train to Copper Canyon.

In our tours to Copper Canyon we offer our clients lodging at Mision Cerocahui, this hotel is in the middle of the mountains and has a small vineyard. All the meals are included and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace of nature.

Near Cerocahui is a place called “Cerro del Gallego” translated in english is “Hill of Gallego”. From this place you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the train to Copper Canyon and of your life. From Cerro del Gallego you will see the Urique Canyon, which is one of the most impressive canyons of all the Copper Canyon train route.

Urique Canyon

Copper Canyon Train from Basaseachi to El Fuerte

The train to El Fuerte will take roughly 4 hours 30 minutes. El Fuerte is a fantastic place to spend at least one night after a Copper Canyon excursion.

This is the part of the train to Copper Canyon with the most beautiful views. Because of this part the American Society of Travel Writers declared the Copper Canyon train as the “World’s most exciting train ride.”

Pick up your camara and enjoy the views of the mountains and canyons from your seat. We highly advise to book the first class of the Chepe Express. Most of the clients that do not book this class regret it.

Prepare to be wowed once more by breathtaking scenery. See the canyons in all its splendor, with the most stunning and mind-blowing views. A large, blue alpine lake will appear as you depart Septentrion Canyon. Have your camera ready because the views of the mountains and lake from the train as it passes over Chinipas bridge are once again breathtaking.

As you leave the canyon and Chihuahua state to enter Sinaloa, the terrain changes once more. Massive cacti, the kind seen in old Western pictures, begin to sprout on the hills and fields.

Arrive into El Fuerte, the las mind-blowing stop

You should arrive at El Fuerte station in the early afternoon if you take the Chepe Express. El Fuerte is the famed Zorro’s birthplace, and the final spot worth visiting in the train to Copper Canyon route. This gorgeous town will make you fall in love again.

El Fuerte Train to Copper Canyon

Explore Historic Downtown of El Fuerte

Take your time to stroll through El Fuerte’s old downtown. The majority of the ancient colonial structures have been renovated and painted in vibrant colors and pastels. It’s like stepping back in time with the large oak front doors that are frequently thrown open to expose lovely courtyards.

El Fuerte’s main square is in the heart of it all, and it has to be one of the most beautiful we’ve seen in Mexico. Benches, fountains, and bronze statues circle a central gazebo shaded by tall palm palms. What better spot to grab a coffee from one of the neighboring cafés or an ice cream from the shaded square?

Historic structures line the main square on the opposite side of the road; be sure to check out the Palacio Municipal. This magnificent salmon-colored rectangular building takes nearly an entire block and features a classic open-air centre courtyard with a splashing fountain. Two levels of arches are adorned with trailing bougainvillaeas, and the stairs leading to the second level features a colourful artwork.

El Fuerte Museum

El Fuerte is a Spanish word that means “fort” and refers to the city’s past as a fort. Although the old fort has long since vanished, a copy has been constructed on the hill where it once stood. This replica is also a museum with exhibits about the city’s and surrounding area’s history, as well as excellent views of the town and river from the top. It costs 20 pesos and is well worth your time if you have the opportunity.

Other Fun Activities in El Fuerte

There are a few other things to see and do in El Fuerte if you have more time it is recommended to at-least stay here for two nights.

A short trip to the Hill of the Mask, which is home to over 200 petroglyphs carved into the rocks, sounds intriguing. I’m sure you could do it on your own, or you could book a guided trip through your lodging. Some companies combine this with a birdwatching or river excursion.

Our last thoughts about the train to Copper Canyon

Although it is not a very famous touristic destination, the train to Copper Canyon offers one of the best train tours in the world. Through this article we have showed you 5 mind-blowing places that you will see in the trip:

  • Chihuahua – The leyendary Mexican desert and its amazing food
  • Creel – The town of the Tarahumaran people, the best long runners in the world
  • Barrancas del Cobre/Divisadero – The most breathtaking views and the Copper Canyon Adventure park awaits you with the largest zip lines in the world
  • Cerocahui – The hightest canyon of all the mountain range in the middle of the mountain
  • El Fuerte – A gorgeous magical town birthplace of El Zorro

We invite you to discover this fantastic destination.