The Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon really refers to an area of northwest Mexico, spread across the Sierra Madre mountains, that contains an awesome giant canyon. Some people compare it to the Grand Canyon, but it really is different. There’s a fabulous unforgettable railroad journey that traverses some impossible terrain, starting from Los Mochis on the Pacific-side coast facing Baja. The railroad, called the Chihuahua al Pacifico (Chihuahua to the Pacific) starts at sea level, climbs 8,000 feet up the Sierra Madre, across almost 40 bridges and through more than 80 tunnels, to end up in the city of Chihuahua, which is towards the border with New Mexico. This railroad is a marvel of modern ingenuity and hope, since looking at the terrain, it doesn’t seem possible that a railroad could ever get through those mountains and across the Chiapas River, and up all those jagged peaks. But it does, and you can ride it for one of the most fantastic voyages of your life.

There are two main airports in the region, one at each end of the Chihuahua al Pacifico. There aren’t tons of hotels and restaurants, so you’ll want to plan ahead or go with a tour group, who often book blocks of tickets and rooms. Don’t go in springtime, since it’s very very dry and vegetation will be dry and brown, and places will be low on water. If you want to hike, go in winter when it will be cooler down in the Canyon. Go in Summer for cheaper prices and fewer people. To make sure you see the best parts of the rail journey during daylight hours, start the trip in Los Mochis rather than in Chihuahua. The ticket costs about $115 one way. The trip takes about 13 or 14 hours and there’s a dining car, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

The Copper Canyon itself lies about halfway along the Chihuahua al Pacifico. It’s one of the railway’s five major stops, which are outlined below.

• Stop One: El Fuerte. At the edge of the Sierra Madre, famous for sightings of the chupacabras, a local werewolf. It’s also a quaint village.
• Stop Two: Bahuichivo & Cerocahui. First of three canyon stops for the train.
• Stop Three: Barrancas. Second of three stops for the Canyon area.
• Stop Four: El Divisadero. Last of three stops for the Canyon area. Train stops here for fifteen minutes to give you a chance to walk to a viewing point for the canyon. This is the best view you’ll get if you’re not making any overnight stops for a closer look.
• Stop Five: Creel. Good hiking and camping trips out of this small town.