Chepe Express in Chihuahua

The Chepe Express is one of the most impressive railway gems on the planet. It is considered among the 10 most spectacular train journeys in the world. It connects the coast of the Sea of ​​Cortez with the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara along a 350 km route, crossing 37 bridges and 86 tunnels that reveal the immensity of the Copper Canyon.  

The Tour

The train completes the entire journey in approximately 9 hours. The main route has 5 strategic stations, allowing you to hop on and off to explore each destination:

• Los Mochis, Sinaloa: The starting point at sea level.

• El Fuerte, Sinaloa: A colonial Magical Town full of history.

• Beyond Témoris Station lies the La Pera Tunnel: to overcome the challenging terrain of the ravine, engineers devised this tunnel, creating a 180-degree turn inside the mountain. The railway tracks ascend from river level to the summit, over two thousand meters high. This marvel of Mexican engineering was inaugurated in 1961.

• Bahuichivo, Chihuahua: This is the station where you disembark to visit the mission town of Cerocahui, the centuries-old vineyards, and the Cerro del Gallego viewpoint, where you'll witness the vastness of the landscape. Here, you'll truly understand the meaning of the word "immensity." Urique offers the most expansive and profound view of the Sierra Tarahumara.

• Divisadero, Chihuahua: At this point, the train stops for 20 minutes, allowing passengers to admire the panoramic view of the confluence of three of the most famous canyons in the Tarahumara region: Copper Canyon, Tararecua Canyon, and Urique Canyon. The train tracks pass just meters from Divisadero. At this station, local women offer flour gorditas filled with delicious stews. This is a must-see stop for those wanting to enjoy the fabulous Adventure Park and stay overnight in hotels with balconies that seem to hang over the abyss.

Creel, Chihuahua: A Magical Town surrounded by forests, a lake, waterfalls, mission churches, and whimsical rock formations. This is the end or beginning of the Chepe train journey.

Hours

The Chepe Express offers service every three days, but the direction and schedule vary depending on the day of the week. It's essential to check the direction of travel before planning your stops. It's highly recommended to consult your travel agent or the website www.chepe.mx  for schedules and prices, especially during peak seasons (Easter, Christmas, summer and winter holidays).

Services and Amenities

Traveling on the Chepe Express is synonymous with luxury and comfort; three service categories are offered to suit your travel style:

• First Class: Reclining and spacious seats, exclusive access to the iconic Terrace Bar (ideal for panoramic photography) and access to the Urike Restaurant.

• Business Class: Ergonomic seats with ample legroom, seat-to-seat food service or access to the restaurant, and panoramic windows.

• Tourist Class: An economical option without sacrificing comfort, with large windows and access only to the cafeteria.

On board you will find:

• Urike Restaurant: Offers a unique dining experience with signature cuisine. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu that includes ingredients typical of the Sierra and Sinaloa regions.

• Carro Bar & Terrace: An open space where you can have a drink, enjoy the fresh mountain air and meet other travelers while observing the landscape.

What to pack and key tips?

• Clothing: The climate changes drastically from the heat of the Pacific to the cool or cold of the Sierra; dress in layers.

• Cash: It is highly recommended to carry cash, as there is no cell phone signal along much of the route and card payments may fail on board.

• Reservations: To make the most of your intermediate stops, purchase your tickets in advance and check the boarding and alighting policies on the official website. www.chepe.mx

  
  

The Chepe is considered the backbone of tourism in Chihuahua; to date, there is no road to completely cross the beautiful Sierra Tarahumara.

The Chepe train only runs once a day. If you need to leave urgently, from San Rafael Station in the state of Chihuahua, there is a service called Transportes Turísticos Noroeste that can provide alternative transportation, or you can consult local hoteliers; they will surely offer solutions.