Travel is about discovery, whether that is finding something new in a destination you know or going somewhere you’ve never been.
A trip to Chihuahua, in Mexico, on board the Chepe Express, fits the bill on both counts.
River deep, mountain high
Thousands of kilometres and a world away from the sand and sea resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico’s Chihuahua region intoxicates with incredible landscapes that spotlight nature’s more miraculous creations.
Here you’ll find rivers and ravines, dense forests and dry deserts. You’ll discover ancient cities and Unesco-listed sites and a canyon that is four times longer and two times deeper than the Grand Canyon – that’s Copper Canyon.
The gateway to this vast and breathtaking landscape is Creel, a pueblo mágico – a magical town – steeped in the traditions of the Tarahumara people. Known in their own language as the Rarámuri – meaning “those with light feet” – they embody a deep connection to the land that surrounds them.
Their remarkable endurance and harmony with nature have long inspired awe, weaving an enduring mystique into the mountains and canyons that cradle their communities.
Connecting town and sea
Linking the rugged beauty of the Copper Canyon with Mexico’s shimmering Pacific coast, the Chepe Express offers one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.
Covering 350 kilometres in about nine hours, this legendary route is far more than just a ride — it’s an adventure through northern Mexico’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Begin your journey in Chihuahua City, the region’s historic capital, where grand colonial architecture and revolutionary tales set the tone for discovery. Continue on by land to Creel, a pueblo mágico surrounded by pine forests, waterfalls, colonial architecture and revolutionary tales set the tone for discovery.
Continue on by land to Creel, a place worth at least a night or two to explore.
From there, make a stop at Divisadero, perched on the canyon’s edge, where the views stretch endlessly into the Sierra Tarahumara. Spend a night here to watch the sunrise paint the cliffs in gold before boarding the Chepe Express.
The train journey winds its way through 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, crossing gorges and rivers on its unforgettable descent toward Los Mochis, the gateway to the sea.
Throughout, the views from the luxurious seats will provide all the entertainment you’ll need. From magnificent peaks against infinite skies and arid canyons against purple sunsets, this trip will stay with you forever.
