Ride One of Mexico’s Most Spectacular Train Journeys
There are many ways to see Mexico, but few compare to traveling aboard El Chepe through Copper Canyon.
Winding from the lowlands of Sinaloa into the mountains of the Sierra Tarahumara in Chihuahua, the Chepe journey takes travelers across bridges, through tunnels, alongside dramatic canyon walls, and into historic towns and mountain communities along the way.
For many travelers, the train is the reason they first discover Copper Canyon. But the real adventure begins when you step off.
At Torres Travel Company, based in El Fuerte, Sinaloa, we help travelers turn a Chepe train ride into a complete Copper Canyon experience—with transportation, accommodations, local tours, activities, guides, and customized itineraries built around the places you want to experience.
Don’t just ride through Copper Canyon. Stop, explore, and experience it.
What Is El Chepe?
El Chepe is the famous passenger train associated with the historic Chihuahua al Pacífico railway, connecting Mexico’s Pacific region with the spectacular landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara and Copper Canyon.
The name “Chepe” comes from the Spanish initials CH-P, for Chihuahua-Pacífico.
Construction of the railway was an extraordinary engineering challenge. The route had to cross rugged mountains, deep ravines, rivers, and remote areas of northern Mexico.
Today, the journey is considered one of Mexico’s great travel experiences.
The modern Chepe Express carries travelers between Los Mochis, Sinaloa and Creel, Chihuahua, with stops that provide access to some of the most fascinating destinations in and around Copper Canyon.
The Chepe Express Route
The principal Chepe Express journey follows this route:
Los Mochis → El Fuerte → Bahuichivo → Divisadero → Creel
Each stop offers a completely different experience.
You can travel the route in either direction, but rather than simply staying aboard from beginning to end, we recommend spending several days exploring the region.
A customized itinerary might include historic towns, canyon-rim hotels, Rarámuri communities, waterfalls, hiking, adventure activities, local cuisine, and some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Mexico.
Los Mochis, Sinaloa
Where the Journey Meets the Pacific
For many travelers, Los Mochis is the beginning or end of their Chepe adventure.
Los Mochis provides convenient access to air transportation and serves as a gateway between the Sea of Cortez and the Copper Canyon region.
Nearby destinations include Topolobampo Bay and El Maviri Beach, making it possible to combine a mountain adventure with experiences along the coast.
From Los Mochis, the landscape begins changing as you travel toward historic El Fuerte and eventually climb into the Sierra Madre.
Nearby experiences include:
Topolobampo • Sea of Cortez • El Maviri Beach • boating • fishing • birdwatching • seafood • coastal excursions
El Fuerte, Sinaloa
History, Culture & the Gateway to Copper Canyon
This is home for Torres Travel Company and one of the places we most strongly recommend travelers experience rather than simply pass through.
El Fuerte is a historic Pueblo Mágico filled with colonial architecture, plazas, local restaurants, history, and the warm hospitality of northern Sinaloa.
The town sits along the El Fuerte River and has long served as an important gateway between the Pacific lowlands and the Sierra.
Spend time walking the historic center, visit local attractions, enjoy regional cuisine, explore the river, and experience a side of Mexico many travelers never see.
El Fuerte is also an excellent place to spend the night before boarding the Chepe for the spectacular climb into the mountains.
Nearby experiences include:
Historic El Fuerte • El Fuerte River • colonial architecture • local museums • regional cuisine • birdwatching • fishing • cultural tours • nearby communities
Bahuichivo, Chihuahua
Gateway to Cerocahui & Urique Canyon
The small station of Bahuichivo opens the door to some of the most remarkable places in the Sierra Tarahumara.
Many travelers continue from the station to Cerocahui, a peaceful mountain community surrounded by forests and dramatic scenery.
From this region you can explore viewpoints overlooking Urique Canyon, one of the deepest and most impressive canyons within the greater Copper Canyon system.
Adventurous travelers can continue down into Urique, a remote canyon community famous for its scenery and its connection to the legendary running traditions of the Rarámuri people.
This is a wonderful stop for travelers who want to go beyond the most frequently visited tourist areas.
Nearby experiences include:
Cerocahui • Urique • Urique Canyon • mountain viewpoints • historic mission • hiking • local communities • Rarámuri culture • scenic mountain drives
Divisadero, Chihuahua
Stand on the Edge of Copper Canyon
For many first-time visitors, Divisadero provides that unforgettable moment when the enormous scale of Copper Canyon finally becomes clear.
The train stops near spectacular canyon viewpoints where the Sierra seems to open beneath you.
Spend the night on the canyon rim and you’ll have time to experience the landscape after the train passengers leave—sunset over the canyon, cool mountain air, and an early-morning sunrise you’ll remember long after returning home.
Divisadero is also the gateway to one of the region’s biggest attractions:
Copper Canyon Adventure Park
The Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre gives travelers an entirely different way to experience the canyon.
Depending on operating conditions and availability, activities can include:
Cable car • ZipRider • zipline circuit • suspension bridges • Via Ferrata • rappelling • hiking • mountain biking • horseback riding
You can make the day as relaxing—or as adventurous—as you want.
Ride the cable car across the canyon and enjoy the scenery, or turn your visit into a full day of outdoor adventure.
Creel, Chihuahua
Mountain Adventures in the Sierra Tarahumara
At the eastern end of the current Chepe Express route is Creel, one of Chihuahua’s best-known Pueblos Mágicos.
Creel makes an excellent base for exploring the high country of the Sierra Tarahumara.
Forests, unusual rock formations, lakes, waterfalls, missions, Rarámuri communities, and mountain trails surround the town.
Nearby attractions include:
Lake Arareko • Valley of the Monks • Valley of the Mushrooms • Valley of the Frogs • San Ignacio Mission • Cusárare Waterfall
Creel is also an excellent starting point for longer excursions deeper into the mountains, including trips toward Batopilas, Basaseachi Falls, Guachochi, and other parts of Chihuahua.
More Than One Canyon
Despite its name, Copper Canyon isn’t a single canyon.
Barrancas del Cobre is an enormous network of canyons, rivers, mountains, forests, and communities spread across the Sierra Madre Occidental.
This is one reason travelers shouldn’t think of the Chepe as simply a train ride.
The railroad provides access to the region—but some of the most memorable experiences require getting off the train and exploring beyond the tracks.
A well-planned journey can combine rail travel with private transportation, local guides, hiking, cultural experiences, canyon viewpoints, adventure activities, and overnight stays.
The Rarámuri & Sierra Tarahumara
Copper Canyon is the ancestral homeland of the Rarámuri, also widely known as the Tarahumara.
The Rarámuri have lived throughout this mountainous region for generations and are internationally known for their extraordinary long-distance running traditions.
But their culture extends far beyond running.
Language, farming, family traditions, food, crafts, clothing, celebrations, spirituality, and a deep relationship with the land continue to shape life throughout the Sierra Tarahumara.
Travelers may encounter Rarámuri artisans and communities throughout the journey.
We encourage visitors to approach these experiences respectfully, support local artisans, ask before photographing individuals, and remember that these are living communities—not tourist attractions.
First Class, Executive or Tourist?
The Chepe Express offers different travel classes, with amenities and access varying by ticket type and current train configuration.
Depending on the class selected, features may include upgraded seating, food and beverage services, panoramic viewing areas, and other onboard amenities.
Which class is best?
That depends on your budget, itinerary, availability, and the experience you want.
Torres Travel Company can help you determine the best option when planning your trip and coordinate your train journey with the rest of your Copper Canyon itinerary.
How Many Days Do You Need for the Chepe & Copper Canyon?
Technically, you can travel through the region much faster than we recommend.
But why come this far just to watch everything through a train window?
For most first-time travelers, we recommend allowing approximately 5 to 7 days for a more complete experience.
With additional time, you can venture farther into places such as Urique, Batopilas, Basaseachi, Guachochi, or other areas away from the main railway.
Your ideal trip length depends on your interests.
Want scenery and comfortable hotels? We can build around that.
Want hiking and adventure? Give yourself more time.
Interested in history and Rarámuri culture? We’ll slow the itinerary down.
Want a little of everything? That’s where a customized tour really shines.
When Is the Best Time to Ride El Chepe?
There isn’t one perfect season because Copper Canyon changes dramatically throughout the year.
Fall
One of our favorite periods. The summer rains have often left the mountains and canyons green, while temperatures begin becoming more comfortable.
Winter
Higher elevations can become quite cold and may occasionally experience snow. Winter creates a completely different atmosphere in the Sierra and can be spectacular.
Spring
Generally pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor exploration, although conditions become drier as the season progresses.
Summer
The rainy season can transform the Sierra into a lush green landscape and bring waterfalls back to life. Afternoon rain and changing road conditions should be considered when planning activities.
The best month for your trip depends on whether you’re looking for comfortable weather, green landscapes, waterfalls, hiking, photography, or a winter mountain experience.
What Should I Pack?
Your suitcase needs to be prepared for more than one climate.
Los Mochis and El Fuerte can be considerably warmer than Creel and the higher elevations of Copper Canyon.
We generally recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes • layers • light clothing for warmer areas • jacket or sweater for the mountains • sun protection • hat • reusable water bottle • small daypack • camera • necessary medications
Winter travelers should bring warmer clothing, while summer travelers should prepare for seasonal rain.
We’ll help you understand expected conditions before your departure.
Can Families & Older Travelers Ride the Chepe?
Absolutely.
A Copper Canyon journey does not have to be physically demanding.
We can design comfortable itineraries around scenic train travel, private transportation, accessible viewpoints, good hotels, relaxed sightseeing, and appropriate activities.
More adventurous travelers can add hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, suspension bridges, mountain biking, and other outdoor experiences.
Your Copper Canyon trip should fit you—not the other way around.
Go Beyond the Train
The Chepe may bring you to Copper Canyon, but it doesn’t have to define your entire trip.
Depending on your interests, Torres Travel Company can help arrange experiences involving:
Hiking & trekking
Rarámuri culture
Photography
Birdwatching
Fishing
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
Adventure Park activities
Historic missions
Waterfalls
Canyon viewpoints
Local food
Private transportation
Hotels & accommodations
Custom multi-day tours
And much more.
Let Torres Travel Company Plan Your Chepe Adventure
Planning a Copper Canyon journey can become complicated.
Which train should you take?
Where should you stop?
How many nights should you spend in each destination?
How do you get from Bahuichivo to Cerocahui?
Should you stay in Divisadero or continue to Creel?
Where should you stay?
Which activities need reservations?
How do you coordinate hotels, transportation, guides, and train schedules?
That’s where we come in.
Torres Travel Company is based in El Fuerte, Sinaloa—the historic gateway to Copper Canyon.
We combine local knowledge with personalized travel planning to create journeys built around you.
Whether you want a comfortable Chepe vacation, a family trip, a romantic getaway, an adventure through the canyons, or a completely customized journey, we’ll help put the pieces together.
Tell Us Where You Want to Go. We’ll Help You Get There.
Los Mochis → El Fuerte → Bahuichivo → Divisadero → Creel — and far beyond the rails.