By Anita Draycott

With over 50 years of service to the Chihuahua residents and its visitors, the Chihuahua-Pacifico train, better known as El Chepe, is the only passenger train in Mexico. It connects the states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa and provides an unforgettable experience. The landscapes are spectacular and taking the train affords you the opportunity to get in touch with the Raramuri culture, one of the most ancient and well preserved in Mexico.

This train covers the 652-km route twice daily, passing through the Tarahumara Sierra and stopping at the nine major main tourist attractions. You can catch El Chepe at six o’clock in the morning every day of the year.

Your trip begins in the city of Chihuahua. From here the train takes you to Cuauhtemoc, home of the world’s largest Mennonite community. It then continues towards Creel, a Magic Town and the main village within the Tarahumara Sierra.
Your next stop is Divisadero for breathtaking views of the Copper Canyon, four times larger than the Grand Canyon, where you’ll also find important communities of Tarahumara Indians, interesting regional food and handicrafts.

Further along, the Bauichivo/Cerocahui station is the departing point for you to visit the Urique Canyon (the largest along the route). About 45 minutes later, the town of Cerocahui, with its Jesuit Mission, waterfalls and valleys awaits your discovery.

Just before arriving at the state of Sinaloa, the Temoris station is your last stop inside the state of Chihuahua. This is a great spot for views of waterfalls, ravines, bridges and tunnels.

Once in Sinaloa, this train will take you to El Fuerte, a Magic Town with attractive colonial buildings and an beautiful river. Finally, El Chepe arrives at Los Mochis, an urban center with delicious seafood.

Along the Chepe’s journey, you will enjoy comfortable seats, a full service dining area or fast food options, a bar, air conditioning, heating and eco-friendly restrooms.