The northwest of Mexico is the country's 'wild west', where it
is possible to undertake one of the most remarkable train trips in
the world. The Chihuahua al Pacifico railway, also known as the
Copper Canyon railway, is one of the country's most remarkable
tourist excursions. The canyon is a maze of gorges that combine to
form six massive interconnected canyons, covering an area four
times larger and almost two times deeper than the Grand Canyon in
North America. The name, Copper Canyon, refers to the colour of the
lichen that clings to the canyon walls.
Acclaimed as an engineering marvel, the railroad travels from
the Pacific coastal town of Los Mochis, climbing to 8,000 feet
(2,400m) over the Sierra Madre mountain range, before dropping down
to the city of Chihuahua, 393 miles (655km) away. Along the way it
passes through 86 tunnels, crosses 39 bridges, and performs a 360
degree loop, winding through some of the country's most magnificent
scenery between towering canyon walls and hugging the cliff face
with intermittent views of the river far below.
The region is not only scenically splendid, but is also rich in
indigenous culture. The canyon cliffs are home to thousands of
Tarahumara Indians, a semi-nomadic population of cave dwellers who
eke out an existence from farming, cattle ranching and by selling
their handicrafts. In stark contrast are the Mennonite settlements
around Cuauhetmoc, where the people of this religious sect, of
German descent, sell farm products such as cheese and sausages, but
otherwise keep themselves completely separate from those around
them.
The train makes several stops along the way, with opportunities
to admire the view and buy food or crafts from the Tarahumara
Indians. Several little towns and mountain villages are of
interest, and many break the journey at Creel, a frontier-spirited
mining town complete with horsemen in cowboy hats and tight jeans,
and a good base to further explore the surrounds.