Travel Experiences

Mexico’s Copper Canyon Train Returns

The extraordinary train that traverses Mexico's inspirational Copper Canyon resumed services on July 17, 2020

Copper Canyon Train

Mexico’s Copper Canyon train resumed its trans-canyon schedules on July 17 after a suspension of regular services due to Covid-19.

The train will run at 50% of its full capacity until further notice and implement a series of precautionary measures which include deep cleaning of the train’s passenger and dining cars.  Staff will wear protective equipment and passengers will be required to wear a face mask while on the train.

If you wish to book a custom tour to the Copper Canyon this year, our travel associates specialized in Copper Canyon visits will be pleased create a custom tour tailored to your requirements.

Copper Canyon train line: an engineering marvel

The railway was originally devised to connect the commercial Pacific sea port at Los Mochis to the central colonial city of Chihuahua. A distinctive engineering feature of the line is that it begins at near-sea level on the Pacific coast, rises to an altitude of over 8,000 feet and then declines again to an altitude of around 2,500 feet.

The incline of a railway track cannot exceed fifteen degrees, so to accomplish the  ‘climb and descent’ the engineers needed to construct bridges, burrow many tunnels through the mountains, and use ‘switch-back’ stages in order to complete the route.

By the time the railway was finished, engineers had laid over 390 miles of track crossing thirty-nine bridges and traversing eighty-six tunnels: the longest bridge runs for a quarter mile, and the longest tunnel for nearly a mile.

For detailed information about the Copper Canyon, including local knowledge about the area, best times to travel, the train journey, the attractions and activities on offer, connect to our comprehensive Guide to Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

Make your Copper Canyon experience something special

We work with long-established travel experts who know the Canyon intimately and will arrange an inspiring Copper Canyon experience for you. Contact us and we’ll help you make the most of your time visiting Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

Learn more about a customized Copper Canyon tour

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