Welcome to the Copper Canyon

On a map the trek looks like a simple train trip between the Chihuahua, capital city of the state by the same name and the small city of Los Mochis in Sinaloa near the Sea of Cortez. In fact this journey showcases not only one of the world's great engineering feats, but also some of the world's most awesome scenery and the most primitive aboriginal culture left in North America.
The name, "Copper Canyon" is used as a general reference to the Canyons. A more proper name might be "Sierra Tarahumara", since the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre in Spanish) is but one of six massive gorges in the area covering 64,000 sq. kms (25,000 sq. miles). Also of note is the fact that copper was never mined in great quantities here. The term refers to the copper/green colored lichen that clings to the canyon walls. Furthermore, a main draw to the region is the rich indigenous Tarahumara culture.
The journey is special on several fronts, not the least of which is the incredibly ingenious train route. The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad carries riders from sea level to over 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) when traveling west from the agricultural city of Los Mochis, through coastal plains, up and over the Sierra Madre mountain range before descending to the city of Chihuahua 655 kms (393 miles) away. Along with the many bridges and tunnels which are crossed, there's even a 360 degree loop over itself at Km. 592.
The region's geological splendor is equally remarkable. The Sierra Tarahumara is in fact a maze of 200 gorges which combine to form a series of six massive, interconnected canyons, or barrancas.
This canyon system is four times larger than the Grand Canyon in the United States. Four of its six canyons are deeper than the Grand - some by over 1,000 feet.
The Tarahumara
This tribe of surprising culture inhabited the mountain range, with a great physical stamina, a great sense of respect for nature, with deep-rooted traditions, noble people who called themselves Raramuri, men of light feet, it was the Spanish who gave them the name of Tarahumaras. They have given their name to the mountain range that they inhabit, Sierra Tarahumara.
There are two trains daily in each direction: Primera Especial and Segunda Clase. Primera Clase is first class. Most first class trains will have a restaurant and bar car, comfortable seats and security

The Copper Canyon railroad, officially known as the Chihuahua al Pacifico, is one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring rail journeys in the Western Hemisphere, maybe the world. Traveling through coastal shrub, fertile valleys, pine forests, high desert, and next to towering canyon walls, incredible vistas, sheer drop-offs, flowing waterfalls, and over bridges and through tunnels numerous times, it's no wonder this train journey as been referred to as the "train ride in the sky".
The rail trip from Los Mochis to Chihuahua has 36 major bridges and 87 tunnels. The train follows a tortuous route from sea level to a maximum elevation of more than 8,000 feet at its highest point.
For visitors, the recommended route has travelers departing west to east, boarding in Los Mochis or El Fuerte (further up the line). El Fuerte is the recommended departure point, since it is a more attractive town, and the train departs 90 minutes later than the train leaving Los Mochis.
Visitors can choose two ways to spend their time in the Copper Canyon region. Most visitors stick to the rail route, making stops along the way for day hikes around the canyon rim. The second option involves venturing into the canyons. This option requires more planning, stamina, and an adventurous spirit. However, canyon visits are often the most rewarding, as it is here the region's awesome treasures come alive.