Has anyone taken the Copper Canyon (Mexico) Roundtrip Train?

Question

Planning a trip via Caravan Tours. Any experience with the train, Caravan Tours, best time to go, etc?

Answer 1

We live in Torreon, Mexico and just did a tour in the Copper Canyon in July -- considering that we live in Torreon, we didn't think it was that hot in the Copper Canyon then!  But, in El Fuerte (closer to the Pacific) it definitely was quite warm and humid in the afternoons so we spent those in the hotel pool!

The other challenge is that if you are touring during the rainy season (roughly mid-May through mid-October) you MAY get clouds and rain in the canyon.  We did for part of our trip, but we actually enjoyed that as it presented new photographic opportunities.  Just be aware that if you are taking a "fast" tour through the canyon, you could possibly end up with ALL rainy days during that period of time.  We got on and off the train several times and spent several days at various locations, so a few days of rain didn't bother us.

Although we used a private guide, I did actually see Caravan Tour groups while we were traveling!  They stayed at some of the same Balderrama hotels which we used.  This chain is VERY nice, the food was more than adquate and of excellent quality, and the hotel staff were always helpful.  Since we speak functional Spanish, we really didn't notice exactly how many of the staff spoke English, but many do, and all are unfailingly polite and helpful.

From what I observed, I would say that those individuals on the Caravan tours were having quite a good time.  Their own guides spoke English and seemed pretty adept at rounding up everyone to get them to and from activities.  I'm not exactly sure how much free time was available, and if you like to do exploring on your own, you may want to check that out with the company.  If you have time, there are some really great places to hike, but you may need anywhere between two to five hours to enjoy them -- and perhaps a local guide or at least directions from the hotel.

The train is also fabulous.  Since we live in Torreon, we drove to Chihuhua and left our car at a hotel there while we traveled in the Canyon.  If you are spending signirficant time in the Canyon, it doesn't matter which "end" of the train trip is the starting point.  We also allowed extra time to explore Chihuahua, which is an historic northern Mexican city.  Excellent English-speaking tour guides are available there as well.

There are actually two trains that run on the Copper Canyon (CHEPE) route -- but most tourists use the first class train.  There are bathrooms in each car (clean and functional) as well as a dining car.  We ended up eating only a couple of meals on the train (just the way the timing worked) but they were of good quality and filling!  Officially, you are not supposed to eat or drink at your seat, but we did have a few granola bars and bottled water along the way (because we got off and on the train, we often were going to be staying somewhere in time for a meal so didn't want to eat on the train as well.)

Although there are advantages to sitting in the very front seats of a car (TONS of leg room) ALL of the seats have more than adquate legroom space.  There is plenty of room overhead to store the bags you don't need as well as room by your seat to put your daypack and purse.  Sometimes the air conditioning can be cranked up a bit, so it is well worth it to have a jacket or sweatshirt you can pull on as well.

DO pay attention to any packing suggestions and luggage limits the tour group makes!  Although people are available to help with luggage, large, 60 pound wheeled suitcases are NOT advised.  We carried duffle bags and stuck to the clothing and packing recommendations of our guide and I would suggest that for anyone.  Also, although many of the Mexican ladies we saw on our train trip wore them, I would NOT recommend heels on the train!  We had more than one "senora" landing in our laps as she stumbled down the train aisles in her stilettos!

The train is a photographers dream -- that was the viewpoing of my almost 15 year old son.  You can stay in your seat and shoot through the large "living room window" style windows, or stand on the platforms between the cars.  In fact, if you wanted, you could ride the entire trip on those platforsm!  (Although you would be a bit windwhipped and oily!)  Definitely learn how to use your camera before going and take spare batteries or charging equipment.

We did not go all the way to Los Mochis from Chihuahua, but instead, got off in El Fuerte and spent a few days there.  Unless you are going from Los Mochis to an airport, or want to head to a Pacific resort from there, I would recommend spending more time in El Fuerte.  There are river rafting opportunities, nice hotels, more history (ALWAYS more history in Mexico), and a nice town to explore.  Plus, if you stop at El Fuerte and then take the train BACK to Chihuahua from there, you don't have to get up quite as early on your ride back (the train leaves Chihuahua and los Mochis about 6 am!)

To get the most out of your trip, do LOTS of reading and research before you go.  I organized my guides and photocopied pages and highlighted sections so that as I traveled on the train I could read about them as I saw them.  Guides will share much information with you, but if you've done your research ahead of time, you'll be able to ask better questions of your guide, as well as understand what you're seeing and experiencing if your guide isn't available at that moment.

I've put some sites below that will give you more information.  It is a WONDERFUL place to visit and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Answer 2

Hi I'm from Chihuahua Mexico where the cooper canyon is located. I recommend you trip to this area in April, May, September or October, the other months the weather in Chihuahua is not very good ( in winter could be really cold and in summer hot) and the idea is to walk, see all the nature around there.

Check the following web page you'll see good information about the cooper canyon, good luck and havea great time in Chihuahua.