texaspanther

Howdy All,

Was wondering if anyone has taken one of the Copper Canyon Rail Tours that goes all the way from Chichihua to Los Mochis and returns?? I keep thinking I have a seen this Tour talked about before, but haven't been able to locate one.

Has anyone traveled this route on their own? We definitely want to stay at least one night at the Posada Barrancas Mirador, but also would like to go all the way down to the Baja and see that part of Mexico.

Any thoughts or ideas would be most welcome.

Thanks and Take Care,

CK

Jed

We took the train part way, stayed at the Mirador.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34418996

texaspanther

Howdy Jed,

Thanks so much for the very detailed report.

We are probably going to be comeing from Chichihua end, so how was the food and views from the Mirador? Is it something that would be worth staying one, two nights? or maybe more. We both love nature and both really love photography and taking tons of images.

Thanks again for your reply.

SusieQQ

I was part of a tour so I had no choice in the matter but we stayed in El Fuerte instead of Los Mochis because it a much nicer town. We started there and ended up in Chihuahua...don't know if I'd want to do a round trip...

Jed

The views at the Mirador were very good. I don't remember the food.

I agree that going both ways may be too much.

texaspanther

Howdy Susie QQ and Jed,

I appreciate your thoughtful replies and info.

We or I<G> had thought about going all the way down to Topolobampo and do the Baja Whale watching tours and see the Ocean in that area. I guess I hadn't thought of not riding the train both ways, but that is certainly something to take into account as our Vacation time is still very limited and precious.

Thanks again.

jossin

yes the trip oneway is 14-18 hours. I have taken the trip a few times. During the off season simply buy tickets the day before or day of travel. Try 3amigos travel agency in Creel,Mx.on the train route for help in planning.

blondlady

In May we stayed at El Fuerte Hotel in El Fuerte, a beautifully decorated hotel I highly recommend. We rode the train as far as Creel where we spent two nights. The train ride that distance was about 8 hours. I had developed pneumonia and had to get back to the states so did not get to stay in Divisidero or go on the canyon trips. The Tarahumara Indian Clinic doctor in Creel was fantastic and I credit her getting me on the road to recovery. I think the train ride is great.

jossin

You really could take the trip on your own,however, securing reservations for the lodging is a good idea as some of the hotels are invery rural areas.The ride on the train is 14-16 hours one way.The train known as 'ElChepe' for Chihuahua el Pacifco Railroad. A decent trip is staying in the colonial town of ElFuerte,at the RioVista lodge,where I spent some time.There are other hotels in ELFuerte.The town is probably 6-8 hours Northwest of Los MOCHIS by train. There are buses from Los MOCHIS to El Fuerte. During the busy months,Easter/Christmas trains may fill quickly as do the hotels. Try staying over in at least one city on the outbound like Cerocahui,the train stop for Cerocahui is Bahuichivo. The hotel Paraiso del Oso is a working ranch with vehicle tours to "Urique" and other areas, and the hotel pice includes meals and train transfer,/horseback rides too,if you are into that. AS I mentioned I have travelled this for three times in the past 2.7 years and is MY Favorite area to travel!I only have taken the trip as far as ElFuerte,but in September am going from Los Mochis to "Creel" and then back after a few days in other parts of the Canyons. Most of the major hotels have plenty of Culligan type purified water coolers so a plastic water bottle is nice. The train can be reserved around a month ahead of time in the off season and the phone number is in the 2007 FODORS guide for Mexico as is a very reputable travel agency in Creel(3Amigos. The food is really good in most Mountain and coastal areas with seafood,especially the bass around El Fuerte. Another great agency I know of is the CopperCanyonAdventures. Please post other questions if you need addtional info.

jossin

TO clarify an error the price of the hotel Paraiso del Oso does not include horse rides. As for photography ,there are some birding tours specifically and also there are fantastic views in many locations of the indigenous people,the TarahumaraRaraMURI,but taking their pictures without permission is not well liked. Unless you offer some sort of monetary donation to them. I am NOT an expert by any means. Another suugestion is one could fly from Chihuahua to Los Mochis or vice versa .

JC98

Does anyone know whether the xmas time frame is good to go to Copper Canyon? Too cold? The train still runs at that time?

Can you get off the train, stay overnight, and get back on the train on the same ticket?

Thanks

qwovadis

Headed down the Baja to PV then

Did the CC run from Los Mochis

at Xmas a few years ago

was cool not cold

one way it was nice would not do it

both ways.

The train is old broke down on us

Had to bus the rest of the way.

The rail is very windy be sure and

bring some nausea meds...

Lolo12

Although this might not be exactly what you want, Caravan Tours has a really good tour,reasonably priced and goes to Chihuahua, Creek, El Fuerte and stays a the Posada Barrancas Mirador.
I went on this tour last year and enjoyed it.