Recently, travel news has been about the Maya Train on the Yucatan Peninsula, but that isn’t the only train of interest, as the Chepe Express is a great way to explore Northern Mexico. The Chepe Express runs in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua and offers a nine-hour, scenic train journey. Moreover, the train takes its passengers from Los Mochis in Sinaloa, to Creel in Chihuahua, with a beautifully scenic route from the Pacific Coast to the scenic mountainous interior.

Explore Chihuahua, Mexico on the Chepe Express

The route of the Chepe Express offers passengers five destinations to visit on the nine-hour route. For those seeking to go from A to B, the trip from Los Mochis to Creel can be taken in one day.

However, much like the hop-on-hop-off buses in many tourist destinations, travelers can stop in each destination on the route. A leisurely train journey can be enjoyed over several days, hopping off the train to spend a night in each stop along the way.

All aboard the Chepe Express

– Los Mochis

The Chepe Express journey starts in Los Mochis, a scenic town a short drive from the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Before catching the train for your journey, visit Topolobampo, a town located on the coast, or spend time in the Jardín Botánico Benjamin Francis Johnston before climbing onboard.

– El Fuerte

La próxima parada (the next stop) on the Chepe Express is the beautiful colonial city of El Fuerte. Here, travelers can explore the city’s charming streets or visit the Cerro de la Mascara archaeological site with its more than 300 prehistoric petroglyphs set in gorgeous scenery.

The city’s museum is an interesting visit, while literature lovers will enjoy visiting the home of the fictional character, El Zorro. Meanwhile, the city has many places to stay for the night, while travelers explore the restaurants to taste the local specialties like chilorio or machacha.

– Bahuichivo

After spending time in El Fuerte, travelers can hop back onboard the Chepe Express and head to the first stop in Chihuahua, Mexico – Bahuichivo. The train stop connects passengers to the beautiful town of Cerocahui, with its scenic vineyards, or a visit to the Huicochi waterfall to freshen up the day. Alternatively, stroll around the town to feel the history of the late 1600s, or enjoy a birdwatching tour.

– Divisadero

After climbing back on board, the train’s next stop is Divisadero, a town nestling in the Copper Canyon Mountains. After disembarking, travelers can experience three incredible views of the Urique, Tararecua and del Cobre canyons.

Meanwhile, this town is among the most developed for tourism, with three excellent hotels and many experiences in this scenic part of Mexico. Travelers can choose horseback riding, an exciting zipline through the mountains or simply take a leisurely cable car ride. Stay over for a while before climbing back on the Chepe Express to visit the last stop.

– Creel

The last stop on the Chepe Express is Creel, a place known for its beautiful scenic natural areas. Travelers can choose to explore several caves, visit Lake Arareko, go rafting or take a board down the El Fuerte River. Alternatively, explore the area on horseback, go ATV-ing to enjoy more adventures.

Meanwhile, Creel is designated a Magic Town by the Mexican government, meaning there is something special in store. Make sure to visit the local museum (pictured above), which honors the local handicrafts, and ensure you buy some to take home.

Once you have visited Creel, you can reverse the Chepe Express train ride back to Sinaloa, a place worthy of exploration.

Find out more about the Chepe Express on the official website, listing even more exciting activities along the train ride from Sinaloa to Creel.

Read other travel articles by Anne Sewell here.