|
Mexico’s Copper Canyon Region
(Las Barrancas del Cobre)
Mexico's Copper Canyon region is a vast area of land primarily located in the state of Chihuahua. The Copper Canyon region covers a large part of southwestern Chihuahua and also extends into the states of Durango, Sinaloa and Sonora. It is best to think of Copper Canyon as a complex labyrinth of inhabited canyons and valleys. In total,
the network of canyons covers five times more land area than the USA’s Grand
Canyon. It is truly a
sight to experience.
Linda at the rim of the spectacular Urique Canyon.
It was among these canyons that Linda
Ford completed her research.
Copper Canyon is a tourist destination that is generally reached by the train
route, commonly referred to as "Chepe." In fact, the incredible
train route has routinely been recognized as one of the top ten most scenic
rail journeys in the world. The train provides the perfect gateway to access
this rugged slice of Mexico.
Map Credit : Robert H. Schmidt. Maps and Guide to the Chihuahua-Pacific
Railroad. El Paso, Texas: International Map Company
A Ride on Chepe
In the mid 1960s, the
Mexican government took on the enormous task of constructing a railroad from
the capital of Chihuahua to the Gulf of California.
The line was eventually completed, and the result was the scenic wonder known
as Chepe, the Chihuahua Pacifico Express. A ride on the train through Copper Canyon is something that should be experienced by all! The journey starts
out in Chihuahua City and rolls across the plains. The train starts to climb into the
Sierras and soon enough you are in the mountains. The train completes the
journey as it passes through the fertile valleys near El Fuerte and
terminates in the coastal city of Los Mochis. In the course of one full day, riders go from the
deserty climate of Chihuahua to the mountains and back down to the fertile coastal plains.
Passengers typically de-board the train multiple times on a trip in order to
stop and enjoy the vast region and for a closer look at the impressive
canyons.
|
