If you have a mind to make a classic rail journey, one that offers thrills as well as breathtaking views, then we suggest you go for a "Train Ride in the Sky" with the Chihuahua al Pacifico railway, CHePe as it is known, thought by many to be the most spectacular train journey in the world.

During the course of its 400 mile journey linking Los Mochis close to the coast of the Sea of Cortes to the city of Chihuahua, the train, snakes its way through fertile valleys, pine forests and across high desert, climbing to a height of over 7000ft in the mountains of the Sierra Tarahumara where it clings to the towering walls of Copper Canyon, the longest and deepest canyon system in the world.

The unbroken journey from Los Mochis to Chihuahua takes around 13 hours by the "Primeira Especial" however the opportunity should not be missed to make overnight stops along the route to savour, the magnificent and breathtaking views and to explore a region of great historical, anthropological and ecological interest.

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A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE CHIHUAHUA AL PACIFICO RAILWAY

The western terminus of the railway is LOS MOCHIS, a modern city situated close to the coast of the Sea of Cortes and the port of Topolobampo.

LOS MOCHIS has available a good range of hotel accommodation, first class restaurants and modern facilities including internet access points.

Some 55 miles up the track, the railway passes through EL FUERTE, a quaint village set along the banks of the Rio Fuerte. Apart from its fascinating history EL FUERTE offers an attractive alternative point of departure point for the west – east journey.

Leaving EL FUERTE the railway begins its climb through the foothills and mountains of the Sierra Madre and Sierra Tarahumara passing through BAHUICHIVO the stop for CEROCAHUA until at a height of around 7500ft it arrives at DIVISADERO one of the most famous tourist spots in the whole in the Copper Canyon range. From here there is an uninterrupted view of the canyon bottom 3960ft below. From here, also, it is possible to take a guided tour into the canyon itself. Some of the best hotels in the Copper Canyon range are to be found in DIVISADERO.

From DIVISADERO the railway continues its steady climb for a further 25 miles before beginning its descent to CREEL the largest town in the canyon range situated in a pine-forested valley 7800ft up in the Sierra Tarahumara. Known as the "gateway to the Copper Canyon" it is a popular alternative starting point for exploring the canyons and the surrounding area.

This region, home of the Tarahumara Indians is of particular anthropological interest.

CREEL offers a selection of clean but rustic hotels and lodges, guesthouses and restaurants. Outdoor activities are also well catered for and facilities exist for camping, mountain biking, hiking and horse riding.

Beyond CREEL, the railway descends steadily for 180 miles until it reaches the comfortable and prosperous city of CHIHUAHUA, the state capital and its second largest city. CHIHUAHUA is the end of the line for east-going passengers but the starting point for those heading west.