Exploring Mexico is unique in that indigenous people and native tribes tend to adhere to their culture and way of life as if time has not moved on. Recently I traveled Mexico’s Copper Canyon by rail, a 418-mile ride through six distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental, in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua, in Northwest Mexico.
The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway, known as El Chepe, runs from Chihuahua to Los Mochis on the Sea of Cortez, offering dramatic scenery and unparalleled vistas along the way. Copper Canyon is also known as Sierra Tarahumara, after the area’s semi-nomadic inhabitants who dwell in caves along the canyons.
The scenery is dramatic as the train travels along deep gorges, passes through 86 tunnels and traverses 37 bridges. You’ll gaze upon pine forest, stunning mesas, sheer cliffs and miles of scrubby desert.
We stopped in El Fuerte, in Sinaloa, Mexico, considered a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) due to its noteworthy attractions and historical importance. It is a small colonial town founded in 1563 by the Spanish. A stunning historical hotel, Posado del Hildago, shares an engaging story regarding being the birthplace of Zorro, Mexico’s version of Robin Hood! Don Diego de la Vega was born in a corner room, which at the time was his family home. We met an enthusiastic young man who worked there, and proudly claimed to be the great grandson of Zorro. He confided that sometimes at 2 a.m. you can hear little Diego weeping for his people and the riches the Spaniards stole from them.
Creel is another town we visited with special charm and historical significance. We toured a cave where two sisters and their children reside to this day. They sell trinkets for admittance into their dwelling. It was neat and orderly, contained a sealed shed for food storage, a separate kitchen, firepit, a large pot for making Sotol (a local version of tequila), simple sleeping quarters, and an area specifically for their goats and chickens, which are brought into the cave nightly to keep safe from predators.
Copper Canyon was thrilling to see, as was experiencing the historic Mexican towns along with way.
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