Year - 2025
Departure Date - nov 6
Return Date - nov 19
This Tour Is Open -
Tour Type - Railfan/tourist tour
$4,995 - Double Room Occupancy
$895 - Single Room Supplement
$2,000 - Deposit To Hold Space
-$400 - Early Bird Discount
book by december 1, 2024
Final Payment Due By - aug 6, 2025
Tour Includes:
*20 meals
*escorted
*tren maya
*divisadero
*mexico city
*copper canyon
*el chepe express
*playa del carmen
*tren interoceanico
*2 railroad museums
*5 different rail lines
*plaza de la consitucion
*mayan ruins of palenque
*spanish walled city of campeche
*8 train trips in first or upper class
Recently Mexico has inaugurated several new passenger trains and we feel the timing is right to offer a tour to this Latin country. It has been several years since we last went to Mexico and we are excited to return.
Over the past 25 years we have operated several charter trains over the former Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico between Los Mochis and Chihuahua and vice versa always stopping at the Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Northern Mexico. This route is a spectacular train journey which took 60 years to complete . This rail line is a true engineering feat with 37 bridges and 86 tunnels, and was finally completed in 1961. Now this rail line is operated by Ferromex which is Mexico's largest railroad.
Our tour will begin in Chihuahua as we ride on Ferromex's popular El Chepe passenger train taking us to the spectacular Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Northern Mexico. On the first leg of our Ferromex journey we will use the local train which is called El Chepe Regional. This train is mainly run for local folks living along the railroad. The railroad also operates another train called El Chepe Express which is for the sightseeing tourist coming to experience the Copper Canyon. Since this tourist train does not operate between Chihuahua and the Copper Canyon during this time of the year we must use the local train. Riding on this train gives us a good experience of being onboard a passenger train that serves the local folks and makes many stops at small towns along the route. Many of these small communities have no roads in and out to the rest of Mexico and so the train is a vital link to the rest of the country.
After enjoying sometime at the rim of the Copper Canyon we will present to you a good feel for the tourist train called El Chepe Express. We will ride it from the Copper Canyon down the Sierra Madre Mountains to Los Mochis which is close to the Pacific Ocean. This one of the most exciting train journeys in the Americas. Ferromex has put a lot of time and effort into ensuring that this train ranks as some of the top train rides in the world.
As we make our way south into the heart of Mexico we spend a day visiting the points of interest in Mexico City and of course stop off to explore the National Museum of Mexican Railroads in Puebla. This is the largest railroad museum in the country.
Next we will visit and ride on the Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec which inaugurated their new passenger train service on December 22, 2023 across the Isthmus of Mexico. Their new train is called “Tren Interoceanico” and it operates from the East Coast of Mexico across the Isthmus to the West Coast, a distance of 188 miles. This new operation will be a freight alternative to the Panama Canal. Additionally another passenger train on a different line operated by the same railroad will give us a direct connection with the new Tren Maya.
As we transfer between the Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec and Tren Maya we have set aside a day exploring the fantastic Mayan Ruins of Palenque in the National Park of Palenque. This archaeological site is one of the most outstanding classic period sites of the Maya, known for its exceptional and well conserved architectural and sculptural remains. 1,400 buildings have been recorded, of which only about 10% have been explored.
Finally we spend two days onboard another new rail operation in Mexico, Tren Maya running across the Yucatan Peninsula from Palenque to Cancun and Playa del Carmen.This is now the fastest train in Mexico reaching speeds up to 100 mile per hour. We will make a stop over in the town of Campeche which was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadores atop a pre-existing Maya city. The city retains many of the old colonial Spanish walls and fortifications which protected it from pirates and buccaneers. The state of preservation and quality of its architecture earned it the status of a World Heritage Site. Our tour ends in the popular resort town of Playa del Carmen.
Arrive Chihuahua, Mexico. Met and transferred to the ****Hotel Plaza in downtown Chihuahua. Relax from jet lag. Nothing planned this evening.
🍽 none
Chihuahua city tour, Ferromex workshops and train station including some steam locomotives on display. Welcome to Mexico dinner in the evening. 2nd night Hotel Plaza.
🍽 breakfast, dinner
Our first mexican railroad is ferromex. This railroad recenty changed their paint scheme as seen in the following photos.
El Chepe Regional train Chihuahua to Divisadero. Departs at 6:00am and arrives Divisadero 1:11pm. This 410 mile route between Chuhuahua and Los Mochis was built by the Chuhuahua Al Pacifico Railroad with construction starting in 1901. This route is a true engineering feat with 37 bridges and 86 tunnels, and was completed after 60 years of construction in 1961. Not only is the railway impressive for its engineering prowess, but it also provides breathtaking views of the stunning canyons along the way. We will travel Los Mochis to Creel roundtrip for a total of 438 miles. Divisadero is perfectly poised on the Copper Canyon rim, at an altitude of around 7,800 feet. The Parque de Aventuras Barrancas del Cobre is an easy 1 mile walk from the station along a gorgeous canyon-rim trail. The adventure park plays host to the ZipRider, the world’s second-longest zip-line, spanning a remarkable 2 miles in length. With seven lines available, you can soar through the air down to Mesón de Bacajípare where you can catch a cable car back up to the rim. Check-in ***Hotel Posada Mirador Barranca which was built right on the rim of the Copper Canyon with every room hanging over the edge and having a private deck where you can sit down and enjoy the fabulous view.
🍽 breakfast, lunch
Today we will loop around the “el lazo” which is between creel and divisadero
the “el lazo” which is between creel and divisadero
Hotel posada mirador barranca
on the rim of the copper canyon
Hotel posada mirador barranca
on the rim of the copper canyon
Hotel posada mirador barranca
on the rim of the copper canyon
Hotel posada mirador barranca
on the rim of the copper canyon
Hotel posada mirador barranca
on the rim of the copper canyon
Enjoy the trails on the edge of the copper canyon with spectacular views
of the sierra madre. The trails start right from our hotel
After exploring the trails running along the rim
go sit on your private balcony with a drink
and enjoy the shadows in the canyon grow as nightfall approaches
For the early risers you can step out on your balcony
with a fresh cup of coffee and watch the sunrise
Ride El Chepe Express train Divisadero to Los Mochis in First Class departs Divisadero 9:55am arrives Los Mochis 4:40pm. Overnight ****Hotel Plaza Los Mochis. Ride the Copper Canyon tourist train, called El Chepe Express Divisadero to Los Mochis. This train departs from Divisadero at 9:55am and arrives in Los Mochis at 4:40pm. This is the spectacular section of the railroad dropping down from 7,800 feet to almost sealevel in 188 miles.We will be in First Class on the Express train. The First Class service has more comfortable seats and panoramic windows to ensure you see the majestic scenery of the Sierra Tarahumara.
🍽 lunch
Your first class train ticket includes:
One meal on-board, breakfast or lunch.
Preferred access to the Urike restaurant dome car
Exclusive access to the Bar Terrace with lounge areas and stools
96 reclining seats with central tables
Snack and beverage service
Bar with a panoramic view
Hd screens
Premium audio system
Luxury restrooms
Panoramic windows
A look at the el chepe express passenger cars
Tourist class coach
first class coach
first class coach
Bar lounge for first class and
executive class passengers only
Bar lounge for first class and
executive class passengers only
Dining car for all classes
dome dining car for first & executive class only
Bar terrace observation car for first class only
Option to hang out of the windows for great photos
Our El Chepe Express trains weaves through the ragged canyons, revealing stunning views of waterfalls, towering cliffs, and rugged ridges of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Traversing the high-atltitude mountains of northern Mexico. This train offers the opportunity to feast on some of the most dramatic landscapes in Mexico. Climbing from the Pacific Coast to the high Sierra Madre mountains, it snakes through the vast, rugged landscapes of Mexico’s largest state, Chihuahua.
Today we will wine down the loops at temoris
BELOW ARE A VARIETY OF PHOTOS OF BOTH THE EL CHEPE EXPRESS AND EL CHEPE REGIONAL TRAINS
TRAVELING THROUGH THE RUGGED SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAINS BETWEEN DIVISADERO AND LOS MOCHIS
Fly Los Mochis to Mexico City depart 8:13am arrive 11:20am After lunch in downtown Mexico City we take a tour of the Templo Mayor and Plaza de la Constitucion located in the city. Hotel check-in at the *****Hilton Mexico City Reforma.
🍽 breakfast, lunch
Plaza de la consitucion
We head southward on our charter bus Mexico City to Puebla departing at 7:00am with a stop at Cuautla for a visit to The Cuautla Railway Museum which has steam locomotive 279 a 3-foot gauge Baldwin. We then continue south to Puebla arriving around noon. After lunch we spend the rest of the afterenoon at the National Museum of Mexican Railroads in Puebla. This museum has steam, diesel and electric on display including classic PA's, FT, F7, Trainmaster and a lot more! . After museum visit check-in at the ****Hotel San Pedro Puebla which is right downtown within walking distance of the main plaza and most of the classic colonial buildings.
🍽 lunch
The national museum of mexican railroads
has a Wonderful collection of motive power and rolling stock
We have several options today. First you can just relax and perhaps turn in some laundry if need be. One option is to explore colorful downtown Puebla with it's colorful colonial buildings and classic churches. Another option is to return to the railroad museum. Yet another option is to visit the Ferrosur yards which is now part of the ferromex system but has engines painted in Ferromex colors but lettered Ferrosur. Then go out on the Ferrosur mainline to the region where there is some horseshoe curves and tunnels. This is in an area of beautiful mountain railroading. 2nd night ****Hotel San Pedro Puebla.
🍽 breakfast, lunch
Spectacular puebla during the day and at night with the
Popocatepeti volcano sitting between mexico city and puebla
Trackside on the ferrosur
south of puebla
Trackside on the ferrosur
south of puebla
Trackside on the ferrosur south of puebla
Trackside on the ferrosur south of puebla
Today is a travel day on our charter bus Puebla to Coatzocoalcos departing in the morning and arriving late afternoon with a stop for lunch. If we see any Ferrosur trains we will try and stop for photos. Hotel check-in at the ***Holiday Inn.
🍽 breakfast, lunch
Ride the new “Tren Interoceanico” from the East Coast of Mexico across the Isthmus to the West Coast departing Coatzacoalcos at 7:00am and arriving Salina Cruz on the West Coast at 2:00pm operated by the Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec, (Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway). The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a Mexican region that includes the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Chiapas, and Tabasco. This is the narrowest area between the Pacific Ocean and the Mexican Gulf and the rail line is only 188 miles. This route features passenger service but its primary objective is to provide a freight alternative to shipping through the Panama Canal. This new service was inaugurated on December 22, 2023.
FIT has collected quite a large variety of equipment including high-speed train sets, originally built for British Rail along with 3 British Class 43 locomotives. Also 3 Amfleet cars, dome car Stampede Pass, 5 Budd SPV-2000 cars, and 12 passenger cars. Other motive power now on the roster include: SD70M, F59PH, U23B, BG23-7, B30-7, Dash 8-39B, Dash 8-40B, GP40-2LW, GP 38-2, GP 10 and SD60.
We will be in First Class Dome Car seating (If available) in the former Stampede Pass private rail car. Visit the yards and shops at Salina Cruz. Overnight **** Hotel Santa Cruz
🍽 lunch
Tren interoceanico route map
The workshops has a large variety of motive power
and rolling stock as they gear up for increased passenger
.and freight service on this new railroad
Ride FIT back to Coatzocoalcos departing at 7:00am and arriving at 1:50pm. We visit the yards and workshops as time permits before continuing our trek southbound on the connecting train departing Coatzocoalcos at 3:30pm for Palenque arriving at 10:50pm. Check-in at the ****Chan-Kah Resort Village.
🍽 lunch, dinner
Full day visiting the National Park of Palenque which has one of the best examples of Mayan Ruins. This archaeological site is one of the most outstanding classic period sites of the Maya area, known for its exceptional and well conserved architectural and sculptural remains. The elegance and craftsmanship of the construction, as well as the lightness of the sculpted reliefs illustrating Mayan mythology, is wonderful. 1,400 buildings have been recorded, of which only about 10% have been explored. 2nd night at the Chan-Kay-Resort Village.
🍽 lunch
National park of palenque mayan ruins
National park of palenque mayan ruins
Ride the Tren Maya Palenque to Campeche in Premier Class. Overnight in Campeche. The current schedule departs Palenque 9:00am and arrives Campeche 1:30pm and is 221 miles. Arriving in historic Campeche in the early afternoon gives you the opportunity to explore this interesting town before sunset.
Campeche was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadores as San Francisco de Campeche atop the pre-existing Maya city of Can Pech. The city retains many of the old colonial Spanish walls and fortifications which protected the city from pirates and buccaneers. The state of preservation and quality of its architecture earned it the status of a World Heritage Site. Campeche is one of the only cities in North America with most of its historic old city walls intact. After hotel check-in you can explore the city. Overnight **** Hotel Lopez Campeche.
🍽 lunch
The tren maya route map
The new maya train
dining car on the maya train
Premier class seating on the new maya train
The historic colonial town of campeche
founded in 1540
The historic colonial town of campeche
founded in 1540
The historic colonial town of
campeche founded in 1540
Early morning check-out as we have another train to catch departing Campeche at 7:00am which then arrives at 2:00pm at the Cancun Airport Station, a distance of 300 miles. Our train will reach speeds of 100mph at times today. At the Cancun Airport we change trains and board the 3:00pm departure for Playa del Carmen arriving at 3:43pm. Check-in at the ****Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel In the evening we will host our Farewell Dinner and reflect on our two week tour through Mexico.
🍽 lunch, dinner
After breakfast hotel check-out and end of tour after hotel check-out. Tren Maya departures from Playa del Carmen for the 43 minute journey to the Cancun Airport at: 10:30am , 3:30pm , and 5:30pm. Note: The new airport at Tulum which is alittle south of o Playa del Carmen is now open and flights are now operating to the USA. Tren Maya plans on having their new service to Tulum operating by the end of the summer in 2024.
🍽 breakfast
4 day add - on
Tour of Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins and Cenotes including the strange world of going underground in the river caves. ****Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel
🍽 breakfast, lunch
Finger of land south of playa del carmen
on the caribbean sea east coast of mexico
The strange underground world
in the yucatan
The strange underground world
in the yucatan
The strange underground world in the yucatan
The chichen itza mayan ruins
Today we visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins and then swim with sea turtles. 2nd night at the Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel
🍽 breakfast, lunch
The tulum mayan ruins
Today you can relax and explore Maya del Carmen on your own. Perhaps you would like to ride the newest service on Tren Maya. 3rd night at the Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel
🍽 breakfast
Hotel check-out and ride Tren Maya Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport. Trains depart Playa del Carmen at 10:30pm, 1:30pm and 4:30pm arriving Cancun Airport 43 minutes later. End of tour
🍽 breakfast
TOUR CONDITIONS PRICING - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Tour Pricing:
All tour prices are subject to change without notice, at any time. All prices based on double room occupancy. Those people that use a credit card for payments a 3% conveyance fee (The 3% fee has been suspended until further notice) will be added to the tour price. We reserve the right to change tour prices if necessary without prior notice.
