To drive to Copper Canyon, you will need Mexican car insurance. Once you get there, though, you can give your Mexican auto insurance a break by hopping onto El Chepe, the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway. With the money that youve saved by driving down - even after paying for Mexican insurance - you can splurge on tickets to ride this beloved train through some of Mexicos most exciting and breathtaking scenery. If you were to ride it for its entire length, youd be on the train for 16 full hours! Most people simply ride the train for a section or two.

Enjoy Views of Copper Canyon

Theres nothing quite like taking in the amazing scenery of Copper Canyon from a train. At Divisadero, the train stops for fifteen to twenty minutes to allow passengers to step out and enjoy views of the canyon. If you have the time to ride the train for its whole length, though, its well worth it. It passes through 87 tunnels and crosses 36 bridges. In the Sierra Tarahumara, it reaches an altitude of more than 8,000 feet. Needless to say, this is one journey that you won't soon forget.

Pass Through or Explore the Canyon

Some people enjoy rides of El Chepe as an introduction to Copper Canyon. Later, they actually enter the park itself and do some exploring on foot. Others simply use El Chepe to get a feel for the canyon, without actually having to get out and hike around. Either way, you will have a deep appreciation for this dramatic landscape when you are through. By the time your ride on El Chepe is over, you will be able to jump back in your car and head on to your next destination. As long as your Mexican car insurance hasn't expired, it will protect you all the way until you make it back to the United States.