Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), also known as El Chepe from its reporting mark CHP, is a major rail line in northwest Mexico, linking Chihuahua City to Los Mochis and its port, Topolobampo. It crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental, part of the range that in the United States is called the Rocky Mountains. There is no road covering the trajectory.

El Chepe
The Chepe Train
Overview
Service typeTourist train
StatusOperating
LocaleNorthwestern Mexico
PredecessorKansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway
First serviceNovember 22, 1961
Current operator(s)Ferromex (since 1998)
WebsiteChepe
Route
TerminiChihuahua City
Los Mochis
Stops20
Distance travelled668 kilometres (415 mi)
Technical
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Tren Turístico railway map

It runs 673 km (418 mi), traversing the Copper Canyon, a rugged series of canyons that have led some to call this the most scenic railroad trip on the continent. It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists.

The tracks pass over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above sea level near Divisadero (the continental divide), a popular lookout spot over the canyons. Each one-way trip takes roughly 16 hours. The track also crosses over itself to gain elevation.

The headquarters were in turn located in Mexico City, Chihuahua and Los Mochis.

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