Known locally as the Barranca del Cobre, Mexico's Copper Canyon is regarded by many as one of the most incredible journeys in the world. The Copper Canyon is a huge geographical swath that offers stunning vistas at every turn. The region's name originates from the color of the walls of the canyon which are a rich copper/green color.
The Copper Canyon consists of a group of canyons consisting of six distinct canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. The majestic canyons were formed over the centuries by six rivers which drain the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara (a part of the Sierra Madre Occidental). All six rivers merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into the Sea of Cortez.
Located deep in the Mexican wilderness, the Tarahumara that inhabit the area are descendants of the Aztecs. The Tarahumara people still live a simple life in these canyons, as they have done so for millennia.
The Copper canyon is a unique and remote destination. It is sometimes compared to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, though the Copper Canyon is over seven times larger and showcases very different topography, flora and fauna. There are many ways available to enjoy the Copper Canyon. Hiking, biking and 4x4ing are some of the most common ways to see the region, but because the area is so vast, that the best way to get an overview is only possible by taking a scenic train tour offered by vacation companies.
Constructed in 1961, the Copper Canyon rail line was constructed as a means to connect the Pacific Ocean with Mexico's central desert region and Chihuahua. The rail line runs over 650km (390 miles) in length, crosses 39 bridges of which the longest is over 500m (1/2 mile) long. It also features 86 tunnels; the longest being over 1500 meters (approximately 1 mile) long.
The Copper Canyon Train ride starts at sea level in Los Mochis and runs to a maximum elevation of 2500 meters (1.5 miles) before descending into Chihuahua City at 800 meters (3/4 miles) which is the end of the line. At this point the rail ride then returns back again to Los Mochis. The line crosses some of Mexico's most stunning natural beauty and showcases the rugged terrain of the Sierra Tarahumara. The train ride hugs the edges of mountains and canyons, crosses majestic ravines, and spans some of the most exciting vistas in Mexico.
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Article: Mexico's Copper Canyon Rail Author: Robert Nickel Publication Date: 2012-02-04 Total Views: 37 Word Count: 448 Category:Home /
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