| | |  Travel & Outdoors 
Mexico's Copper Canyon
 Chicago Sun-Times
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January 24, 2010
IF YOU GO
TRAIN TICKETS: Reserve tickets by contacting the Chepe at (888) 484-1623 or chepe.com.mx and buy them at the station on the morning of departure. To buy tickets in advance, try a travel agency in Chihuahua, such as Viajes Flamingo (mexicoscoppercanyon.com). First-class tickets cost about $140; second-class tickets are roughly $55. Keep in mind that the second-class train runs only three days a week and never on Wednesdays.
FLIGHTS: To ride the train eastbound, fly to Los Mochis (airport code LMM). Mexicana Airlines and Aeromexico both fly there. Plan to spend the night in Los Mochis, as the trains leave early (6 a.m. and 7 a.m.) The Chepe doesn’t reach Chihuahua until late at night, so plan for an overnight there, too. Many airlines service Chihuahua, including Continental and American.
CUTTING COSTS: If you’re short on money (or time), consider riding half of the railroad — the more scenic half, between Los Mochis and Creel. Ticket prices are based on the length of your ride. With an airport under construction in Creel, you’ll soon be able to fly from there.
WHEN TO GO: Creel and Divisadero are extremely cold in December and January. To give yourself the option of hiking and camping, consider visiting in the warmer season of October and mid-November, or March through early April. The dry season, late April through June, isn’t optimal, either, as the vegetation is brown.
WHERE TO STAY: In Los Mochis, your best option is Santa Anita Hotel in the center of town (800) 821-0000; (santaanitahotel.com)
In Creel, choose from a cozy cabin at the Best Western Lodge at Creel (thelodgeatcreel.com) and less expensive rooms at Margarita’s Guest House (casamargaritas.blogspot.com, popular among backpackers.
In Batopilas, hotels seem to open and close at the whim of the owners. You’ll know what’s available meandering down the town’s only street.
In Chihuahua, the Hotel Boutique San Felipe El Real (sanfelipeelreal.com) is a delightful, antique-filled bed and breakfast. The friendly staff will help you plan a day of sightseeing in the city, home of Pancho Villa.
TOUR OPERATORS: “El Aventurero” Norberto Padilla Rodriguez offers horseback rides and hikes in Creel (ridemexico.com). The 3 Amigos in Creel rents motorcycles or bicycles for exploring canyon country (amigotrails.com). |
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