Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
14
In 1995, the Mexican government began privatizing the passen-
ger rail service, and the results were predictable: trains are no
longer a viable part of the public transportation system in that
country. As veteran travelers know, Mexico has opted for an
extensive system of buses instead. Most cities have large, modern
bus terminals with the look and feel of many U.S. airports and
with half a dozen or more modern, air-conditioned buses ready
to take you to a variety of destinations.
There is, however, one truly extraordinary train ride readily
available for visitors to that interesting and colorful country. El
Chepe (which is an affectionate nickname for the operating rail-
road, Chihuahua al Pacifico) runs daily in both directions over
the Copper Canyon route from Chihuahua City in north-central
Mexico through El Fuerte to Los Mochis on the Sea of Cortez. El
Chepe is without doubt one of more spectacular train rides in the
world, and I recommend it enthusiastically.
An American-Mexican Rail Link
In the 1860s, about the same time entrepreneurs were starting to
push for transcontinental railways in the United States and Can-
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