copper canyon train tickets

Help me out here folks. Is it necessary or wise to buy tickets in advance for the Copper Canyon train traveling from El Fuerte, Sinaloa to the Mansion Tarahuamara next week? I have recieved conflicting information and am getting a little worried as the time approaches. Thanks for your wisdom in advance.

Sam Stone

[whip_52]

Nah, no need to buy them in advance. I don't even know if you can except in downtown Los Mochis. There is a station in El Fuerte, but no one is there until shortly before the 1st class train arrives. You purchase your ticket onboard after you leave the station. I'm guessing you might have to show $$ to get on the second class train, unless you look prosperous. Tourists have no trouble at all.

I suppose during the busy season there is a slight chance the train could be sold out (due to an RV caravan or something like that) but I wouldn't worry too hard about it. You could do little or nothing about it anyway.

Whip

Any other helpful wisdom that you might share?

Our primary interest is birding and finding reptiles & amphibians. I've been to Alamos before.

Thank you again.
sam stone

Sam,

ya no wories Whip is right. You are supposed to have a ticket before you get on but if you don't it is no big deal just buy one when the ticket man comes around. If you want to play it safe though you can go to the Posada del Hidalgo Hotel there in El fuerte and they can get you a ticket. Your takin a greta trip though. I dont know if you have your rooms in Alamos or not but i recommend the Casa de Tesoros its beautiful place and its what we use on our tours. And do me a favor and say hi to Maria at the Mansion for me you'll love her.

Colin Caparros

As it happens I plan on staying at Tesoros, stayed there about 8 years ago and loved it. Price has about doubled over the years but as the missus is with me this time I want her to see the place and will forego the more low rent dives favored by the brotherhood of snakehunters.

Thanks for the info, I'll be sure to give Maria your regards.

[whip_52]

Yeah, I've got a few other tips.

Be sure to have the exact fare in hand before you get on the train. Vendors having to make change is always a problem in Meixco. Easier to take care of it before you leave.

Catch a cab to the station from your motel. I wouldn't leave my rig unattended by the El Fuerte station.

Sit on the right side of the train eastbound. There are several double seats facing each other in each car. Choose one with the clearest windows and try to get one that has the window pane kind of out of the way. You don't have to sit there all the time, you are free to wander. The best picture taking areas are the vestibules between cars.

They sell souvenirs in the dining car. They are a little spendy, but worth checking out.

On my trip. we had an eight hour layover/delay in El Divisidero. After hiking around the rim for hours, I returned to the train. The service crew was in the dining car playing "Dompe" for Pesos with a deck that was short 11 cards. They invited me to join in and soon we were having a great time. They served my wife and I a free dinner that was delicious.

I'm sure you know by now that birding is excellent in Mexico. I hooked up with a "birding caravan" in Alamos briefly and spent a very nice day with them. Finding any other wild animals is difficult, especially in the winter. Anything that is edible and catchable gets eaten, the rest either taste bad or hide good. I've seen a few geckos and skinks, rock rodents at Tzintzuntzan (dunno what they were), and iguanas. Not much for all the territory I've covered.

Whip