Travelling by train is very different to other forms of transport. You could even say it’s a luxury of sorts. Unlike sitting on a plane, where you might gaze ahead at your route map or watch a movie, a journey by train is somehow quite different. It encourages you to look around a little more and I believe you consequently find yourself more immersed in the experience. And an excellent case in point is the Chepe Express Route that runs from the town of Creel to the Pacific coast of Mexico, crossing the Tarahumara Sierra in the process.

Creel can be found in Chihuahua, the largest state in Mexico, comparable in size to the UK. Arguably Mexico’s best kept travel secret, Chihuahua is a world waiting to be discovered, with spectacular canyons, rivers, forests and UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites.

And at the relaxing, pine-scented mountain town of Creel, about 7,700 feet above sea level in the western sierra of northern Mexico, you’ll find yourself in the heartland of the Rarámuri people – the legendary ultra-runners who tackle massive distances in thin sandals made from old car tyres. Rather fittingly, the word word ‘Rarámuri’ means light-footed, and the people have a deep connection to the land that is reflected in their traditions and crafts. Visiting their communities offers a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries.

One of Creel’s main attractions is the nearby San Ignacio Mission, one of the most tranquil and rewarding visits of the journey, often paired with excursions to the Valley of the Monks, the lake Arareco and other sites very closely related to the Rarámuri people.

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