Irresistible Fall Train Trips in Mexico

As we roll into fall, with its crisp air and that comforting sense of seasonal decay, there’s a certain itch that takes hold of me. Not the sort of itch you get from sitting too long on a cheap leather chair, but the itch to escape. And not by car—because the last thing I want to do is contribute to the already apocalyptic traffic on the highway—or by plane, which now feels like a game of Russian roulette involving lost luggage and seatmates who believe hygiene is optional. No, this itch requires something grander, more romantic, more... let’s say, classic. Enter: trains. And if you’re going to do a proper train journey this fall, might I suggest something you may not have thought of before? Mexico.

Yes, Mexico. That land you’ve probably associated with all-inclusive resorts, tequila, and trying not to burn your skin to a crisp while lounging on beaches. But let me stop you right there. Mexico is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture, and, believe it or not, some of the most irresistible train rides in the world. Especially in the fall, when the oppressive summer heat has simmered down, and the countryside reveals itself in all its autumnal glory.

The Legendary Copper Canyon

Now, if you’re going to begin anywhere, it has to be with the big one. The Chepe Express. Officially, it’s called the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico, but nobody in their right mind wants to pronounce that mouthful, so it’s known as Chepe. This train covers a route that will make even the most jaded traveler gasp.

The Copper Canyon – and I know what you’re thinking, but this isn’t some rusty knockoff of the Grand Canyon – is larger and arguably more beautiful than its American cousin. It’s actually a series of six canyons that together dwarf the Grand Canyon, and Chepe runs right through it like a hot knife through butter.

You board the train at Los Mochis, a nondescript little place that you’ll forget about the moment you step into your seat on Chepe. The train snakes through 400 miles of mountains, bridges, and tunnels that would make even Elon Musk question his life choices. This is a ride for the soul: rocky peaks tower above you, gorges plunge into depths that even Indiana Jones would think twice about, and small indigenous villages appear, clinging to cliff edges as if they've been stapled there by some deranged mountain deity.

Because this is a Mexican train, you’re not just sitting there with your face pressed against the window like some forlorn Labrador. Chepe Express has a bar car—complete with cocktails, naturally—and a proper dining carriage where you can stuff yourself with gourmet Mexican cuisine while pretending you're in some Agatha Christie novel. It’s first-class all the way, and in fall, the scenery doesn’t just sit there waiting for your approval; it puts on a show. Red, gold, and orange forests give way to barren, rocky landscapes, and the sky – an endless expanse of deep blue – offers a backdrop so photogenic it could give the Alps a run for their money.

You’ll want to get off at Divisadero. It’s a small stop where you can step onto an observation platform and look into the abyss that is the canyon below. I’m serious—it's the kind of view that will make you rethink why you waste your time with things like mortgages and car insurance.

The Tequila Train

After the Copper Canyon, you’ll be needing something to wet your whistle. And luckily, Mexico has thought of this, too. Enter the Jose Cuervo Express, a train dedicated entirely to tequila. Yes, that’s right: an entire train whose sole purpose is to ensure you’re mildly (or not-so-mildly) plastered while rolling through the agave fields that produce the world’s finest tequila. Forget the Napa Valley wine train—this is the real deal.

The journey starts in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, which is known for three things: mariachi music, cowboy hats, and more tequila than your liver can handle. You climb aboard the Jose Cuervo Express, and the train gently whisks you through the agave fields, their spiky blue plants stretching out in perfect rows like an alien invasion gone horticultural.

You’ve got three classes of service here: Premium, Premium Plus, and Elite. Obviously, you’re going for Elite, because let’s face it, you’re worth it. In Elite, you’ll be treated to endless tastings of Jose Cuervo’s finest offerings, accompanied by explanations that make you feel like a connoisseur, even though you’ve mostly used tequila for shot challenges and questionable margaritas.

The train rolls through Amatitán and on to Tequila, the town where the magic happens. And by magic, I mean more tequila. You disembark, slightly buzzed (or utterly legless, depending on your stamina), for a tour of the Jose Cuervo distillery. The town of Tequila itself is charming in that way all small Mexican towns are: cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and the kind of weather that makes you wonder why you ever put up with British winters.

And let’s not forget the scenery. In fall, the agave fields turn a golden hue, bathed in the soft light of the Mexican sun. The fields stretch out to the distant volcanoes, creating a landscape that feels as timeless as it does intoxicating—literally.

The Chiapas Coffee Train

If you want something a little more off the beaten track, let’s head down south, deep into the heart of Chiapas. Here, you’ll find Tren El Pochitoque, a lesser-known gem that feels like one of those secret places you almost don’t want to tell anyone about.

Chiapas is the land of misty mountains, dense forests, and ancient Mayan ruins. It’s also coffee country. And if you’re the type of person who believes that coffee is the elixir of life (spoiler: you’re right), this is the train for you.

Tren El Pochitoque takes you through coffee plantations nestled in the highlands, where the altitude and climate make for some of the world’s best brews. The journey starts in Tapachula and takes you through an astonishing array of landscapes, from tropical jungles to mist-shrouded hills that wouldn’t be out of place in a fantasy novel.

Unlike the grand spectacle of Chepe or the booze-fueled escapades of the Jose Cuervo Express, this train is a bit more... understated. But don’t let that fool you. The charm here is in the simplicity, the rich smell of coffee wafting through the air, and the knowledge that you’re far from the tourist trail. You’ll stop at coffee farms along the way, where you can sample local brews that make your overpriced Starbucks look like pond water.

And in fall, Chiapas takes on an otherworldly beauty. The jungle greens soften, the coffee cherries ripen, and the air becomes cooler, fresher, as if the whole region is taking a deep breath before the madness of the holiday season.

All Aboard!

Fall is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of train travel, and Mexico offers a cornucopia of unforgettable journeys. Whether you're gazing into the depths of the Copper Canyon on Chepe, toasting to agave spirits on the Jose Cuervo Express, or sipping the finest Chiapas coffee while chugging through the mountains, Mexico’s trains offer something for everyone. And honestly, what could be better than a seat by the window, a glass in hand, and the world rolling by at a civilized pace?

So leave the car keys at home, forget the stress of airports, and climb aboard. Mexico’s rails are waiting for you.