The Ultimate Guide To Latin America’s Trains: Chepe, Tren Maya & More

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Train Essentials for Scenic Travel — Mexico

From the jungle routes of the Tren Maya to the canyon-carving Chepe Express and agave-lined José Cuervo Express, here’s how to ride Mexico by rail—what to pack, when to go, and the luxe little things that make it effortless.

Where to Ride: Mexico’s Scenic Trains

Chepe Express — Copper Canyon (Los Mochis ↔ Creel)

Mexico’s most iconic scenic ride traces canyon rims and tunnels from Los Mochis to Creel. The Express focuses on comfort, dining and views, while the Regional makes more local stops. Book windows early on peak dates and plan a stop at Divisadero for cliff-edge viewpoints.

Tren Maya — Yucatán Peninsula

Segments connect Cancún, Tulum, Mérida and Palenque across five states. Timetables roll out by section; jungle scenery, cenotes and archeological zones reward daytime departures. Confirm the segment you want is operating for your dates and check class options before you buy.

José Cuervo Express — Guadalajara ↔ Tequila

A one-day, photogenic ride through UNESCO agave country—paired with distillery tours, tastings and mariachi. Expect assigned cabins (Premium to Elite) and a luxury coach return timed for sunset in the fields.

Pro tip: Tourist services don’t always run daily. Reconfirm your specific train a week out and again 24 hours before departure. Check the link here.

When to Go

Copper Canyon (Chepe): Clear, crisp views Nov–Apr; summer storms are dramatic but can affect timing.

Tequila Country (Jalisco): Fields are photogenic year-round—greener in summer, softer light in winter.

Yucatán (Tren Maya): Peak heat May–Sep; shoulder seasons (Oct–Nov, Feb–Apr) are kinder for day trips.

Seats, Classes & Booking

Chepe Express sells tiered classes with panoramic windows and dining cars; the Regional is simpler with more stops. Tren Maya offers multiple classes and evolving schedules by section. José Cuervo Express bundles cabins with tastings and distillery experiences.

For the ultimate, hassle-free experience, book your travel with a guided tour. Here are some highly-rated options we liked: