THE CHIHUAHUA AL PACIFICO RAILROAD begins in Ojinaga and goes all the way to Topolobampo, a deep water bay just outside of Los Mochis, Sinaloa on the Sea of Cortez. Passenger service begins in Chihuahua City, a historic colonial treasure with numerous monumental classic structures dating from the era of the conquistadores.

At stops along the way, Tarahumara Indians lay their wares out next to the train, so that tourists can choose souvenirs to take home. Mexican passengers buy meals prepared by local cooks, and one has the opportunity to photograph the gorgeous and ever changing scenery of the region.

 "Chihuahua al Pacifico" railway runs between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, on the Gulf of California, where it merges with the Pacific Ocean. It rises from sea level to more than 8,000 feet ( 12,900 km) as it cuts through the Sierra Madre Mountains..

The railroad was begun in the late 19th century, but not finished until 1961, stymied by the revolution, lack of funds, and engineering roadblocks. It has 39 bridges and 86 tunnels along its 405-mile (653 km) route. It passes through -- and sometimes over -- farms, hills, towering cliffs, rust-colored canyon walls, river beds, pine forests and Indian villages. The trip takes about 14 hours