When one considers the sounds of Mexico, the noise of train wheels riding over rail tracks is generally not something that comes to mind. Trains, however, have played an important part in Mexican history. They were a symbol of progress. The first railroad was built in the 1860’s by the only Habsburg emperor the country ever had, and trains reached their apex about one hundred years ago, right before the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Passenger trains, however, have been steadily disappearing in the country ever since. Today there are only two trains left for visitors to catch: the Tequila Express and the Chepe.

The Tequila Express is a fun ride if you like tequila and are looking for an exciting one-day activity. The train leaves Guadalajara’s train station (350 miles northwest of Mexico City) on Saturday mornings, and instead of being boarded by inter-city passengers, the train is filled with tequila enthusiasts. The train ride itself is less than an hour, but it’s both picturesque and pleasant. The landscape is dominated by blue agave fields, which are the source of tequila. From inside the train cars, you will enjoy these beautiful views to the music of a mariachi band and with endless servings of tequila.

The train then arrives at a beautiful old hacienda owned by Herradura (one of Mexico’s best tequila producers), which is not technically in the town of Tequila but in the nearby town of Amatitán. This colorful hacienda is the factory for all of Herradura’s tequilas. The fare includes an extensive tour through the factory in which the transformation from blue agave to savory tequila is revealed. Ever wondered what exactly are the differences between blanco, reposado, and añejo? (Hint: it has to do with aging). By the tour’s end, you will know all of the subtleties of this infamous drink. This is all explained, of course, as more tequila is served. After the tour, there is a buffet lunch of traditional Mexican food which is then followed by a show of Mexican music and dances. To cap it all off, the train heads back again to Guadalajara in the late afternoon with yet another round of mariachi and tequila.

The Chepe, on the other hand, is a radically different passenger train than the Tequila Express. The train leaves from the inland city of Chihuahua in the north of Mexico in the early morning and arrives in the coastal city of Los Mochis on the Pacific coast (the journey can also be completed the other way around). The train crosses straight through the imposing mountain range of the Sierra Madre Occidental, which results in an array of awe-inspiring views. The whole trek lasts a good sixteen hours.

Even though it would still be worthwhile to ride the whole route non-stop, the experience is enhanced with overnight stays. The route has different stops, from large cities to small towns in the mountains, and it is best to get off and explore. You can always catch the train again the following day.

One of these sites is the city of Cuauhtemoc, where the largest population of Mexican Mennonites resides. The Mennonites are famous for their old German lifestyle and their cheeses. The town of Creel has a large population of the indigenous Tarahumara, who are famous for their handcrafts and their long-distance running tradition. Another great stop is Divisadero, where you can readily enjoy the majestic views of the Copper Canyon, which is four times bigger than the Colorado Canyon. Finally, Los Mochis is famous for its seafood and beaches around the town.

Mexico may not be famous for its railroad traditions, nor are they plentiful. However, if you appreciate good tequila, beautiful landscapes, and unique local cultures, then you should definitely hop onto one of Mexico’s passenger trains.