This was the ferry boat we took from la paz to topolobambo and we did the return trip on it too. I t cost us 1200 pp and extra for a cabin to ourselves. we went at 11 PM both times so that we slept on the ferry and then were up and on our way the next day. the ferry is huge, and dinner is included ... there was quite an assortment of food to choose from, nothing gourmet, but edible. and not only mexican food (which we love) but also chicken strogonoff and rice and 2 other dishes that i dont recall what they were since i didnt eat them. i got beans and tortillas and i was happyy.. cake was separate and it was a deluxe and delicious extremely moist chocolate cake .yummmmmmmmmmmmm
the cabin was quiet. spotlessly clean. and we slept like babies .... up and running the next morning at 6
upon arrival in topolabambo, we took a cab to los mochis, Les negotiated for the price of 250. when we arrived there, we guessed that the train had already left (we wanted the slow mo one), so we took a bus to el fuerte and once in el fuerte, met another bus that took us to the train station. lots of gringoes were on this bus, it cost 10 pesos. and we still had to wait a good 30 min for the train. the strange part is that you buy the ticket on the train. onthe way back, they let you buy one 30 min beofre you leave. i have to write the company because for a traveler, this is not OK. too iffy and there is no guarantee that you will be on the train. if you have a hotel reservation or a plane to catch, too disconcerting ..
then the trian arrived and it was the economy one, exactly half price of the 1st class. it was also spotlessly clean. a bit noisy. safe. and the windows were big enought o take pics from, but the best pics indeed come from between the trains ... as long as you ask for permission, all the locals gave way - they have done the trip millions of times and wanted me to get the best pics since they could see how excited I was !!!
In the magazine we got on the first class train on the way BACK, there was a list of where to look for what out of the windows, but I had printed up notes that I got off the internet and that kept me busy and informed. priceless to have this information as it tells you what plant to look out for, or what town you are going thorough or what long or high bridge you are going over ... fascinating stuff.
the train trip was uneventful ... there were military men with machine guns patrolling but we never saw anything out of the ordianary.
