The Maya Train, or Tren Maya in Spanish, is a tourist train that will connect popular sites across the Yucatán Peninsula, encompassing the states of Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Yucatán, and Campeche. Construction of the project began in 2018 and is estimated to open as early as within the next two years, attracting 8,000 daily riders.
Once completed, the high-speed train system will link the famous beaches of the Riviera Maya to Mayan ruins sites, culturally-rich towns, and various tourist destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula and beyond.
Maya Train Routes
The train will operate three different proposed routes: the Caribbean, Gulf, and Jungle.
The Caribbean route will connect Cancun to the southern end of Quintana Roo, with stops along Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar.
The Gulf route will connect Cancun to Merida, visiting the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza before heading south toward Campeche.
The Jungle route will connect the southern portion of Quintana Roo to Southern Campeche state, making a stop at the renowned Calakmul Mayan ruins site.
Project Budget and Timeline
The project carried an estimated cost of about USD 7.4 billion, with a timeline of four years to build. Though, since the project has been in progress, the funding has significantly exceeded the estimated budget.
The project has received widespread support for its ability to provide a stimulus to local economies, as well as create tourism infrastructure in the country. The project was estimated to create 80 thousand jobs in 2020, with and an additional 150 thousand jobs this year.
Maya Train Construction Between Izamal and Cancun has Begun
The Maya Train has reached section four of the development, in which the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas will be covered in the state’s north.
This section will run roughly 257 kilometers of track between Cancun and Izamal. Developers have planned to build three stations along the route, though government officials have indicated that stops and stations may be altered due to operational considerations.
For the time being, the train stations currently proposed in the plan will be situated in Chichen Itzá, Yucatan, Valladolid, Yucatan, and New Xcán, Quintana Roo.
While section four of the project is now underway, the final phase, section five, will see roughly 121 kilometers of track between Cancun and Tulum.
Developers would like to complete the project with stations in Cancun Downtown, Cancun Airport, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum with stops at Xcaret, Puerto Aventuras, and Akumal.
Sites Along The Maya Train Route
The most popular trips on the Maya Train will likely be to Chichén Itzá, the largest archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula. Drawing thousands of visitors each day, Chichén Itzá is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mexico. Day trips to the ancient site are especially common amongst tourists in Cancun. Considering transportation by bus is six hours there and back, the Maya Train is likely to be a compelling alternative for tourists.
Another high in-demand route will be the Caribbean, as tourists will be able to vertically navigate the Riviera Maya via train. The direction would also attract tourists to popular beaches located south of Tulum. Bacalar, for instance, is popular amongst tourists, but a four-hour car ride from Cancun. Adjoined by the train route, travel time will significantly decrease, making it more easily and comfortably accessible to tourists.
While Merida, Palenque, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are particularly favorable among visitors, the Mexican government has incorporated what it calls ‘Pueblos Mágicos‘ (Magical Towns) within the route, in hopes that tourists will recognize the beauty and history in the less popular locations of the region.
Izamal, Yucatán
Along the Maya Train route, tourists will come across the charming colonial city of Izamal in the state of Yucatán, about 70 km east of Merida. Known for its bright architecture, the Pueblo Magico is decorated with yellow painted buildings, giving it the title ‘The Yellow City‘. Enriched with natural splendor and historical significance, tourists will find a picturesque location filled with trees and nature, pre-Columbian pyramids, churches, and museums.
Full List Of Train Stops
Quintana Roo: Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Bacalar
Campeche: Escárcega, Campeche, Xpujil, Calakmul
Yucatán: Maxcanú, Merida, Izamal, Chichén Itzá, Valladolid
