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At least six new hotels have been planned for construction near important archaeological sites located on the upcoming Maya train route. The new train route, which isn’t expected to be completed until late into next year, will make it much easier for travelers to visit some of the best-preserved examples of Mayan architecture and temple areas in the entire continent, and the new hotels will provide travelers with a convenient base from which to explore these windows into the exciting world of the past.
There’s so much more to the Mexican Caribbean region than gorgeous beaches and exciting nightlife, and these plans will go some way towards carving open a largely new market of travelers for the already wildly popular destination. Here’s a look at everything we know about these intriguing prospective developments, plus what travelers should know about the six important archaeological locations that have been earmarked for hotel developments in the near future.
Six Hotels Planned Along Maya Train Route – Information For Travelers
The news about the six new hotels at archaeological sites was revealed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Friday. According to the President, there are plans afoot to build hotels in the following six areas:
- Chichen Itza, Yucatan.
- Uxmal, Yucatan
- Tulum, Quintana Roo
- Palenque, Chiapas
- Edzná, Campeche
- Calakmul, Campeche
The President stated that plots have already been secured for the new developments, with completion expected in time for the launch of the Maya train in December 2023. Here’s a look at what travelers can expect to see in each of these historic sites.
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Chichen Itza
One of the most famous Mayan sites in the world, Chichen Itza was once home to the most populous city in the region. Whilst that was many hundreds of years ago, what remains is still just as impressive, with travelers able to visit historical sites such as the Temple of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, and the Skull Platform – three amazingly well-preserved sites that offer a glimpse into life in the Mayan period of history.
Uxmal
Considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, Uxmal is home to several stunning architectural wonders and dramatic vistas that will linger long in memory. Located around an hour from Merida and 2 hours from Campeche, a hotel here will make it much easier for travelers to visit this historic temple complex, allowing them even longer to take in the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tulum
Whilst Tulum has gathered a stellar reputation as a beach and leisure destination in its own right, long before the beach clubs and bars appeared, the town was known for its archaeological ruins. Perched dramatically on a cliffside with amazing views of the sea behind, a hotel close to the ruin will not only make it easier to visit them but will also help cope with the growing demand that Tulum is finding itself having to contend with in recent months.
Palenque
With ruins dating from between 226 BC to 799 AD, visiting Palenque is very much like stepping back in time – or straight onto a set from Tomb Raider. Located almost 850km from Cancun, only the hardiest of travelers take the 11-hour road trip to visit these ruins – but the creation of the Maya train and a hotel nearby could be just the ticket towards giving these ruins the wider audience they deserve.
Edzná
Considered to be the most important city in Western Campeche in its heyday, Edzná’s temple complex was founded in around 600 BC before being abandoned in around the year 1500. Discovered just 115 years ago, the area has been open to the public since the 1970s, and the addition of a hotel along with the Maya train will doubtless see more travelers make the effort to visit.
Calakmul
The sixth hotel that the President has earmarked for a hotel will be located in Calakmul. Situated deep in the jungles of the greater Petén Basin region, this huge site was once home to an estimated 50,000 inhabitants and was dubbed the Snake Kingdom. Home to various temples, statues, ball courts, paintings, and the largest reservoir in the Maya world, its location in the heart of the jungle is striking in itself, offering something different from other destinations on the Maya train route.
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