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Since the first sections of the Maya Train began operating around this time last December, different sections have opened up at various times throughout the year.
The train travels through much of the Yucatan Peninsula, allowing visitors to see numerous amazing destinations that were not so easy to access before.
The most recently completed station along the Maya Train route is the one in Chetumal, so Cancun tourists can now visit this beautiful destination to the south aboard the Maya Train.
Take a look at this new route, what this destination has to offer, and why you might want to visit during your Cancun vacation.
Why Visit Chetumal?
Chetumal is a coastal city on the Yucatan Peninsula and the capital of the state of Quintana Roo, which is the home state of other popular Mexican Caribbean destinations, including Cancun.
This city is home to less than 200,000 inhabitants.
The smaller population makes it a quieter, although much different, alternative to Cancun.
What Makes Chetumal Different From Cancun
There are no beaches in Chetumal, but there are beautiful views of the sea from the city’s Malecon along the main boulevard.
Chetumal also offers more of a cultural experience than Cancun and many of the other popular destinations along the Mexican Caribbean coast.
Additionally, it’s one of the less touristy destinations in the region, so if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, Chetumal is the perfect option.
Chetumal’s Location
Chetumal sits about five hours south of Cancun International Airport.
It borders the country of Belize to the south.
Although technically a coastal city, Chetumal is actually separated from the sea by Chetumal Bay.
Getting To Chetumal Aboard The Maya Train
To get to Chetumal by Maya Train, you can fly into Cancun Airport and catch the train right there.
Free transportation to the Cancun Airport Maya Train Station is provided, and the station is just a few minutes’ drive from the airport’s terminals.
Tickets start at around $60 each way and can be booked here through the Maya Train website.
The ride takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes.
The Chetumal Maya Train Station
The Chetumal Maya Train station, like the stations in Cancun and Tulum, is located on the city’s airport property.
The station is the last stop along the coastal section of the Maya Train route.
The train station is only about 10 minutes from the center of the city of Chetumal.
Things To Do In Chetumal
While Chetumal may not be the bustling destination of Cancun or Playa del Carmen, there’s plenty to see and do, and it does feature the first Magical Neighborhood in the Mexican Caribbean.
In addition to strolling along the Boulevard Bahia and taking in the sights, there’s the Museum of Maya Culture, the Oxtankah Archeological site, the Santuario del Manati nature reserve, the Cultural Center of the city, and the Chetumal Market to visit.
Additionally, Chetumal is close to several other fascinating places to visit, including Bacalar, the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and the free trade zone near Belize.
Staying In Chetumal
If you don’t want to make the five-hour journey from Cancun to Chetumal just to visit for a day, there are plenty of great lodging options.
You won’t find the sprawling all-inclusives that you’ll find in Cancun, but several highly-rated hotels and hostels.
To stay at a highly-rated property in Chetumal, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $30-$60 a night.
So, not only is Chetumal an amazing place to visit, but it is affordable too, and now you can easily get there aboard the Maya Train.
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