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While there has been some controversy surrounding the Maya Train due to the possibility of it destroying some important environmental and cultural sites, there are benefits that will come from its construction now that many of those issues have been resolved.
One of those is opening up access to the region’s Magic Towns, which are towns that have significant cultural or historical value, some of which are currently a little more difficult and more expensive to get to.
Upon the completion of the Maya Train, Cancun tourists will have easy access to seven important Magic Towns in particular, which are highlighted below.
Tulum
Tulum is located just under two hours from Cancun and is home to an important Mayan archeological site, the Tulum Ruins.
The ruins are the only ones located right on the coast of the Mexican Caribbean.
Tulum is also close to many of the best cenotes in the region, which are naturally formed swimming holes that played a role in Mayan culture and history.
@roadtrip.theworld If all you did was go from the airport straight to a resort, did you really visit Mexico? 🤔 #tulum #tulummexico #tulumbeach #exploremexico #mexicotravel #visitmexico #travelmexico #cenotes #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #travellife #roadtrip ♬ cant get enough northernelg edit – nathaellabat
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a stunning island that is a mere half-mile wide and five miles long, just off the coast of Cancun.
It has a laid-back atmosphere that goes perfectly with its fishing village vibe, and it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
It was named a Magic Town in 2015, making it one of the most recent additions to the list of Mexico’s most special places.
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@mexicancaribbean Ready, set, explore! Only 15 seconds in Isla Mujeres and you can already see there is so much magic to discover. What’s on your #bucketlist? Drop us a comment! 👇📸: @bucketlistbums #MyMexicanCaribbean #IslaMujeres #TravelTikTok #VisitAdmirePreserve ♬ Benny and Chiquitita – reymifasol
Bacalar
Bacalar is a city close to the Belize border that is named for the mesmerizing lake that it sits next to, which is known for its different shades of green and blue.
The freshwater lake is the second-largest in the country and the perfect place to explore nature and enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Bacalar was founded by the Mayan people but also has a storied past involving pirates due to its importance as part of a trade route.
@carlos_memories 🇲🇽❤️ #bacalar #mexico ♬ How deep is your love – tommasoreplica
Valladolid
Valladolid is full of history and authentic Mayan culture, and since it is a little off the beaten path, it’s not so full of tourists.
It offers a completely different experience than destinations on the coast, with a focus more on historic preservation than being the next great vacation destination.
It’s also a great place to explore nature, with multiple cenotes nearby, and it is close to one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites, Chichén Itzá.
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Mani
The town of Mani is not far from Sisal and is just over 60 miles from Merida.
It is characterized by 16th-century architecture that was built from stones used in Mayan buildings from the pre-Hispanic era.
Visitors can also find authentic artisan-made clothing and goods and delicious traditional food in this historic Magic Town.
@guias_de_yucatan #Mani #pueblomagico #Yucatan #mexico ♬ Sunset – ØDYSSEE & Gatz2Gatz
Sisal
The town of Sisal was blessed with spectacular natural surroundings that include beautiful mangrove forests and stunning beaches.
It is also home to an important nature reserve and a fairly large population of flamingos, and tourists will find a number of eco-tours through which the town’s nature can be explored.
Sisal is only about 30 minutes from the popular tourist destination of Merida.
@paoloyo Te muestro un poquito de SISAL🤩🌊 #pueblitosmagicos en #yucatan #merida #meridayucatanmexico #trend #viaje #viajestiktok #music #playa #mar #beach #vibes #travel ♬ Feel (Radio Edit) – Mahmut Orhan & Sena Sener
Izamal
Izamal is an interesting and unique Magic Town because it celebrates three different cultures that have inhabited the city in the past.
You can see evidence of not only contemporary Mexican culture but colonial and pre-Hispanic cultures as well.
The colorful buildings, the Archeological Zone, and the architecture is all a testament to the city’s past.
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