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The imminent launching of the Maya Train will transform the way travelers get around the Mexican Caribbean. While the official launch is December 15th, the entire route will be fully operational in a few months.
In just several months, a number of new exciting destinations will be within travelers’ reach, opening the possibility of exploring the hidden wonders of Quintana Roo.
One of the more promising destinations that visitors will soon be able to visit on board the Maya Train is Chetumal, Quintana Roo’s vibrant capital and a major cultural hotspot.
The coastal destination has been undergoing a massive transformation ahead of the unveiling of the new railway system.
From repairing aging buildings to sprucing up streets with colorful murals and vendors, Chetumal has what it takes to become a hit with visitors.
With that in mind, here’s the latest on why Chetumal is one of the most exciting cultural destinations to explore with the Maya Train.
Chetumal To Boast First Ever Magical Neighborhood In Mexico
Across the Mexican Caribbean, travelers can enjoy a myriad of stunning attractions, both old and new. While many hotspots – including Cancun and the Riviera Maya – welcome millions of travelers each year, other regions receive far less attention from tourists.
Situated in southern Quintana Roo, Chetumal is an example of a lesser-known, more remote destination that has the potential to become extremely popular with visitors.
Home to some 170,000 residents, this cultural destination boasts a lively atmosphere complete with packed downtown streets and historical buildings.
@mirianibanez First time visiting the zoo in Chet. It was beautiful 🫶🏼#mexico #chetumal #travel ♬ Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Single Version – Tears For Fears
And with the upcoming launching of the Maya Train, Chetumal is gearing up for a massive increase in visitor numbers.
In light of the new situation, authorities have been working on an ambitious program to spruce up Chetumal’s historical center.
The initiative, known as Barrios Mágicos (Magical Neighborhood), aims to highlight the unique traits of Quintana Roo’s varied urban areas. And Chetumal, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is the perfect target.
The city currently boasts the only Magical Neighborhood in Mexico, as experts continue to revive Chetumal’s mystical wonder.
@taylor_and_tessa Things to do in Chetumal, Mexico 🇲🇽#chetumal #mexico #activities #thingstodo #fyp #foryou #worldtravel #travelcouple ♬ Otro Show – Uzielito Mix & El Bogueto & Dani Flow
According to Mara Lezama, the governor of the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, the goal of the ambitious program is to diversify the region’s offerings for travelers.
As a result, travelers can enjoy colorful murals and safe and inviting city streets across Chetumal.
Work on the project has continued for months, during which artists have covered over 10,000 square meters of murals with stunning paintings that reflect local culture and lifestyle.
@irongirlnadia Traveling red eye flight to Konhulich, Chetumal, Quintana Roo for the first time. Its paradise! #konhulich #chetumal #chetumalqroo #chetumalquintanaroo #theexploreankohunlinch #laescapada #endurancecoach #irongirlnadia ♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) – 山口夕依
Meanwhile, some 94 residential and 53 commercial buildings have been restored across Chetumal, transforming crumbling streets and downtown areas into delightful avenues that are perfect for cultural travel.
The imminent launching of the Maya Train means that travelers will be able to visit Chetumal on their next Mexican Caribbean getaway.
The state capital will have its own station along the sixth section of the railway system, corresponding to the Tulum-Chetumal axis.
@traveloffpath MAYA CULTURE. Mayan culture museum 📍Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico #visitchetumal #chetumalqroo #chetumalmexico #traveltiktok #traveloffpath #presstrip #museum #mayaculture #mayancivilization ♬ original sound – Imaginations of a Mad Man
From Chetumal’s Maya Train station, travelers can hop on a taxi or Uber and enjoy a handful of stunning attractions in the heart of the historical destination.
From the city’s broad Chetumal esplanade to the Payo Obispo zoo, travelers can easily spend upwards of several days in the sunny destination.
@bucket.list.hotels Mayan Ruins Beach in Tulum Chethumal📍 #mexico #tulum #tulummexico #playa #beach #beachvibes #tulumvibes #travel #chetumal #quintanaroo #cancun ♬ Tuyo – E
But Chetumal is also a great destination for a day trip from Tulum or Bacalar, two hotspots that will also have a Maya Train station.
Chetumal belongs to the wider region of southern Quintana Roo, which is expected to see its popularity skyrocket in the coming months as the Maya Train officially begins operations.
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