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Maya Train To Launch In 3 Stages And Be Fully Operational By February 2024 

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In the blink of an eye, the time has finally come for the Mexican Caribbean’s billion-dollar infrastructure projects to begin operations.

The New Tulum International Airport has just begun its first domestic flight routes in and out of the popular tourist destination and has been a resounding success. 

Now all eyes turn to the inauguration of the highly anticipated Maya Train, which is set to revolutionize travel throughout the Yucatán Peninsula for tourists and locals alike. 

Woman looking out of train window

The Plan

On December 15th, the first route from Campeche to Cancun will begin operations, coming as no surprise with Cancun set to have the busiest winter on record with tourists.

Subsequently, the second route from Cancun to Palenque, Chiapas will be inaugurated on December 31st, giving people the chance to visit popular magical towns such as Valladolid and Merida, and some of the region’s most impressive archeological sites such as Chichén Itzá. 

There has been confirmation from President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador(AMLO) that the final sections of the Maya Train will be complete by February 2024, when it will become fully operational. 

@futurology.shorts Mexico’s $20BN Railway Through the Mayan Jungle   #TrenMaya #Railway #Mexico #Yucatan #MegaProject #Transportation #Tourism #Ancient #Mayan #Maya #Travel #Cancun #Stations #Ruins #Jungle #Cost #Billion #Jobs #Money #Engineering #Exploration #Explore #Culture #Connect #Archaeology #Science #Construction #Vox #Progress #innovation ♬ original sound – Futurology

Delays have plagued the project due to the extra care being taken not to upset the region’s natural beauty, and to preserve the many cenotes and jungle areas that are littered throughout, after some controversy with local communities. 

Despite its protestors, many are looking forward to the new Maya train, believing that the region has needed better connectivity ever since it has seen tourist popularity boom year after year.

Now, once-forgotten towns and hidden locations will become unlocked for tourists, bringing prosperity to local communities and the chance for them to be discovered and enjoyed by everyone. 

@zoetastetravel Yucatan in Mexico is definitely a great place for traveling around💙🥰 #mexico #traveltiktok #roundtrip #placestogo #mexicotravel #yucatan ♬ Mentirosa – Ráfaga

Places You Can Explore On The New Maya Train Routes

As part of the initial routes beginning in December, there are many exciting places to visit!

Known as one of the safest cities in Mexico and Latin America, Merida is a renowned ‘magical town’, known for its colorful architecture and cultural significance to the region. 

Steeped in colonial history, the town will capture your imagination with its cobbled stone streets, impressive churches, and its new La Plancha Park, resembling the central parks in New York and Mexico City, becoming a tourist attraction in its own right. 

Aerial View of Merida with a plaza and buildings in the background.

Merida is just one of twenty-three magical towns that you will be able to visit via the Maya Train, with seven of them being actual stops along the route. 

Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the most popular archeological zone in the country will become easier than ever to reach, and is an unmissable attraction. 

Here you will find ancient temples, pyramids and ruins that date back over 1,500 years ago when they were built by the Ancient Mayans, and have stood the test of time for countless centuries. 

Chichen Itzá at sunset

Here along with another five other UNESCO World Heritage sites will be unlocked for tourists, as well as a whopping fifty-plus archaeological zones such as the world-famous ruins in Palenque and Tulum, as well as more unheard sites such as Xcambo, Aké and Becán. 

There is also a chance to witness the endless natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula, such as the many cenotes (underground swimming holes) that are littered all over the region. 

Rio Secreto, located in Playa del Carmen will certainly be one of your favorites, due to its stunning natural beauty; the stalagmites towering above from cave ceilings, reaching down in the bluest of blue waters are awe-inspiring.

cenote inside cave

Here you can explore the underground river by either swimming or hiking throughout it, perfect for any adventure lover. 

Also located in Playa del Carmen lies the Xplor Adventure Park, where a plethora of exciting attractions and activities await you, such as zip lining, driving through jungles and caves, paddle boarding and much much more. 

As the Maya Train comes fully into operation, it will become clear just how much will be on offer for tourists, making the region one of the best vacation hotspots in the entire world!

Tourists interested in purchasing tickets for the Maya Train can do so at the official website HERE.

aerial view of cenote

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Denver Writer

Sunday 3rd of December 2023

It would have been helpful to include a link to the official train publicity and ticket site(s).

Tyler Fox

Sunday 3rd of December 2023

Added link, thank you.

Naz

Sunday 3rd of December 2023

interested