Travelers visiting Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean in 2024 are set to receive a level of convenience never before seen in Mexico; this is thanks to the opening of huge new transport infrastructure projects, as well as the knock-on effect that these new links will have on already existing transport options.
Additionally, it isn’t just travelers taking excursions to far-flung areas that will win big, as this game-changing year for the Mexican Caribbean will bring value to all travelers.
A New Era
By now, most travelers will be aware that there is a huge new passenger train service in the Mexican Caribbean called the Tren Maya (Mayan Train).
This rail network is creating a super-convenient and modern link between all the main destinations, as well as bringing some smaller, lesser-known favorites into the reach of every traveler.
As well as this new rail service, the world-famous destination of Tulum, which until just a few years ago was a sleepy village known only to backpackers, is becoming the latest air hub with the addition of the Tulum International Airport.
Not since the opening of the Cancun International Airport in 1974 has this area of Mexico seen such a huge addition to transport services. And the pay-off for travelers is going to be huge.
Ticket To A New World
While Cancun and its neighboring sister destination of Playa del Carmen have been welcoming millions of travelers for over 50 years, the smaller destinations to the south, including Tulum, Bacalar, Mahahual, and many more, have been reserved for travelers willing to commit to at times 6+ hours on a bus.
Despite the extensive extra travel needed to visit, the stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and rich cultural wealth to experience in those smaller destinations have always drawn in visitors each year.
With the addition of the Tren Maya, these smaller destinations become a breeze for travelers to experience, and all without the commitment to backpacker-style travel that was needed just a few months ago.
Landing In Paradise
Another huge new project that has changed the Mexican Caribbean forever is the Tulum International Airport.
Tulum has evolved into one of the hottest destinations in the world, and in huge contrast to its once hippie-like traveler population, it now draws in crowds of young travelers wanting to experience its busy entertainment offering.
Furthermore, the new airport will add a lot more value to travelers than just an easier journey for those visiting Tulum.
First of all, Tulum Airport will take a lot of pressure away from Cancun International Airport, which has become one of the busiest travel hubs in all of the Americas.
But more importantly, it opens up many additional flights that could have a positive effect on pricing for travelers.
As Cancun Airport gets more congested, the cost for airlines to fly from the airport rises, and it’s hoped that the spreading out of flights will create a more stable pricing atmosphere for travelers.
Combine The Two For Savings
Travelers with a savvy approach to vacation costs will no doubt be wondering if combining these new travel options can save them money on their vacation.
This could very well be the case, and at no big cost to travel times. For example, with the new Tren Maya service, the time to get from Tulum International Airport to the Hotel Zone in Cancun will be no longer than the current journey by road from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone with daytime traffic, despite the much longer distance.
It becomes an even better prospect for travelers to Playa del Carmen, as both the Cancun and Tulum airports become equally attractive options, leaving only price as a deciding factor.
Of course, the pricing of airfare is an ever-changing beast, and it’s impossible to say for certain which airport will work out cheaper for travelers, but now that travelers have multiple options and the proper connecting infrastructure at both airports means that the cheaper airfare will always be a realistic option to choose.
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