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The new Maya Train will provide easier access to other nearby areas, with 18 different stops to get travelers closer to many of southeastern Mexico’s best destinations. Starting in December 2023, anyone that plans to take a vacation in Cancun or somewhere else in the Riviera Maya area will have access to some other great sites that are well worth seeing.
Here we will give a rundown of the 18 different stops that the Maya Train will make and what kind of adventures can be found along the way. If exploring more of Mexico is a bucket list goal, then the Maya Train is a great option for doing just that.
- Palenque, Chiapas – This is where the Maya Train route will begin and the town is the gateway to the ancient Mayan ruins, which can be explored at the National Park of Palenque.
- Boca del Cerro, Tabasco – In Boca del Cerro visitors will find the Usumacinta River. This river is part of the border between Mexico and Guatemala.
- El Triunfo, Tabasco – El Triunfo is an urban town that is near the Moral-Reforma Archeological Zone, which features Classic period Mayan architecture.
- Escárcega, Campeche – While you will find little to do in Escárcega, it is an important station for the locals wanting to travel and for any travelers needing to stock supplies.
- Xpujil, Campeche – Both small in size and in population, Xpujil has much to offer, including some very important Mayan ruins and an ecological reserve.
- San Francisco de Campeche, Campeche – San Francisco de Campeche is a large city with a lot of history, including the historic walls that were built to protect it that still stand today.
- Merida Aeropuerto, Yucatan – While this stop in Merida is at the airport it makes for a great starting point to explore the huge city. There is plenty to see and do here, from historic architecture to cultural activities.
- Izamal, Yucatan – This small city has more to offer than one would expect. Known as the “yellow city,” due to its many yellow buildings, Izamal is also home to a number of ancient Mayan archeological sites.
- Chichen Itza, Yucatan – The third stop in the state of Yucatan is another place to explore ancient Mayan ruins and civilization.
- Valladolid, Yucatan – The final stop in Yucatan is the second-largest city in the state and is known for its charming streets and well-kept architecture.
- Nuevo Xcan, Quintana Roo – This will be the last stop before Cancun and is home to the Xibalba cenote, which is considered to be the Mayan underworld.
- Cancun Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo – The airport stop allows for easy access for travelers flying into Cancun to get to other cities.
- Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo – In Puerto Morelos visitors will find spectacular beaches and amazing off-shore diving sites, like the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.
- Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo – Playa del Carmen is also home to many beautiful beaches and is one of the most popular resort towns in Mexico.
- Tulum Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo – Tulum not only has a breathtaking coastline but also has some fabulous cenotes and it has ancient ruins to explore.
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo – A town known for its understated, non-touristy vibe, Felipe Carrillo Puerto is a place to go for an authentic experience in Mexico.
- Bacalar, Quintana Roo – The small town of Bacalar does not have a beach in the usual sense you picture in Mexico, but it does have a stunning freshwater lake with bluish turquoise waters and a lagoon.
- Chetumal Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo – Chetumal is the capital of Quintana Roo and a port city with a lot of history to explore. The airport station makes for easy access to other parts of the state.
While work on the Maya Train still has a way to go, one can’t help but get excited about the possibilities for sightseeing once it is complete. The route the train will take through southeastern Mexico will truly open up doors for endless exploration into Mexican history and culture, from Cancun and beyond.
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virginia sutherland
Friday 20th of May 2022
cool
Brian Brown
Thursday 19th of May 2022
Interesting. Thank you.
Dan
Wednesday 18th of May 2022
Can you get on and off it any stop on the route ? Any idea of costs? Overnight accommodations or dining
Tonio
Monday 2nd of May 2022
These stops are just 1 per city/town or does some have multiple? Also heared that construction at PDC has been halted.
Wanda Barham
Thursday 28th of April 2022
How is the wioork with the rails progressing and what is a projected start date