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With something as big as the new billion-dollar infrastructure project that is the Maya Train, there was bound to be some teething problems surrounding it.
Brought in by President Manuel Lopez Obrador under his current administration, the Maya Train is set to revolutionize travel across southeastern Mexico, unlocking the Yucatan Peninsula for tourists and locals alike.
Opening in stages throughout the next couple of months due to the grandness of the project, and expected to be fully operational by February 2024, the transport system has a lot to offer – which is why having information on how to use it properly will be a priority for many.
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Confusion At Cancun Airport
The Cancun – Palenque route is now in operation, arriving just in time for the busy winter season for the region, with Cancun Airport seeing an influx of millions of tourists landing on its doorstep.
Unfortunately for staff at the airport, visitors have been reporting a lack of information about the Maya Train when they approach help desks, leaving both parties frustrated.
As Cancun is undoubtedly the busiest airport in southeastern Mexico, the expectation is for staff to be equipped with information about routes, schedules and destinations of the highly anticipated and soon-to-be very popular transport system.
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Sadly this is not the case, with one staff member saying:
“So far, no federal government authority or the operators of the Maya Train have given us any information so that we can guide passengers or tourists who want to travel to the destinations they currently travel.”
Without information on departure times, costs and destinations, staff are left dealing with both national and international tourists who hope to use the Maya Train to reach their vacation destinations with no real help.
It has been confirmed that the free bus service between the terminals of the airport and the Maya Train station is fully operational and information about that specific service can be found at any help desk.
As it finds its footing, it will only be a matter of time before the airport will be more than equipped with all the necessary information, but for now, your guess is as good as any.
Most information on the Maya Train can be found online, so be sure to join the airport wifi and look at the official website if you find yourself stuck.
3 Spots Along Cancun to Palenque Maya Train Route
This initial route has a lot to offer its guests: Magical Towns, Mayan Ruins and stunning landscapes, which the Mexican Caribbean and Yucatan Peninsula is so well-known for.
One Magical Town that is set to grow in popularity as more and more people begin using the transport system is Izamal.
Also known as the Yellow City, due to its distinct yellow-tinged architecture, this town has been proposed to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and offers a more traditional insight into Mexican life.
Complete with Spanish Colonial buildings dating back to the early 19th century, as well as an ancient Mayan Pyramid known as Itzamatul dating back some 1,500 years ago, this town is a place you don’t want to miss.
Talking of ancient Mayan ruins, the Palenque Archaeological Zone will be the perfect attraction for any history buff looking to get their fix.
Comparable to the ever-popular Chichen Itza, this lesser-known site is made up of Mayan ruins and a national park and are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
With ruins, temples and sculptures that are well over 1,000 years old, you will be transported to a seminal period of human history, leaving you awestruck.
The region is also naturally, breathtakingly beautiful and one stop you don’t want to miss along your way is the Aqua Azul Waterfalls.
The perfect adventure day, these incredible falls are known for its turquoise-coloured water, perfect for swimming in and taking some brilliant photographs.
There is also the option to hike around the waterfalls to find your little quiet spot to enjoy the stunning falls deep in the heart of the Mexican jungle.
All these amazing locations and much much more await you on the new Cancun – Palenque route, with some places you would have never thought to explore before the introduction of the Maya Train!
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