Tren Maya (the Mayan Practice) is a brand new and thrilling technique to discover Mexico’s culturally wealthy areas of the Yucatan Peninsula. Be taught the place the brand new prepare goes, find out how to purchase tickets, and what’s coming subsequent.
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a spot the place the traditional world meets fashionable journey, a land of dense jungles, crystalline cenotes, and among the world’s most fascinating archaeological websites. For hundreds of years, the traditional Mayan civilization thrived right here, forsaking unimaginable ruins that also captivate explorers and historians right this moment.
Tren Maya (aka the Mayan Practice) is an bold mission launched by the Mexican authorities which guarantees to rework journey within the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
The prepare makes it simpler than ever to discover the area’s various points of interest — from pristine seashores to the depths of the jungle. For vacationers wanting to expertise the wonders of the Yucatan, the Mayan Practice presents a singular and environment friendly technique to uncover Mexico’s hard-to-reach locations — with out the effort of renting a automobile and driving.
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Mayan Practice Journey Information
What Is The Mayan Practice?
The Mayan Practice is a brand new railway line that spans roughly 1,500 kilometers (about 930 miles) and connects a number of key cities and vacationer locations all through the Yucatan Peninsula.
The prepare’s route passes via 5 states: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo, offering entry to widespread locations reminiscent of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Merida, and Palenque.
Designed with each vacationers and locals in thoughts, the prepare goals to spice up regional growth, enhance connectivity, and supply sustainable transportation options.
With fashionable carriages that includes snug seating, eating choices, and huge home windows for panoramic views, the Mayan Practice guarantees a soothing journey via one in every of Mexico’s most fascinating areas.
Sure It’s Open Now!
Tren Maya formally began operating in December 2023. The at the moment open Western route can take you from Cancun all the best way to Palenque (passing via Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Merida, and Campeche) in about 10 hours.
The Southern part of the route is simply open from Cancun to Playa del Carmen in the intervening time, however will probably be opening up extra locations later this 12 months. You possibly can e book tickets right here.
Preserve studying for particulars about locations alongside the open routes, in addition to the elements nonetheless below building.
Mayan Practice Western Route (Open Now)
The place does the Mayan prepare go? One of the thrilling points of the Mayan Practice is the varied array of locations it connects. Whether or not you’re a historical past fanatic, a nature lover, or just trying to loosen up on a wonderful seaside, the prepare’s route has one thing for everybody.
Listed below are among the highlights of the at the moment open Western route:
1. Cancun: Gateway To The Yucatan
Most vacationers will begin their Mayan prepare journey in Cancun, the prepare’s northern terminus and one in every of Mexico’s hottest seaside locations. The Cancun prepare station is positioned 20 minutes away from Cancun Worldwide Airport, nevertheless in case you’ve bought a prepare ticket, there’s a free shuttle from the airport to the station.
Identified for its gorgeous white-sand seashores, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts, Cancun is an ideal place to begin for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. After absorbing the solar and having fun with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, vacationers can board the Mayan Practice to start their journey deeper into the center of the Yucatan.
➜ Learn My Cancun Journey Information Right here
2. Valladolid
Nestled within the coronary heart of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid seamlessly blends colonial appeal with Mayan historical past. This quaint city, with its pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets, presents a peaceable retreat away from the bustling vacationer hubs.
Valladolid’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring close by cenotes, historic ruins, and the colourful tradition of the area. Whether or not you’re wandering via the picturesque city sq. or savoring native delicacies, Valladolid invitations you to decelerate and expertise the genuine fantastic thing about Mexico.
ROUTE OPEN: The Mayan prepare route from Cancun to Valladolid is open. Service runs a couple of occasions per day, at a value of round $24 USD (472 MXN) for the “Vacationer Class” ticket.
TRAVEL TIME: The journey time from Cancun to Valladolid is 1.5 hours by prepare.
➜ Learn My Valladolid Journey Information Right here
3. Chichen Itza: Historical Marvel Of The World
Chichén Itzá, one of many New Seven Wonders of the World, stands as a panoramic testomony to the traditional Maya civilization. Situated in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Web site attracts guests from across the globe with its towering pyramid, El Castillo, and its wealthy historic significance.
As soon as a thriving metropolis, Chichén Itzá is full of awe-inspiring constructions just like the Temple of the Warriors and the Sacred Cenote. Whether or not you’re marveling at its intricate stone carvings or studying about its astronomical significance, Chichén Itzá presents a fascinating journey into the mysteries of the previous.
ROUTE OPEN: The Mayan prepare route from Cancun to Chichen Itza is open. Service runs a couple of occasions per day, at a value of round $30 USD (596 MXN) for the “Vacationer Class” ticket.
TRAVEL TIME: The journey time from Cancun to Chichen Itza is 2 hours by prepare.
➜ Learn My Chichen Itza Journey Information Right here
4. Merida: Cultural Capital of the Yucatan
Persevering with inland, the prepare arrives in Merida, the colourful capital of the state of Yucatan. Identified for its colonial structure, full of life markets, and wealthy cultural scene, Merida presents a style of conventional Yucatecan life.
Right here, guests can discover the historic metropolis middle, pattern scrumptious native delicacies, and immerse themselves within the area’s distinctive mix of Mayan and Spanish influences. Merida has additionally change into a hotspot for American and Canadian expats/retirees because of its laid again ambiance and inexpensive costs.
Merida is nice a gateway to different close by points of interest such because the Mayapan ruins and the Cenotes de Cuzama, making it a perfect cease for these in search of each tradition and journey.
ROUTE OPEN: The Mayan prepare route from Cancun to Merida is open. Service runs a couple of occasions per day, at a value of round $50 USD (977 MXN) for the “Vacationer Class” ticket.
TRAVEL TIME: The journey time from Cancun to Merida is 3.5 hours by prepare.
➜ Learn My Merida Journey Information Right here
5. Campeche: Mexico’s Pirate Port City
Campeche, a colourful coastal city on Mexico’s Gulf of Mexico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site identified for its well-preserved colonial structure and wealthy historical past. As soon as a bustling port focused by pirates, Campeche is now a peaceable escape the place pastel-colored buildings line cobblestone streets, and centuries-old fortifications overlook the ocean.
The city’s historic middle is full of charming plazas, ornate church buildings, and full of life markets, making it an ideal mix of tradition and leisure. Whether or not exploring the traditional partitions or having fun with recent seafood, Campeche invitations you to find a unique facet of Mexico’s storied previous.
6. Palenque: Coronary heart Of The Mayan World
Because the prepare continues its journey, it heads southwest to Palenque, one of the crucial spectacular Mayan archaeological websites in Mexico. Nestled within the jungles of Chiapas, Palenque is understood for its gorgeous temples, intricate carvings, and expansive ruins that date again over a thousand years.
Exploring Palenque is like stepping again in time, providing a deeper understanding of the traditional Mayan civilization. The prepare’s route makes it simpler than ever to succeed in this distant however unimaginable vacation spot, bringing vacationers nearer to the mysteries of the previous.
Mayan Practice Southern Route (Beneath Development)
A significant part of the Mayan prepare route from Cancun down South alongside the Mayan Riviera to Tulum after which on to the jungle ruins of Calakmul remains to be below building. This leg of the route is deliberate to be completed by 2025.
Listed below are among the highlights of the (largely below building) Southern route:
1. Playa del Carmen: OPEN NOW!
Playa del Carmen, positioned alongside Mexico’s gorgeous Riviera Maya, is a vibrant coastal city that effortlessly combines laid-back seaside vibes with full of life nightlife and wealthy tradition. Identified for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Playa del Carmen is a paradise for seaside lovers and water sports activities fans.
Past its well-known shores, Playa del Carmen presents an eclectic mixture of boutique retailers, stylish eating places, and bustling markets alongside the long-lasting fifth Avenue. Whether or not you’re diving into the Nice Mayan Reef, exploring close by cenotes, or having fun with the buzzing nightlife, Playa del Carmen guarantees an unforgettable tropical escape.
ROUTE OPEN: The route from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is now open. Service runs a couple of occasions per day, at a value of round $8 USD for the “Vacationer Class” ticket.
TRAVEL TIME: The journey time from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is 45 minutes by prepare.
➜ Learn My Playa Del Carmen Journey Information Right here
2. Tulum: Historical Ruins & Trendy Vibes
From Playa del Carmen, the prepare heads south to Tulum, a city identified for its bohemian ambiance and well-preserved Mayan ruins overlooking the ocean. Tulum has change into a hotspot for eco-tourism, with a concentrate on sustainability and environmental preservation.
Right here, guests can discover the ruins of Tulum, swim in cenotes (pure sinkholes full of crystal-clear water), and luxuriate in among the finest seashores within the area. The Mayan Practice makes it simple to expertise the very best of Tulum, whether or not you’re considering historical past, nature, or just enjoyable in a hammock by the seaside.
ROUTE CLOSED: The route from Playa del Carmen to Tulum remains to be below building. It ought to be open by the tip of 2024.
➜ Learn My Tulum Journey Information Right here
3. Bacalar: The Lagoon Of Seven Colours
No journey via the Yucatan can be full with out a cease at Bacalar, a small city identified for its gorgeous lagoon, which shimmers in shades of blue and turquoise. The “Lagoon of Seven Colours” is an ideal spot for kayaking, swimming, or just having fun with the pure fantastic thing about the world.
Bacalar’s relaxed ambiance and exquisite environment make it a perfect place to unwind after days of exploring ruins and bustling cities.
ROUTE CLOSED: The route from Tulum to Bacalar Lagoon remains to be below building. It ought to be open by the tip of 2024.
4. Chetumal
Chetumal is the serene capital of Quintana Roo, positioned on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Nestled close to the border with Belize, this peaceable city presents a singular mix of Mexican and Caribbean cultures. With its relaxed vibe, Chetumal is the right vacation spot for vacationers in search of a quieter, extra genuine expertise away from the busier vacationer spots.
Stroll alongside its scenic waterfront boulevard, go to fascinating museums, or discover close by pure wonders like Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colours. Whether or not you’re considering historical past, nature, or native delicacies, Chetumal gives a gateway to the wealthy magnificence and tradition of southern Mexico.
ROUTE CLOSED: The route from Bacalar Lagoon to Chetumal remains to be below building. It ought to be open by the tip of 2024.
5. Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
Situated far-off from most vacationer points of interest within the coronary heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the Mayan ruins of Calakmul sit close to the border of Guatemala with wildlife like howler monkeys and jaguars.
Not like different websites in Mexico, guests can nonetheless climb to the highest of those huge pyramids and take within the surrounding tropical forests, the expanse of the central plaza and the a number of palaces that lie round it.
Of all of the Mayan websites in Mexico, Calakmul is my private favourite. You will get misplaced for a full day exploring the positioning, and because of its distant location, there aren’t many vacationers.
ROUTE CLOSED: The route from Chetumal to Calakmul remains to be below building. It ought to be open by the tip of 2024.
➜ Learn My Calakmul Journey Information Right here
Why Select Driving The Mayan Practice?
The Mayan Practice isn’t just a handy mode of transportation; it represents a brand new technique to expertise the Yucatan Peninsula. Listed below are a couple of the reason why this prepare journey ought to be on each traveler’s checklist:
- The prepare is designed with sustainability in thoughts, utilizing fashionable expertise to scale back emissions and decrease environmental influence. By selecting the prepare over flying or driving, vacationers can take pleasure in a greener technique to discover the Yucatan.
- With spacious seating, air con, and onboard facilities, the Mayan Practice presents a snug various to bus or automobile journey. The prepare’s well-planned route ensures that vacationers can simply entry key locations with out the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads for lengthy hours.
- Touring by prepare presents a singular perspective on the Yucatan Peninsula, permitting passengers to take pleasure in scenic views of the jungle, shoreline, and small cities which might be typically missed when touring by aircraft or automobile. The prepare’s massive home windows and remark vehicles present the right vantage level for taking within the area’s pure magnificence.
- The prepare’s route passes via quite a lot of locations, every providing a definite glimpse into the area’s wealthy historical past and tradition. From historic ruins to vibrant cities, the Mayan Practice permits vacationers to expertise the varied cultural heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Getting ready For Your Journey
If you happen to’re planning to take the Mayan Practice, it’s essential to plan forward. Tickets might be bought on-line or at numerous stations alongside the route. Relying in your itinerary, you could select to journey in phases, stopping at totally different locations alongside the best way, or go for a extra direct journey between main cities.
It’s additionally a good suggestion to pack gentle, as you’ll doubtless need to discover on foot whenever you attain every vacation spot. Comfy clothes, sturdy footwear, a hat, and sunscreen are necessities for the recent and humid Yucatan local weather. You possibly can learn my full journey packing checklist right here to get an thought of what I carry with me after I journey.
The Mayan Practice: A New Journey Awaits
The Mayan Practice is greater than only a new mode of transportation; it’s an invite to discover the Yucatan Peninsula in a approach that has by no means been attainable earlier than. With its various route, snug facilities, and dedication to sustainability, the prepare presents a recent perspective on one in every of Mexico’s most fascinating areas.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time customer, the Mayan Practice guarantees an unforgettable journey via a land the place historical past, tradition, and nature converge. So, pack your baggage, hop on board, and prepare to find the magic of the Yucatan like by no means earlier than.
