Mayan Train Project: Tren Maya Scheduled To Launch In Mexico In 2023
Visitors to Mexico will soon have a new and exciting option to explore the Yucatan Peninsula. Dubbed the Tren Maya (Mayan Train), the new train project is set to launch in late 2023. Meanwhile, the new rail service is part of Mexico’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by encouraging visitors to travel via train rather than plane.
Exciting new rail route in Mexico dubbed Tren Maya
From December 2023, visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula will an exciting chance to explore the region. Tren Maya (Mayan Train) is a 948 mi (1,525 km) system of revamped and new railways. Moreover, the idea of the rail route is to connect Caribbean tourist resorts, like Cancun to other inland cities, towns, lesser-known destinations and cultural sites.
Construction first started in 2020 on the initial route from Palenque in Chiapas State, via the iconic and historic city of Mérida through to Cancun. The route also includes the world-famous Mayan site at Chichén Itzá.
Meanwhile, other phases in the route will link Cancun to the popular resort of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Moreover, the rail route will loop back via Bacalar and Xpujil, meeting up with the Palenque-Cancun route at Escárcega.
Building the Mayan Train route
Alstom, a transport giant with a factory in Ciudad Sahagún, is supplying 42 modern, multiple-unit trains. Moreover, the train will have three different styles as follows. One is the “Xiinbaal” (walking) standard regular service trains which are fitted with large panoramic windows for travelers to enjoy the view along the way.
Another is the “Janal” (eating) restaurant car, set to offer travelers delicious regional cuisine. Meanwhile, the third is the “P’atal” (staying) trains, specially designed for long-distance journeys. This train will feature comfortable cabins for daytime and sleeper travel.
What makes the Tren Maya truly spectacular is the exterior color schemes of the rail cars. Each is inspired by Mayan art and culture. Moreover, interior designs on the Mayan Train are influenced by the blue Caribbean Sea. Each train will offer a mix of tradition and modernity, along with a strong regional identity.
Read more about the Mayan Train on the Alstom website here.
About the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula comprises three Mexican states, namely Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Moreover, the peninsula also features parts of Guatemala and Belize. To be connected to the Tren Maya, this is one of few Mexican destinations featuring ancient Maya ruins, colonial cities and the blue of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
Among the ancient ruins, Tulum stands out as the most visited archaeological area of Mexico, with ruins standing on seaside cliffs, overlooking the sea. Chichén Itzá (mouth of the well of the Itzáes, is a spectacular ruin with its stunning and iconic structures.
Another top choice for travelers is Calakmul, a Maya city like no other in Yucatan. The ruin was found in 1931 by American botanist Cyrus Ludell and is hidden in the jungle, miles from modern civilization.
Meanwhile, Uxmal Ruins are unique among the Maya ruins in Yucatan due to the odd shapes of the structures. These include the oddly shaped Magician’s House, the massive Governor’s Palace and the Pigeon House (a structure that resembles modern-day pigeon houses). As for Cobá Ruins, these include the tallest pyramid in Quintana Roo, tucked away in a thick jungle setting.
Exploring nature in the Yucatan Peninsula
Meanwhile, nature is waiting to be explored in the Yucatan Peninsula, with the Parque Nacional Isla Contoy. This park consists of a white sand beach where manta rays can be seen swimming in the clear blue water. Meanwhile, here, there are no hotels or nightclubs and no roads to be seen.
Nature lovers should also make a point of visiting the Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an. Here, while taking a boat trip down a canal dug by Mayans centuries ago, tall grasses on either side are nesting sites for the colorful birds living here.