CANCÚN | The long-awaited news has arrived, so get ready to explore Mexico in a brand new light, and it’s going to be as early as this year…
The Maya Train is finally happening – it’s official. At President López Obrador’s press conference on Monday, February 27, Tren Maya Director General, Óscar Lozano, stated that “we are committed to starting operations on December 1, 2023, that is the fulfillment of the mission”.
It’s not long to go, so start planning your itineraries and get ready to explore the Yucatan Peninsula in a whole new light!
This infrastructure megaproject is said to be complete on September 24, 2023, with test dates for the railway beginning in September, and it will run a total of 15,000 kilometers on its first ride to test its capabilities.
All the exciting inside information about the operations calendar has also been released, which means you can now find out when the works will be fully completed, as well as how to buy tickets and the number of stops. So let’s dive in…
The Route
It stretches a whopping 1,554 kilometers, taking you on a journey through 34 stations, around 7 nearby airports, and 26 archeological zones – with a total of 42 trains running on the tracks, stopping in not one, not two, but five different states in Mexico: Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán, and last but definitely not least, Quintana Roo.
This incredible passenger and cargo rail route will take you all around the stunning Riviera Maya and the Yucatán Peninsula. It is expected to be the epitome of efficiency, traveling in style and comfort, leaving each station every two hours, from 6 am to 10 pm, very ideal for catching that dreamy Mexican sunset before returning to your home station.
The head of the Operations of Sedena, Blas Andrés Núñez Jordán, also announced that they’re building six hotels for the Maya Train right by these ancient ruins: Palenque, Edzná, Nuevo Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Calakmul.
Environmental Impact And Safety Of The Project
There has been criticism of the project for its environmental impact, but the Maya Train is one of Mexico’s key projects – and for good reason. In a recent press conference, it was said that more than 60% of the section 5 route would be an elevated viaduct, not only creating beautiful views but protecting the surrounding rivers, caverns, and cenotes in the area.
The train is all about being eco-friendly, using only 10 parts per million of sulfur instead of the usual 500 parts per million – thanks to the state oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) from Progreso to Yucatán. Plus, the CFE will handle the ride’s electricity and fix any power problems in the region. AMLO also says the train will help boost local development by allowing for easy travel around the archaeological zones in the various regions, 10 of them being in Quintana Roo.
“To guarantee a safe and calm travel experience for all passengers wanting to enjoy the Maya Train, the route will have surveillance by land and air; on board the wagons, patrols on tracks, and overflights of drones and aircraft, in addition to surveillance at stations, plus the archaeological zones and airports,” he stated.
Maya Train Tickets
You will be able to book your tickets at any of the train stations along the route or through their app and website. They are yet to announce ticket prices, but they will vary on the type of passenger, for example, national tourists, international tourists, local passengers, seniors, etc.
After finding out this exciting news – it’s now time to start thinking about where you want to visit on the route, as Mexico opens up to the world even more, thanks to this incredible feat of engineering.
This train is not only going to be connecting all huge tourist attractions and transport hubs, but it’s also helping to protect the environment and preserve archaeological sites and nature reserves in the regions.
You’ve got until December to start planning – it’s time to get ready for an unforgettable adventure!