The Mayan Train is a project planned to interconnect the destinations in the southeastern part of Mexico to boost the local economy and facilitate access to these destinations for national and international tourism. Part of its mission is economic growth and that local communities, Mayans and others, have access to products and services that had been reserved for the most developed zones.
The project will connect ancient Mayan cities with modern metropolis, so visitors can learn more about the treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Despite the critics to the project caused by several factors, including the environmental impact, the project with President Lopez Obrador as head is still on course and has an estimated operations start date.
Mayan Train Inauguration
According to the plans, the first section of the Mayan Train should be available from the last quarter of 2023. This section will go from Palenque to Escárcega.
Sections of the Mayan Train
The Mayan Train contemplates the construction of eight sections for its operation. These will include the following routes:
- Section 1: Palenque – Escárcega (~141 mi)
- Section 2: Escárcega – Calkiní (~146 mi)
- Section 3: Calkiní – Izamal (~106 mi)
- Section 4: Izamal – Cancun (~159 mi)
- Section 5 North: Cancun – Playa del Carmen (~ 31 mi)
- Section 5 South: Playa del Carmen – Tulum (~ 37 mi)
- Section 6: Tulum – Bacalar (~157 mi)
- Section 7: Bacalar – Escárcega (~178 mi)
Stations and Stops of the Mayan Train
The train will run through five states in southeastern Mexico, 21 stations and 14 stops.
Section 1
Stations
- Palenque, Chiapas
- Boca del Cerro, Tabasco
- El Triunfo, Tabasco
Stops
- Tenosique, Tabasco
- Candelaria, Tabasco
Section 2
Stations
- Escarcega, Campeche
- Edzna, Campeche
- San Francisco de Campeche, Campeche
Stops
- Carrillo Puerto, Campeche
- Tenabo, Campeche
- Hecelchakan, Campeche
- Calkini, Campeche
Section 3
Stations
- Merida Airport, Yucatan
- Teya, Yucatan
- Izamal, Yucatan
Stops
- Maxcanu, Yucatan
- Tixkokob, Yucatan
Section 4
Stations
- Chichen Itza, Yucatan
- Valladolid, Yucatan
- Nuevo Xcan, Quintana Roo
Stops
- Xibalba, Yucatan
- Leona Vicario, Yucatan
Section 5 North
- Cancun Airport, Quintana Roo
- Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo
- Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Section 5 South
Stations
- Tulum, Quintana Roo Tulum Airport, Quintana Roo
Stops
- Xcaret, Quintana Roo
- Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo
- Akumal, Quintana Roo
Section 6
Stations
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo
- Bacalar, Quintana Roo
- Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Stops
- Limones, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo
Section 7
Station
- Xpujil, Campeche
Stops
- Conhuas, Campeche
- Centenario, Campeche