Mexico has officially launched the first 290-mile segment of its ambitious Tren Maya (Maya Train) project, which is set to eventually span 950 miles across the Yucatán Peninsula. This rail line is poised to connect some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and renowned archaeological sites. Upon completion, it will feature over 40 trains serving 34 stations across five southeastern states: Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatán.
Currently, passengers can only travel between Cancún and Campeche, with a stop at Teya, but plans include expanding to cover more of the region, offering access to iconic locations like the Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá. By late February, officials aim to connect Cancún to other popular destinations, such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos, while also bringing travelers deeper into the interior of the region.
Travelers will have three distinct onboard experiences to choose from:
- Xiinbal, which means “walking” in the Mayan language, offers standard service with large windows for scenic views.
- Janal, translating to “to eat,” provides dining cars with traditional Mexican dishes, inspired by the iconic modernist architect Luis Barragán’s aesthetics.
- P’atal, meaning “stay,” offers sleeper cars for long-distance travel, featuring comfortable cabins with amenities designed for overnight trips.
Despite its promise, the Tren Maya project has been embroiled in controversy. Originally budgeted at $8.6 billion, the cost has ballooned to an estimated $28 billion. Environmental groups have raised concerns over deforestation, wildlife habitat loss, and the displacement of indigenous communities. More than 3 million trees have reportedly been cut down, contradicting earlier promises of minimal environmental disruption. Critics also fear the project may displace the very people it claims to help, though a UN report suggested the train could lift over 1 million people out of poverty by 2030.
In response to these concerns, Mexican officials maintain that the project strikes a balance between development and environmental preservation. According to the Mexican Embassy, “This project is not a binary choice between development and environmental damage; it represents a balanced approach that takes into account the preservation of the region’s unique ecosystems while promoting growth and prosperity.”
Tickets for the Maya Train are already on sale, with prices ranging from $43 for tourist class to $68 for premier class. Officials have promised discounted fares for local residents, though exact pricing details have yet to be released.
As the Tren Maya continues to develop, it is seen as a project that will redefine travel across Mexico’s southeast, bridging cultural heritage with modern infrastructure, and offering tourists a new way to explore the beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Related Post: What Every Traveler Should Know About the Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
