Traveling The Yucatan By Maya Train (Tips + Itinerary)

The Maya Train is a brand new rail service that makes getting across the Yucatan Peninsula simpler than it’s ever been.

This long-time talked-about undertaking is lastly coming to fruition in 2023. Set to start out operations on December 1, 2023, the Maya Train will enable vacationers to discover Yucatan Peninsula in a brand new approach.

Not solely will the practice make it simpler to journey between already-popular vacationer locations resembling Cancun, Tulum, and Chichen Itza, however it’ll additionally cease at many less-visited locations that at the moment are simpler to achieve — together with pristine seashores and cultural cities.

The high-speed practice will simply have you ever reducing your journey time in half ensuring you get essentially the most out of your days in Mexico.

Here are some suggestions for touring on the Maya Train in addition to a urged itinerary of a few of the finest locations to go to alongside your journey. Vamos!

The Route

The practice route is 1,554 kilometers lengthy and passes by way of 34 stops, 20 stations, 7 close by airports, and 26 archaeological zones.

If you’re questioning for those who’ll be in a time crunch at your vacation spot, just like cruises, you don’t have to fret. It has 42 trains on the tracks and goes by way of 5 totally different Mexican states: Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. All permitting you to hop on and hop off everytime you need.

The railway named after the Mayan civilization connects vacationer hotspots within the Caribbean with the lesser-known, historic Mayan websites. While not with out controversy, now that the railway is right here it guarantees to be essentially the most handy transportation choice within the Yucatan Peninsula.

It begins in Palenque, a metropolis in Chiapas, and goes northeast in the direction of Cancún in Quintana Roo, utilizing three routes that encircle the peninsula.

To make a full loop across the Yucatan you can begin from anyplace. Fly into Cancun, fly out of Chiapas, vice-versa, or take the entire route round (that’s, as soon as all the development phases are completed).

The Caribbean route will present transportation from Cancun to the southernmost a part of Quintana Roo, making stops at Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and lastly Bacalar. This will certainly turn out to be the most well-liked route because it takes you alongside the coast and is an effective way to chill out and benefit from the Caribbean solar.

The Gulf route will journey from Cancun to Merida, together with a go to to the traditional ruins of Chichen Itza earlier than persevering with south to Campeche. This route is a superb alternative for individuals who get pleasure from exploring the realm’s historical past and need to uncover the hidden methods of the Mayans.

The Jungle route is constructed to attach the southern a part of Quintana Roo with Southern Campeche state, making a cease on the well-known Calakmul Mayan ruins web site. This route is extra about journey than sightseeing, as it’ll take you thru a few of the most distant and breathtakingly stunning locations on the peninsula.

Like anyplace, some stations are going to be extra in style than others. Currently the most well-liked locations are Cancun, Tulum, Merida, Chichen Itza, Palenque, and Chiapas.

Buying Tickets

Getting tickets is simple, breezy, and delightful.

To buy tickets for the practice, you have got two choices. You should buy them at any practice station alongside the route, or you should utilize their app and web site.

Although the ticket costs haven’t been introduced but, they are going to fluctuate relying on the kind of passenger. Like many locations overseas, the worth differs between nationwide vacationers, worldwide vacationers, native passengers, and seniors, amongst others.

10-Day Itinerary for Yucatan by Maya Train

For an excellent introduction to the Yucatan, you should utilize this 10-day itinerary as your template. All key stops are reachable by Maya Train.

It’s simple to plan your personal Mexican vacation independently with out the necessity to purchase an costly organized journey with a tour company. The Maya Train can care for all of your transportation, whereas particular day excursions will be booked on-line so as to add some enjoyable actions to your journey (we’ll be linking to a number of really helpful ones right here).

Day 1: Fly into Cancun and take the ferry to Isla Mujeres

Cancun has turn out to be some of the in style vacationer locations in Mexico and Latin America. This additionally makes it the simplest entry level into the Yucatan with many worldwide flights touchdown in Cancun.

Once you land I might head on to Puerto Juarez the place you may take the ferry throughout to Isla Mujeres. Cancun will be enjoyable, nevertheless it’s excessive tourism at its finest and Isla Mujeres can be a pleasant change of tempo. You would possibly need to expertise this Catamaran Cruise from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres is a small, lush island surrounded by stunning seashores, vibrant coral reefs, and colourful marine life. Spend the day snorkeling off the coast and exploring what this stunning paradise has to supply.

Day 2: Take the Maya Train to Tulum

Today you’ll be taking the Maya Train from the Cancun station down south to Tulum. Usually, this takes 2 1/2 hours by bus however with the high-speed practice, you’ll be there lots sooner.

Make certain to soak up the attractive Caribbean views alongside the way in which. Once you arrive, discover the Tulum Centro, lease a motorbike and journey round city, and ensure to go to the well-known Tulum Ruins.

Day 3: Explore Tulum’s seaside city and close by cenotes

Tulum is house to a few of the most stunning seashores on the planet. Spend your mornings enjoyable on the shore with a cup of espresso. In the afternoons take a day journey to go to close by cenotes, the crystal-clear swimming holes which might be a must-visit on this space of Mexico.

Day 4: Travel to Merida

Now it’s time to take the Maya Train from Tulum again up north to Merida. Make certain to soak up the entire websites and sounds alongside the way in which and prepare for some superb experiences in Merida.

Merida is stuffed with colonial structure, museums, and out of doors markets. Spend the day exploring town and consuming a few of the finest meals Mexico has to supply. Try the normal Yucatan dish, cochinita pibil.

Day 5: Explore Chichen Itza

Today you’ll be taking the Maya Train to some of the well-known Mayan ruins in all of Mexico – Chichen Itza. This world marvel is a must-see when on the Yucatan Peninsula and this present day can be yours to discover it.

Take your time strolling across the grounds, absorbing all of the historical past and marvel of what this civilization was capable of create so a few years in the past. Don’t overlook to go to El Castillo temple for the most effective views within the space. For one of the best expertise, get pleasure from quick access to Chichen Itza.

Day 6: Travel to Campeche and go to Edzna

Take the Maya Train from Chichen Itza down south to Campeche, the place you’ll discover the archaeological web site of Edzna. This web site is far much less visited than Chichen Itza and is a good alternative to discover Mayan historical past with out the entire crowds.

Day 7: Take a ship journey in Palenque

On day seven, you’ll be taking the Maya Train from Campeche all the way in which up north to Palenque.

Palenque is a small city with breathtaking views and a few of the most spectacular Mayan ruins within the area. Once you arrive, take a ship journey on the Usamacinta River to discover a few of the ruins and discover the jungle.

Day 8: Explore Palenque and the close by Waterfalls

Spend day eight exploring the ruins of Palenque. Make certain to take a strolling tour with a information to get extra details about this fascinating civilization — having a information carry the ruins to life actually provides to the expertise.

For one thing totally different, go on an tour to go to the close by waterfalls the place you may swim in crystal-clear waters and discover the Mexican jungle.

Day 9: Travel to Chiapas and discover its colonial cities

On day 9, head to your final cease in Chiapas. You gained’t be capable of do that part by practice, and the bus from Planque to San Cristóbal de las Casas takes about eight hours, however you should still discover it price including this extension to your itinerary. Chiapas is without doubt one of the most stunning states in Mexico with its lush inexperienced forests and heritage cities.

Spend your time exploring cities resembling San Cristóbal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutierrez and visiting the close by Sumidero Canyon.

If you favor to not add this phase as a result of it’s additional away, you may spend an additional day in Palenque as an alternative.

Day 10: Say Goodbye

On day 10, it’s time to say goodbye to this stunning place. Catch a flight out of Chiapas or, due to the ultra-fast Maya practice, you may make it again in time to Cancun if wanted.

Hidden gems

Cancun, Tulum, and Chichen Itza are among the many most famous locations worldwide as a consequence of their accessibility and established vacationer infrastructure. But the most effective issues in regards to the Maya Train is having the ability to uncover the hidden gems of Yucatan.

From the great thing about Holbox Island to the colourful colonial metropolis of Merida, you’ll discover so many fantastic locations which might be off the overwhelmed path and price exploring and the practice will provide help to get there with ease and luxury.

Here are a few of my favourite lesser-known locations:

Bacalar

Bacalar is one in all Mexico’s hidden gems and is well worth the journey in case you have the time. This stunning lake city is house to a few of the clearest water in all of Mexico with a rainbow of colours reflecting off its floor. It’s an excellent spot for kayaking, swimming, or simply taking all of it in.

Bacalar is situated on the border between Quintana Roo and Yucatan and will be reached by way of the Maya Train.

Nuevo Xcan

This tiny city is a good place to expertise the native tradition. You’ll discover conventional meals, music, and artwork in Nuevo Xcan that may’t be discovered anyplace else.

It’s situated off the overwhelmed path however will be reached from Palenque by taking the Maya Train. It’s well worth the journey to get right here and discover this distinctive city.

Izamal

Izamal is usually known as the yellow city or Pueblo de Amarillo. This stunning city is crammed with colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s an excellent place to go to for its tradition, historical past, meals, and structure.

Izamal is true subsequent to Merida and will be reached by taking the Maya Train. Lots of people go right here on day journeys from Merida and elsewhere, nevertheless it’s a very nice city price staying an evening in as nicely in case you have the time accessible.