Maya Train Announces Seven New Exciting Destinations In Mexico

While the idea of the Maya Train was initially criticized by environmentalists, after its launch last year, the rail service has become hugely popular as it grows. Now, seven new destinations have been announced, where travelers can visit charming old towns and fascinating mystical pyramids.

Maya Train service continues to grow across the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula includes many of Mexico’s most popular destinations, including Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It also features world-renowned architectural landmarks, like Tulum and Chichen Itza. Moreover, this region is full of fascinating history that most travelers are only learning about now and can visit by catching the Maya Train (Tren Maya).

Meanwhile, with the opening of train lines between Cancun and Merida, and Cancun and Tulum, the Maya Train now celebrating its one-year anniversary by adding seven more destinations. These destinations include everything from charming and traditional small towns to amazing pyramids.

December 15 saw the phased construction of the Maya Train finally complete and available for visiting.

New destinations for the Tren Maya

Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum will soon attend an inauguration ceremony in Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo. This previously overlooked city looks set to become a major transport hub for Maya Train passengers, providing direct links to the northern end of the state, where Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun are located, and Escarcega, in the state of Campeche.

– Ichkabal, Quintana Roo

Ichkabal was first settled by the ancient Mayans around 400 BC and is one of the largest historical sites in the country. From there, it became an important cultural and trading center before being abandoned in the wake of the Spanish Conquest.

The city boasts a 37-mile protected zone where some of the pyramids can rise as high as 46 meters (151 feet) and can clearly be seen above the jungle canopy. Moreover, in its main historical complex, the central plaza is an amazing sight, covering some 300 meters (984 feet).

– Kohunlich

This ancient Mayan hub dates back to the year 200 BC and is a lesser-known archeological site still not affected by mass tourism. Structures here are covered in dense vegetation and overgrown trees, which serves to add to the destination’s mystique.

However, unlike Chichen Itza, there is no large pyramid to be seen, unless it is yet to be excavated. Meanwhile, more than 200 mounds spread over 21 acres, with courtyards, palaces on raised platforms, and a fascinating system of cisterns for rainwater collection.

– Nicolas Bravo

Nicolas Bravo is an intermediate station on the Maya Train line and also serves Konunlich’s archeological zone, along with Dzinbanche and Kinichna, two fascinating Mayan settlements boasting ancient temples and majestic pyramids.

Meanwhile, the lesser-known Crocodilo Dorado Cenote close by is an open-air sinkhole filled with crystal-clear waters, providing travelers the perfect escape from the heat of summer, without the usual tourist crowds.

– Xpujil, Yucatan

Nestled in the Jungle is a small town that has retained its Mayan customs. Xpujil features traditional restaurants where visitors can enjoy native food at affordable prices and the town boasts its own ancient ruins.

Moreover, Xpujil boasts an archaeological site founded some 1,724 years ago. Similarly to other Mayan sites in the area, it is dominated by monumental ruined temples, many of which have yet to be seen by travelers.

– Calakmul

The once-thriving city of Calakmul reached its peak somewhere between 250 BC and 700 AD. However, it remained inhabited over the centuries and rivaled Tikal in importance until it was finally defeated by its northern Guatemala neighbor.

Up until now, the city has yet to see tourists visiting, due to its remoteness, and the fact that it has largely been reclaimed by the jungle. This means there are large plazas, royal palaces and altars blending in with the lush greenery and making the destination even more fascinating.

– Centenario, southern Yucatan

Serving as the gateway to southern Yucatan, Centenario is a small municipality surrounded by forests and mangroves. Meanwhile, adventure fans can enjoy many activities in nature. A major attraction close by is Noh Laguna, around a half-hour drive from Centenario, a tranquil, turquoise lagoon is a restful place to explore.

– Escarcega, Campeche

This laid-back small town in Campeche is set to become the second-busiest Maya Train station in southern Yucatan after Chetumal. This is due to the town’s status as a transfer point for passengers and its proximity to historical sites.

The town features plenty of native-owned eateries to enjoy, including Taqueria City and Asadero la Higuera. Moreover, nature lovers can explore the nearby Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed park with plenty of wildlife.

Enjoy the new destinations on the Maya Train line on your next visit to Mexico. Find more information on the Tren Maya website here.