The Maya Prepare is a brand new rail service that makes getting across the Yucatan Peninsula simpler than it’s ever been.This long-time talked-about venture is lastly coming to fruition in 2023. Set to begin operations on December 1, 2023, the Maya Prepare will enable vacationers to discover Yucatan Peninsula in a brand new method.Not solely will the prepare make it simpler to journey between already-popular vacationer locations resembling Cancun, Tulum, and Chichen Itza, however it should additionally cease at many less-visited locations that are actually simpler to achieve — together with pristine seashores and cultural cities.The high-speed prepare will simply have you ever slicing your journey time in half ensuring you get probably the most out of your days in Mexico.Listed here are some suggestions for touring on the Maya Prepare in addition to a urged itinerary of a few of the greatest locations to go to alongside your journey. Vamos!Plan your journey within the YucatanThe RouteThe prepare route is 1,554 kilometers lengthy and passes by 34 stops, 20 stations, 7 close by airports, and 26 archaeological zones.In case you’re questioning in case you’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 5 completely different Mexican states: Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. All permitting you to hop on and hop off everytime you need.CampecheThe railway named after the Mayan civilization connects vacationer hotspots within the Caribbean with the lesser-known, historic Mayan websites. Whereas not with out controversy, now that the railway is right here it guarantees to be probably the most handy transportation choice within the Yucatan Peninsula.It begins in Palenque, a metropolis in Chiapas, and goes northeast in 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 may certainly grow to be the most well-liked route because it takes you alongside the coast and is a good way to calm down 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 wonderful alternative for many who take pleasure in exploring the realm’s historical past and wish 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 should take you thru a few of the most distant and breathtakingly lovely locations on the peninsula.Like anyplace, some stations are going to be extra well-liked than others. At the moment the most well-liked locations are Cancun, Tulum, Merida, Chichen Itza, Palenque, and Chiapas.Shopping for TicketsGetting tickets is simple, breezy, and exquisite.To buy tickets for the prepare, you’ve got two choices. You should purchase them at any prepare station alongside the route, or you should use their app and web site.Though the ticket costs haven’t been introduced but, they’ll range 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 TrainFor an ideal introduction to the Yucatan, you should use this 10-day itinerary as your template. All key stops are reachable by Maya Prepare.It’s straightforward to plan your personal Mexican vacation independently with out the necessity to purchase an costly organized journey with a tour company. The Maya Prepare 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 beneficial ones right here). Day 1: Fly into Cancun and take the ferry to Isla MujeresCancun has grow to be one of the crucial well-liked 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.When you land I’d 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 greatest and Isla Mujeres might be a pleasant change of tempo. You would possibly wish to expertise this Catamaran Cruise from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.Isla Mujeres is a small, lush island surrounded by lovely seashores, vibrant coral reefs, and colourful marine life. Spend the day snorkeling off the coast and exploring what this lovely paradise has to supply.Day 2: Take the Maya Prepare to TulumTulum RuinsToday you’ll be taking the Maya Prepare from the Cancun station down south to Tulum. Normally, this takes 2 1/2 hours by bus however with the high-speed prepare, you’ll be there quite a bit quicker.Be sure to soak up the attractive Caribbean views alongside the best way. When you arrive, discover the Tulum Centro, lease a motorcycle and trip round city, and ensure to go to the well-known Tulum Ruins.Day 3: Discover Tulum’s seaside city and close by cenotesTulum is dwelling to a few of the most lovely seashores on the planet. Spend your mornings stress-free on the shore with a cup of espresso. Within the afternoons take a day journey to go to close by cenotes, the crystal-clear swimming holes which are a must-visit on this space of Mexico.Day 4: Journey to MeridaCochinita PibilNow it’s time to take the Maya Prepare from Tulum again up north to Merida. Be sure to soak up all the websites and sounds alongside the best way and prepare for some wonderful experiences in Merida.Merida is filled with colonial structure, museums, and outside markets. Spend the day exploring town and consuming a few of the greatest meals Mexico has to supply. Strive the standard Yucatan dish, cochinita pibil.Day 5: Discover Chichen ItzaToday you’ll be taking the Maya Prepare to one of the crucial well-known Mayan ruins in all of Mexico – Chichen Itza. This world surprise is a must-see when on the Yucatan Peninsula and this present day might be yours to discover it.Take your time strolling across the grounds, absorbing all of the historical past and surprise of what this civilization was capable of create so a few years in the past. Don’t neglect to go to El Castillo temple for probably the greatest views within the space. For one of the best expertise, take pleasure in easy accessibility to Chichen Itza.Day 6: Journey to Campeche and go to EdznaTake the Maya Prepare 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 all the crowds.Day 7: Take a ship journey to PalenquePalenqueOn day seven, you’ll be taking the Maya Prepare from Campeche all the best way up north to Palenque.Palenque is a small city with breathtaking views and a few of the most spectacular Mayan ruins within the area. When you arrive, take a ship journey on the Usamacinta River to discover a few of the ruins and discover the jungle.Day 8: Discover Palenque and the close by WaterfallsSpend day eight exploring the ruins of Palenque. Be sure to take a strolling tour with a information to get extra details about this fascinating civilization — having a information deliver the ruins to life actually provides to the expertise.For one thing completely 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: Journey to Chiapas and discover its colonial citiesOn day 9, head to your final cease in Chiapas. You received’t be capable of do that part by prepare, and the bus from Planque to San Cristóbal de las Casas takes about eight hours, however you should still discover it value including this extension to your itinerary. Chiapas is without doubt one of the most lovely 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.In case you want to not add this section as a result of it’s additional away, you may spend an additional day in Palenque as an alternative.Day 10: Say GoodbyeOn day 10, it’s time to say goodbye to this lovely place. Catch a flight out of Chiapas or, due to the ultra-fast Maya prepare, you may make it again in time to Cancun if wanted.Hidden gemsBacalarCancun, Tulum, and Chichen Itza are among the many most famous locations worldwide as a result of their accessibility and established vacationer infrastructure. However probably the greatest issues in regards to the Maya Prepare is having the ability to uncover the hidden gems of Yucatan.From the fantastic thing about Holbox Island to the colourful colonial metropolis of Merida, you’ll discover so many fantastic locations which are off the overwhelmed path and value exploring and the prepare will show you how to get there with ease and luxury.Listed here are a few of my favourite lesser-known locations:BacalarBacalar is considered one of Mexico’s hidden gems and is well worth the journey when you’ve got the time. This lovely lake city is dwelling to a few of the clearest water in all of Mexico with a rainbow of colours reflecting off its floor. It’s an ideal 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 Prepare.Nuevo XcanThis 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 Prepare. It’s well worth the journey to get right here and discover this distinctive city.IzamalIzamal is usually referred to as the yellow city or Pueblo de Amarillo. This lovely city is full of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s an ideal 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 Prepare. Lots of people go right here on day journeys from Merida and elsewhere, nevertheless it’s a very nice city value staying an evening in as properly when you’ve got the time obtainable.Some hyperlinks could also be affiliate hyperlinks, that means I’ll earn fee from services or products I like to recommend. For extra, see web site insurance policies.Posted MAY 25, 2023
