Last Updated on May 18, 2025
Upon boarding a luxury Tren Maya-destined coach bus at Cancun airport, I felt a surge of excitement. A close friend had invited me to join her in exploring the newly completed train system linking seven southeastern Mexican states. After a quick trip, our Tren Maya journey was about to begin.
Tren Maya (or the Mayan Train, in English) is a nearly 1,000-mile-long route connecting tourist destinations, rural Mexican towns, and Pueblos Mágicos (magic towns) throughout the Yucatán. Having previously spent time only along the Caribbean coast, I was eager to explore authentic Mexican culture beyond the tourist traps. We were set to explore three of the 23 “magic towns” along the Tren Maya route, none of which I had visited before.
When it comes to infrastructure projects, Tren Maya stands out due to its vast scale and significant cost. The route traverses mountains, jungles, and the picturesque coasts of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. With a hefty $29 billion price tag, the Mexican government estimates a 15 percent rate of return on its investment and an increase in tourism in the lesser-known cities and towns along the route.
The project has created over 600,000 jobs and employs nearly 500 staff for daily operations.
Tren Maya’s Safety and Security Measures
As the coach wound along a private road connecting the airport with the Cancun Tren Maya station, it became apparent that security was a high priority. Two security checkpoints with guards and metal gates ensured that only buses transporting passengers to the train could use that road.
A separate route and parking area exist for travelers accessing the train by car, complete with accessible ramps and designated parking for those with limited mobility.
Without a doubt, the Cancun station was the busiest along our journey. Nevertheless, we waited about 15 minutes to purchase tickets for our first stop, Izamal. Foreign travelers must present their passports at the ticket counter and provide their email addresses and phone numbers.
You can select your seat from the available options, and while first-class tickets are available, we found that regular tickets provided equally good value with plenty of legroom. Just like in any airport, expect your bags to be screened, your passport checked a second time, and your ticket scanned before boarding the train.
The Tren Maya’s sleek, elegant design, and vibrant turquoise color scheme mesmerized travelers upon its arrival at the station. Military personnel from the National Guard vigilantly monitor the platform and accompany every train, ensuring that passenger safety is the top priority.
While safety remains a top priority, cleanliness holds equal significance. Custodial staff diligently remove crumbs, litter, and footprints from the ride. Each employee greeted travelers with a cheerful smile and a friendly, “Hola! Buenos días!” showing genuine happiness in providing a delightful experience.
Cancun to Izamal
The first leg of our journey from Cancun to Izamal lasted just under three hours. While watching the sunset spread its glow over the Mexican countryside, we noticed numerous families eagerly waving at the passing train along the route. Arriving at the station after dark, we were greeted by glowing yellow walls and friendly faces, hinting at what was to come.
Izamal, referred to as the Yellow City because all its buildings are awash in yellow with white trim, is a significant pre-Columbian Mayan civilization archaeological site. Today, five large pre-Columbian structures remain prominently visible in Izamal. This safe and welcoming city lit our evening as we wandered past ruins and into the town square after settling into our accommodations.
I couldn’t wait to experience Izamal in daylight.
The cobalt morning sky provided a breathtaking backdrop to Izamal’s vibrant yellow tones. I watched in wonder, as if gazing at the city through a color chrome lens. It felt like the whole town enveloped me in a warm, sunny embrace that I never wanted to escape.
In the center of town lies the Monastery of Izamal, featuring its enormous courtyard and sweeping city views. Inside, the golden two-story altar shone brightly as if the mouth of God opened and spoke a ‘welcome’ I couldn’t ignore. Sitting before the altar in silence, I felt the presence of countless souls who had once worshipped in this very spot.
Izamal left an indelible impression upon me.
Izamal to Campeche
Our time in Izamal was drawing to a close, so we returned to the train station for the next leg of our journey to San Francisco de Campeche, a city along the Gulf of Mexico. The three-and-a-half-hour Tren Maya route would traverse the northern Yucatan mountains and travel beside fields of blue agave, the plant that produces tequila.
The Tren Maya Campeche station is about 20 minutes from the city center. Train passengers whose destination was downtown were awaited by a bus, which dropped us off within easy walking distance of our hotel. Taxi transport is available if you prefer, but the bus was nicely appointed and offered tickets for just $2.50.
San Francisco de Campeche’s Spanish architecture and vibrant color scheme create a feast for the eyes. City blocks are lined with shops and restaurants, making dining al fresco a delightful option any time of day. The waterfront features generous walking paths and monuments, providing the perfect backdrop for photos or simply gazing across the vast Gulf of Mexico.
The city retains many of the old colonial Spanish walls and fortifications, which protected it from pirates and buccaneers. The preservation state and quality of its architecture earned it the designation of a World Heritage Site in 1999. Campeche is one of the few cities in North America with most of its historic city walls still intact.
Having only spent two nights there, we barely scratched the surface of all the city offers. Our time there had gone so quickly, but we were excited to board the Tren Maya to our next destination: Palenque.
Campeche to Palenque
Traveling by train from Campeche to Palenque takes just over five hours. It’s wise to pack snacks and water and to download your favorite podcast episodes or music beforehand. Much of the journey lacks cellular service, and while the train offers Wi-Fi, it’s often unreliable along several stretches of the route.
Palenque is a lively city infused with traditional Mexican culture. While we loved our time in the vibrant city center, we selected Palenque as a stop primarily to explore its Mayan ruins for a day. Just a ten-minute taxi ride from the “centro” (or city center, in English) towards the stunning mountains in the distance, we felt as though we had traveled via time machine to the year 600 AD.
Standing in front of a Mayan castle felt otherworldly. Imagining how the Mayans managed to construct such tall stone structures was mind-boggling. Each structure soared over a hundred feet high. Our guide, Cha’at (which means ‘long life’ in Mayan), shared a historical account of how the Maya believed that the king and queen would be closer to God by living in these tall castles.
Paying an extra fee for a tour guide who spoke English was worth it for hearing about the Mayan history alone. The grounds were impeccably manicured, and the walking trails in the lush jungle made this experience well worth the price of admission.
Palenque to Bacalar
Our journey from Palenque to Bacalar followed the southernmost part of the Tren Maya route. This stretch of land was stunning, showcasing expansive farm fields, stone walls, and herds of horses and cattle for miles. I was captivated by the vibrant greenery and fertility of this region of Mexico, as I had only encountered the tropical areas of the Yucatan before.
This portion of the journey will take about eight hours by train. Notably, it was the busiest leg of the trip, as almost every seat was occupied by locals and tourists. Nevertheless, the journey was smooth and serene, providing ample opportunity for reading, doodling, and napping.
Bacalar is a hidden gem among the Caribbean towns of the Yucatán. Its “Lake of Seven Colors” is known as the Maldives of Mexico, and it’s easy to see why. From sugar-white sandy beaches to stunning shades of turquoise and cerulean, the water surrounding Bacalar is jaw-dropping. It offers a relaxing and rejuvenating respite after a long journey and is known for its healing properties.
Foodies will also love the many fresh seafood and local libation options here.
Bacalar to Cancun
While our journey of nearly 1000 miles was nearing its end, I felt a deep love for Mexican culture and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. The ride from Bacalar to Cancun on Tren Maya lasts about five hours, so there is plenty of time to journal about the experience and soak up the last of the scenery.
Although I haven’t traveled such a long train route previously, I can assuredly state that even the most experienced travelers will discover the charm in this Yucatan journey. Undoubtedly, this is the finest and most leisurely method to explore a remarkably diverse and historic part of Mexico.
