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Last year, the Mayan Train marked the triumphant return of passenger rail to the Yucatán Peninsula after nearly a century of funding and lack of investment. It now connects all the major tourist attractions around the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancun, Tulum and Chichén Itzá.
The success of the Mayan train continued afterwards initial hiccups getting started, with connectivity in the Mexican Caribbean having improved significantly and tourists now using the train discover off-path parts of the country that weren’t that accessible before – but they are doesn’t end there.
Soon enough, yet another train route visiting hidden gems will launch in two additional states, including a historic colonial port on the Gulf of Mexico and a relaxing beach town currently popular among surfing enthusiasts:
Mexico’s next tourist train traveling from the Gulf to the Pacific coast
If reported Through The Cancun sunthe so-called Isthmus train is Mexico’s next major development project on the way to 2024.
Although it was inaugurated last December, it did not make a big impression all eyes were on the Mayan trainwhich started its maiden voyage from Cancun around the same time.
Despite initially being ignored, the Isthmus Train is now being touted as Mexico’s next big breakthrough in tourism: the service is already operational, connecting the city of Mexico with Coatzacoalcosin the state of Veracruz, to the quaint town of Salina Cruz, in neighboring Oaxaca.
Although the current railway map is not nearly as extensive as the much more popular Mayan Train, which visits seven stations and to connect the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific coast, authorities have promised that “additional routes” will be added this year.
By the time it is completed it is expected that this will be the case the train will travel more than 700 miles. The most exciting thing is that if you travel on the Mayan Train from mid-2024, you will be able to connect to the Isthmus Line in Palenque.
The Mayan Train will connect to the Isthmus Line
@codigoveracruz Así se mira the Tren Interoceánico is the air party of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz rumbo a Salina Cruz, Oaxaca #coatzacoalcos #tren #interoceanico #oaxaca ♬ Where is the love? – Est Realis TEAM
The UNESCO-protected archaeological zone is the last, southwesternmost station of the Mayan Train, located at the end of the extended ‘tail’ of the line, and as announced by Local mediait will also house Isthmus trains.
This means that it will soon be possible for passengers aboard the Mayan Train in Cancunor another major city on the line, to transfer to the Coatzacoalcos-bound Isthmus train when traveling all the way south to Palenque.
A bustling port on the Gulf of Mexico
Coatzacoalcos is a strategic port on the Gulf of Mexico, best known for its thriving shipping industry and indigenous Olmec culture. The cityscape itself is characterized by a unique combination of colonial, modernist and Mesoamerican revivalist architecture.
Two of the most emblematic symbols of Coatzacoalcos include: Pyramid Maleconan imposing modern pyramid-shaped structure get direct inspiration of the ruined cities that litter the Yucatán Peninsula, and the whitewashed Cathedral of St. Joseph.
The city is also home to a well-attended shopping center (Plaza Forum) with attractive prices and the Olmec Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from this lesser-known pre-Columbian civilization, which coexisted with the world-famous Mayans and Aztecs, can be exhibited. admired.
A picturesque town in the Pacific Ocean
On the other hand, Salina Cruz is a much smaller coastal hub best known for its pristine golden sand beaches, surfing culture and year-round warm weather: winters are basically a non-existent concept here, where the lowest temperature on record averages a pleasant 69.8°F.
An easy half-hour drive from the center of Salina, Playa Cangrejo is the perfect place to relax and sunbathe without being disturbed by the crowds, thanks to its quieter, family-friendly environment and varied selection of seafood restaurants.
@paadodee ¿Sabías que en #salinacruz there is one #poza ? If you have to do this, you may encounter it! – – – #istmodetehuantepec #lugaresenoaxaca #juchitan #tehuantepec #costasdeoaxaca #salinacruzoaxaca ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim
Playa Azul is also not to be missed, as it is one of the few in the region where the sand is pristine white and the seas an inviting azure blue color. It’s an even shorter 20-minute drive from the city and is a popular half-day trip for tourists venturing along Oaxaca’s coast.
Other notable non-beach sights include the Cortés Lighthouse, a state-protected monument already built in the 16th century during the first Spanish raids on Mexican territory, and the Piedra Cuchi viewpoint.
What we know so far about the Isthmus Train
Other confirmed stops on the Isthmus Line, which departs from Coatzacoalcos, include the cities of Minatitlán, Acayucan, Matías Romero, Unión Hidalgo, Ixtetepec and Tehuantepec.
So far we don’t know if the train tracks will be extended to the capitals of Veracruz and Oaxaca, home to towering Spanish cathedrals and beautiful colonial centers.
As for tickets, prices for the Isthmus train leaving from Palenque have also not been announced, but the route already in use and connecting Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz is quite affordable. from $27 for economy class passengers, and about $35 for executives.
If you start your trip in Cancun, plan on a one-way trip to Palenque, where you will transfer to the Isthmus train. These cost between $123 and $197, depending on the rate chosen.
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