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Here’s the latest news we wanted to tell you guys:
Unfortunately, if you’re expecting to take the scenic Mayan Train from Cancun to Tulum this summer, following the promise that it would start after the presidential election, that won’t happen again.
The long-awaited southern leg of the Mayan Train, which runs not only to Tulum, but also to Lake Bacalar, Chetumal and some upcoming sunny spots in southern Quintana Roo, is now delayed indefinitely.
Delays have become almost synonymous with the Mayan Train at this point, but we understand that some travelers to Mexico may feel disappointed, especially when authorities reiterated time and time again that the Tulum service would launch for the season.
So what happens, and can you go somewhere else if you’ve already booked a flight to Cancun?
The answer is a resounding answer Yesat least there are 4 other incredible destinations you can already visit them if you live in the Caribbean Hotel Zone, and we’ll go through them all, but first: what’s actually happening in terms of construction?
Why is the Mayan Train to Tulum Delayed Indefinitely?
According to Judge Adrián Fernando Novelo of the First District Court of Mérida, the Mexican government and companies involved in the construction of the Mayan Train “failed to respect the environmental impact permit” issued by the relevant environmental authorities.
As a result, the judge issued a immediate suspension of the construction of the railway line between Playa Del Carmen, a coastal town south of Cancun, and Tulum – in terms of reasoning, the decision states that the preservation of underground caves and cenote systems in the area is threatened.
It appears we’re back to square one on the Tulum stretch, as even before the Mayan Train kickstart last December, environmental groups had raised concerns that construction piers would sink directly into the area’s pristine cenotes and damage them.
Cenotes are bright blue sinkholes that the ancient Mayans once believed served gateways to the underworld, and perhaps in some of them they even performed sacrifices; today they are mostly open as a tourist attraction.
Long story short: if you plan to take a day trip to Tulum by train and tick off the beautiful archaeological site, with its ancient temples perched on small cliffs overlooking the bright blue Caribbean , you’ll have to wait a while… longer.
In any case, you can always take an ADO bus or private transfer, but if so Real Looking forward to taking your first trip on the Mayan Train, you must know not all hope is lost with the indefinite delay of the Cancun-Tulum route.
How about trying these 4 alternative destinations instead that are just as awe-inspiring?
Valladolid
At only 1h46 from CancunValladolid is the closest stop you can visit on a day trip from the coastal metropolis, and it’s all you need, especially if you fancy something more than just poolside cocktails and an endless buffet.
Cancun doesn’t have much to offer culturally compared to its world-class hospitality and entertainment scene, but Valladolid, on the other hand, is a well-preserved 16th century town with traditional architecture, ethnic museums and casual restaurants.
The most striking monument in the city is San Gervasio, a fortress-like monastery that remains in perfect condition, but you can spend hours exploring the winding, cobbled streets, lined with striking facades and colorful houses, and never exhaust Valladolid’s colonial treasure. Darling.
Chichen Itza
The second destination in line is the Wonder of the world on the UNESCO World Heritage List that is Chichén Itzá, a pre-colonial settlement that is now largely in ruins, but still offers a glimpse into life in a wealthy Mayan city before the arrival of the Spanish.
The monumental temple of Kukulcana step pyramid as symbolic of the Mexican Caribbean as its white-sand beaches is the most visited site in Chichén Itzá, although don’t miss the impressive ball field and eerie Wall of Skulls.
Chichen Itzá does 2h21 away from Cancun, and since daily departures are limited, you should plan your visit carefully if you plan to return on the same day: it is perfectly possible, but we recommend that you check the current timetables on the official Maya Train website.
Izamal
Just over 3 hours away by train is Izamal, a postcard-worthy town in the Yucatán hinterland best known for its bright yellow colors and quaint atmosphere, offering day trippers a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of Cancun.
If you are looking for the perfect place to taste factual Mexican foodWithout all the resort fuss, there’s no better place than Izamal, where there are an abundance of affordable restaurants serving traditional dishes. panucho tortillas and the indigenous Maya, based on pork poc chuc.
Besides taking the gastronomic trip of a lifetime, Izamal is home to the historic San Antonio de Padua Monastery, with an open atrium in size only second to that of the Vaticanand the unusual Kinich Kak Mo Pyramid, which most visitors to Mexico don’t know exist.
Merida
you could be Try to visit Mérida as a day trip from Cancun, but we warn you: it’s a 4-hour drive and it will be tight. Chances are you’ll hardly have time to explore beyond the surface level, so instead we recommend staying overnight to truly take in the boundless cultural wealth of this state capital.
It’s between the oldest cities built in Europe on this side of the pond, with the third largest historic district on the continent, filled with Baroque sanctuaries and historic squaresand dominated by an imposing cathedral which is in fact the eldest still stands on the American mainland.
Aside from its amazing history, the capital of Yucatán is traditionally considered the safest city in MexicoThis is due to the low crime rates compared to larger conurbation areas such as Mexico City and Guadalajara, and the slow pace of life.
How to buy tickets for the Mayan Train this summer
Trains to all of the above destinations depart directly from the Maya Train terminal at Cancun International Airport, and tickets can be purchased online at the official website, which is becoming more user-friendly by the day, or directly at the station.
We recommend that you buy this online in advance, as there are typically two to three departures per day and seats can fill up quickly; Advance tickets are also generally cheaper, starting at 954 Mexican pesos, or about $52.68 if you are a foreigner.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
