Claudia Sheinbaum’s Emotional Journey on the Maya Train Revealed

Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, described her recent trip on the Maya Train as "very emotional". She embarked on the journey with the governors of the five states through which the train travels, from Palenque, Chiapas, to Chetumal, Quintana Roo on Saturday, December 14. "The final stretch was truly spectacular. We completed the journey from Palenque to Chetumal in six hours, despite being told it would take over seven. There are still a few minor issues, but the entire route is operational," she said.

Sheinbaum also mentioned the influx of tourists at the Chetumal and Tulum airports via Mexicana de Aviación. During the trip, she held work meetings with the governors, her cabinet representatives, and construction companies. The progress of the train is reviewed every two weeks, and the development hubs of the inter-oceanic corridor were also discussed. A meeting with Governor Mara Lezama's cabinet in Quintana Roo is forthcoming. Sheinbaum emphasized the enduring presence of the Maya people on the peninsula, dispelling the notion that they have disappeared. She also shared her experience of a peasant theater play in Valladolid, inspired by "The Conspiracy of Xinum," by Yucatecan writer Ermilo Abreu Gómez.

As of December 15, tickets for the Maya Train are available for the five states on the route: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. Tickets can be purchased at physical box offices or online. The train route includes 34 stations across seven sections, spanning 1,554 kilometers.

"Travelers can now buy a ticket for the entire journey. The goal is for tourists arriving in Cancún, the country's top destination, to not just stay in their hotels, but to explore the region via the Maya Train. They can travel to Mérida, Tulum, or take the tour if they arrive at the Tulum airport," Sheinbaum explained. She noted that there are six hotels built by the Ministry of Defense along the train route, which are conveniently located near various Mayan archaeological sites. "The newly inaugurated sections run from Escárcega to Chetumal. In Palenque, it will connect with the inter-oceanic; we plan to start building the infrastructure for the freight train next year, and new passenger trains are set to arrive," she added.