An interior view of a small, modern living space with a sofa, bed, kitchenette, and compact shelving units.

Exclusive Look Inside the Luxurious Maya Train Cabins

Set to roll out in September, the P'atal units, known as the "elder brother" of the Xiinbal railways, will begin operations on the Maya Train route. These new trains, announced by Maite Ramos, director of Alstom Mexico, are designed for long journeys and overnight stays in the jungle.

Each of the three new trains will consist of seven carriages, three more than the current standard. These carriages are equipped with a restaurant, a kitchen, and cabins to enhance the travel experience.

The first two carriages will cater to premier passengers, offering larger seats with more recline than the existing ones. The third carriage is designated for tourist class passengers. The fourth carriage will house a bistro and a section for passengers with reduced mobility. The fifth carriage will feature a restaurant, while the sixth and seventh carriages will be split between a kitchen and cabins.

During the day, the cabins will function as seating areas. At night, they will transform into sleeping quarters with two single beds, except for the cabin designed for passengers with reduced mobility, which will have a larger bed and an additional one. Each cabin will also include a bathroom, a shower, and storage space.

The transition from four to seven carriages presents technical challenges, as it doubles the weight of the train. Each carriage weighs 47 tons, according to Ramos. Furthermore, each carriage consists of over 9,800 different components, ranging from screws and seats to the fabric used for seat upholstery.