Maya Train Visitor Centers Ready by May, Boosts Tourism

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced that nearly all Visitor Attention Centers (CAV) for the Maya Train project will be completed by the end of May. These facilities aim to directly connect the train route with the region’s major archaeological sites.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum highlighted the growing popularity of the Maya Train, which has already transported over one million passengers. She emphasized the centers’ role in strengthening cultural tourism in southeastern Mexico.

“By the end of May, practically all the Visitor Attention Centers will be ready, with perhaps one remaining pending. These centers link the Maya Train to the archaeological sites,” the president stated. She also recounted her experience riding a fully booked train from Cancún to Mérida last Friday following her recent visit to the Yucatán Peninsula.

Purpose of the Visitor Attention Centers

The CAVs are designed to enhance the experience for visitors exploring archaeological zones by integrating amenities such as rest areas, restaurants, artisan shops, parking lots, information modules, and, in some cases, on-site museums.

According to official government information, these centers also seek to manage visitor flow, protect cultural and natural heritage, and provide employment opportunities for local communities. Among the most notable projects are the CAVs for Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, Uxmal, Calakmul, and Tulum. Each center has been designed to respect the natural and cultural environment, using traditional materials and sustainable construction techniques.

In high-traffic sites like Chichén Itzá, the CAV will include a new main entrance, a museum, an access plaza, and cultural interpretation areas. The construction and operation of these centers are overseen by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), which also led the Maya Train’s execution. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is closely involved to ensure tourism development respects each site’s historical value.

Sheinbaum underscored Quintana Roo’s role as a tourism hub. “Quintana Roo, in particular, is the preferred destination—it’s impressive how many people come here,” she said. With the Maya Train and new visitor centers, the government aims to expand traditional routes and disperse tourism to lesser-known areas, benefiting more communities.