You Can Now Take An $18 Train From Cancun To These 3 Incredible Destinations
It has been a minute because the Maya Practice launched, however if you happen to’ve been holding off on reserving your rail journey throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, in all probability as a result of these scammy ‘vacationer costs’ have been too excessive, we have got good news for you.
Blame it on the lower-than-usual ridership, or just Quintana Roo’s newfound curiosity in boosting the Maya Practice as a product, however they’re now scrapping the gringo charges altogether and relaunching the service with far cheaper fares.
Yep, no extra paying 30% greater than locals to journey the very same practice merely since you carry a U.S. passport on you, and on high of that, there shall be heaps extra every day departures any more.
Beginning straight from Cancun Airport, there are actually 3 unbelievable Mexican Caribbean locations you’ll be able to go to from solely $18, which we’ll get to shortly. First, let’s take a look at what’s modified:
PLUS: We have constructed an interactive quiz for you on the finish of this text to seek out out which journey is an ideal match for you!
A Lowkey Relaunch
As a substitute of a number of ticketing tiers and having foreigners fork out extra money than they need to as a result of apparently that was once the coverage south of the border, the Maya Train now has a single unified practice fare for guests.
It is known as Turista México, and it mainly means financial savings of as much as 30% in comparison with the unique ‘foreigner fare’. It applies to everybody, together with Mexicans who do not dwell in any of the 5 states serviced alongside the route.
A part of the explanation why the Maya Practice did not fairly take off the way in which builders initially thought it will was the excessive costs for short-distance routes and the restricted schedule.
Despite the fact that the AC-powered, Europe-style practice is miles higher than these decades-old ADO shuttles, it did not stand an opportunity towards the preferred mode of transport within the Yucatan Peninsula, particularly with the sliced bus fares and the a number of every day departures.
An ADO bus ticket between Cancun and Merida ranges from MXN$501 to MXN$920 (US$29–$53), relying on how early you guide, and the extent of service.
Fast intermission to remind you that, earlier than you fly overseas this season, be it Mexico or elsewhere, it is best to be sure to’re updated with any journey alerts that could be in place at your vacation spot on the Travel Advisories web page.
This is The New Maya Practice Timetable
The previous Maya Practice fare for foreigners on this explicit route might attain upwards of MXN$1,300 in peak season ($73.94), and given the very fact that there have been often just one or two trains working per day, getting an ADO was a no brainer.
Now the brand new practice fare for Merida-bound passengers begins at a way more acceptable $547 MXN ($27), just about matching the bus. Hopping off at an early cease, it might price you as little as $18.
As for the revamped timetables, the Maya Practice now has 20 every day providers throughout its 965-mile community, and it is anticipated so as to add a further 12 (totalling 32) by the top of the yr. On the Cancun–Merida line, arguably the preferred one, there’ll now be 6 every day trains working.
This is the up to date schedule from Cancun to Merida:
- 7:00 AM
- 9:18 AM
- 10:45 AM
- 1:05 PM
- 3:20 PM
- 4:22 PM
Now, if you happen to’re questioning the place precisely you’ll be able to go from Cancun now that tickets are dirt-cheap, here is 3 of probably the most sought-after locations:
High 3 Locations To Go to From Cancun With The New Cheaper Maya Practice
Chichén Itzá
One of many Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is now a brief 1.5-hour journey by practice from Cancun, and with tickets averaging MXN$351 (the most cost effective price on the Merida line at solely US$18), there is no excuse to overlook it this time round.
The sprawling archaeological zone is legendary for its hovering step pyramid, the traditional Temple of Kukulcan, one of many best-preserved and most necessary Mayan buildings to have survived into trendy instances.
There are additionally Mayan ball courts, ceremonial altars, and palatial buildings that have been as soon as off-limits to commoners like us. You are welcome to discover the positioning in depth, so long as you are respectful, don’t trespass no-go zones, nor try to climb pyramids the place not permitted.
Merida
The cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is a possible 3.5-hour, $27 practice hop west of Cancun, and it is that much-needed infusion of culture and Outdated World attraction in your otherwise-uneventful poolside brunch-binging, all-inclusive vacay.
No judgement, we have all been right here, however if you happen to’re craving one thing somewhat extra than simply margaritas and seaviews, Merida provides stone-built church buildings, among the oldest to ever stand within the American continent, cobbled streets that appear like Europe, and vibrant avenue markets which have but to present in to the fast-spreading dollarization of the Mexican Caribbean.
Plus, it simply occurs to be one of many most secure cities in the entire of Mexico. In line with the U.S. State Division, it is at the moment at Degree 1, a standing it shares with historically low-risk locations like Switzerland and Iceland.
We all know, loopy, proper? Not one of the standard gang mess, corrupt regulation enforcers, or pickpocket motion. Our Safety Index at the moment ranks Merida at a extremely protected 85/100!
San Francisco de Campeche
Just a little extra offbeat than Merida, but comparable in vibe, San Francisco de Campeche stands out for its nearly-intact colonial core, with stone-paved streets, ornate church buildings, and conventional cantinas galore, and imposing metropolis partitions.
It is solely 2-ish hours to get there from Merida, and tickets price round $17 (from Cancun, it is considerably costlier).
Campeche is one in all solely 2 cities within the Americas to nonetheless have retained its colonial fortifications virtually untouched, with the opposite one being Quebec Metropolis, up in Canada.
Elements of the Campeche Partitions, previously used to keep off pirates and different assailants, are actually open for guests, like Puerta de Tierra, which you’ll climb for epic coastal views, and a few bastions: Baluarte de la Soledad (now internet hosting a museum), and Baluarte de San Carlos (a terrace viewpoint).
Which one in all these epic 3 Mexican Caribbean spots are you going for? Take this quiz to seek out your good match!
Query 1 of 4
What’s your major objective for this practice journey?
Query 2 of 4
How lengthy are you prepared to sit down on the practice from Cancun?
Query 3 of 4
What architectural vibe are you searching for?
Closing Query
What’s your splendid finances for the practice ticket from Cancun?
Chichén Itzá
The Historic Marvel
The Particulars: A brief 1.5-hour journey from Cancun with new “Turista México” tickets averaging simply $18 (MXN$351).
Merida
The Cultural Capital
The Particulars: A scenic 3.5-hour practice hop west of Cancun for roughly $27, that includes 6 every day departures straight from the airport.
San Francisco de Campeche
The Colonial Fortress
The Particulars: Experience previous Merida to achieve this offbeat gem. As soon as there, you’ll be able to climb the Puerta de Tierra for epic coastal views.