The Caribbean routes of the Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train” will open up a world of adventures, new experiences, gorgeous settings, and unique opportunities for visitors to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. With nature, beautiful views, exciting activities, day trips, underwater ventures, fun nightlife, and entertainment, here’s what you can expect when traveling along the Caribbean I Route and Caribbean II Route of the Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train”.
From glorious white sand beaches, turquoise blue water, and stunning views to cenotes set in the lush jungle, Mayan ruins, and hidden gems, to bustling cities, shopping opportunities, exciting nightlife, fun adventure activities, and day trips … Mexico’s Caribbean coast has so much to offer to every visitor, with its world-famous resort towns and cities.
You can explore and travel from the destinations of the two routes along the coast to further afield visiting magical islands, and small, peaceful towns that can be found between the stations and stops. Dive, snorkel, and enjoy the crystal clear Caribbean Sea, explore cenotes in the jungle, learn about the nature and wildlife in the area, as well as partake in some fun, relaxing, and breathtaking activities. Whether you are a sun-seeker or a fun-seeker, young or old, looking to relax or have an adventure, you can plan any type of trip possible in Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo, home to the Caribbean I Route and Caribbean II Route of the Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train”. Find out more about the destinations and stations here …
Caribbean I Route -
Running along the northern part of Mexico’s Caribbean coast is the Caribbean I Route of the Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train”, this route will transport visitors from the lively city of Cancun to the close by fishing village and port town of Puerto Morelos, before heading down to the vibrant city Playa del Carmen, and the boho vibes of Tulum.
Cancun - One of Mexico’s most popular resorts, and probably its most famous destination, Cancun is home to a large international airport and what will be the largest train station on the entire Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train” route. Cancun is a bustling hub for those traveling to different parts of the area, but it is also a hotspot for those looking to enjoy its dazzling white sand beaches and party the night away. The city has many attractions, and activities, with boat trips, dinner shows, snorkeling and diving, water sports, day trips, as well as shopping and dining possibilities, relaxed beach days, and much more. From morning until the early hours of the next morning, Cancun has something for everyone.
Puerto Morelos - One of the area’s more understated, and less touristic locations, Puerto Morelos is an endearing port town, just a short journey south of Cancun. Once a fishing village this town has a relaxed vibe, with lots of activities on offer from snorkeling, to swimming in cenotes, chilled-out beach days, to ATV-ing and adventures in the jungle. A visit to Puerto Morelos is ideal for those looking for a more cultural and mellow vacation, with the opportunity to enjoy fun activities in the jungle and ocean. Puerto Morelos station is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen - This fabulous oceanside, cosmopolitan location is full of activities, with close-by cenotes, adventure, and water parks, as well as an abundance of shopping opportunities within the town, restaurants, bars, nightlife, and entertainment, a selection of beaches to choose from, jungle and water activities, and much more. Playa del Carmen has grown rapidly into one of the area’s most popular, and bustling destinations with something for every type of traveler, it has its station located between Puerto Morelos and Tulum. It is the ideal location for beach-goers, nature lovers, adventurers, party-goers, and those looking for a relaxed vacation.
Tulum - Home to delightful beaches, Mayan ruins, cenotes, jungle parties and festivals, high-end nightlife, luxury accommodations and dining opportunities, boho, and chic vibes, Tulum is packed full of trendy travel opportunities. There are two train stations in Tulum, this station is the last on the Caribbean I Route, before Tulum Airport. It allows visitors the opportunity to explore all that Tulum has to offer, from its buzzing downtown area to the eco-luxury hotels, and upscale locations along the hotel zone, as well as the town’s outside areas with cenotes, lush jungle, and beautiful nature.
Explore Further Destinations From This Route -
You can explore further afield from the Caribbean I Route, with the wondrous islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel accessible from the mainland’s Caribbean coast, as well as the beach town of Puerta Aventuras and the charming town of Akumal, both located between the stations of Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Caribbean II Route -
Running along the southern part of Mexico’s Caribbean coast is the Caribbean II Route of the Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train”, this route will transport visitors from Tulum Airport, outside the town of Tulum, all the way down to Chetumal Airport, and the border of Mexico and Belize. This route passes through some hidden gems with a large station at the beginning of this route at Tulum Airport, a station in the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, stops in the towns of Limones and Bacalar, and a station at Chetumal Airport. This route embraces some of the coast’s lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Expect untouched beaches, wonderful blue water, protected natural areas, small and quiet towns, and hidden gems.
Tulum Airport - The area’s newest airport, will have its own train station that will join the Caribbean I Route and the Caribbean II Route, allowing visitors to go north, and explore Mexico’s popular Caribbean towns, or go south to explore some of the quieter towns of the area.
Felipe Carrillo Puerto - A must-visit location for nature lovers and history buffs, Felipe Carrillo Puerto provides an authentic taste of Mexico, with easy access to the nature reserve and world heritage site of Sian Ka’an. The Mayan town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto is a small and traditional town, with the close by archeological ruins of Muyil, and the historical Santuario de la Cruz Parlante, as well as an abundance of nature activities available in Sian Ka’an from bird watching, to hidden beaches and freshwater lagoons.
Limones - This inland village is home to a stop on the Caribbean II Route, perfect for a day trip to its small and unique Mayan ruins. Limones is located between Felipe Carrillo Puerto on the route. It is a great place to get the train for visitors coming from Mahahual who wish to visit Tulum or Bacalar.
Bacalar - Breathtaking colors and magical views, historical sites, and an array of activities can all be enjoyed in Bacalar. Parking in swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and boat trips in The Lagoon of Seven Colors (one of the major attractions for visitors to Bacalar). There is also a historic fort that history buffs can visit, and archeological ruins within driving distance. This is a relaxing spot, with incredible views, and water activities for the laid-back traveler to enjoy.
Chetumal Airport - The capital of the state of Quintana Roo, and the border town of Mexico and Belize. Chetumal is the last station on the Caribbean II Route before the Jungle Route. The train station, located at Chetumal Airport, provides an abundance of onward travel opportunities, from the airport to other locations, through the jungle to Chiapas, or Campeche, or across the border to Belize via car/bus.
Explore Further Destinations From This Route - You can explore so much more along this route, including the natural and protected reserve of Sian Ka’an and Punta Allen outside of Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and the coastal town of Mahahual. Or why not cross to Belize for a little further exploration?
Traveling along Mexico’s Caribbean coast has never been easier or safer. Due to be opening in December 2023, we are excited to explore the nature, fun, and activities along these routes.
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