Discover the Yucatán Peninsula through a unique journey aboard the Maya Train, a modern and comfortable rail experience connecting the region’s most iconic destinations. This itinerary combines seamless train travel with immersive cultural exploration, allowing you to experience the richness of Maya heritage and colonial history in a new, efficient way. Travel between vibrant cities such as Valladolid, Campeche, Mérida, Izamal and Chichén Itzá while enjoying scenic routes across the peninsula. Along the way, uncover the legacy of the ancient Maya at remarkable archaeological sites including Edzná, Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, and experience authentic local culture through gastronomy, traditions and historic city centres.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Chichén Itzá: Discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, home to the iconic Temple of Kukulkan and remarkable examples of Maya engineering and astronomy.
Edzná: Explore this lesser-visited archaeological gem featuring the impressive Pyramid of the Five Levels and diverse architectural styles.
Izamal: Experience this unique “City of Three Cultures,” blending pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern influences.
Uxmal: Admire the outstanding Puuc-style architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the striking Pyramid of the Magician.
Mérida: Wander through a beautifully preserved city, known for its colourful façades, historic streets and rich cultural life.
Day 1: ARRIVAL CANCUN
Arrive at Cancun International Airport. Our representative will meet and greet you, and then you will be taken by shared transfer to the selected hotel. Have the rest of the day at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel facilities or exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight in Cancun.
Day 2: CANCUN – VALLADOLID (151km – 1.30hrs)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before an early pick-up and comfortable transfer to the Cancún Maya Train Station. Board the modern Maya Train for an enjoyable journey to the charming colonial town of Valladolid. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (09:30 – 11:02), offering a smooth and scenic travel experience.
Upon arrival in Valladolid, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can safely leave your luggage at the concierge. Then, get ready for a refreshing and unforgettable experience. Bring your swimsuit and towel as you head to the stunning Saamal Cenote, located within the beautiful Hacienda Selva Maya. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear waters and savor a delicious buffet lunch surrounded by lush natural surroundings.
In the afternoon, take time to explore Valladolid at your own pace. This charming city preserves the rich traditions of Mayan culture in every corner, blending its pre-Hispanic roots with colonial heritage. Stroll through its colorful streets, visit local landmarks, and immerse yourself in its unique historical atmosphere.
In the evening, don't miss the captivating video-mapping show, held daily from 21:00 to 21:30. Please reconfirm the schedule at the hotel reception, as it may change without prior notice.
Overnight in Valladolid.
Day 3: VALLADOLID – CAMPECHE (395km – 4.38hrs)
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before your scheduled pick-up and transfer to the Valladolid Maya Train Station. Board the train for your journey to Campeche (10:04 – 14:42), enjoying a comfortable and scenic ride through the Yucatán Peninsula.
Upon arrival in Campeche, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and some time to relax.
At 16:45 hrs, meet in the hotel lobby to begin a panoramic tour of this historic coastal city. Discover the charm of Campeche as you drive through the heart of its picturesque old town, admired for its pastel-coloured colonial houses, elegant arcaded walkways, and distinctive bell-gabled churches.
The tour continues on foot, allowing you to explore iconic landmarks such as the ancient city walls (ramparts) and the impressive Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Campeche’s exceptional state of preservation and architectural beauty have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a distinction you will fully appreciate as you wander its historic streets.
Overnight in Campeche.
Day 4: CAMPECHE – EDZNA – BAHIA TORTUGAS – CAMPECHE (250km – 4hrs)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before embarking on an experience that perfectly blends culture, nature, and relaxation. Begin with a guided visit to the ancient Mayan city of Edzná, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the region. Explore its impressive structures, including the iconic Pyramid of the Five Levels, the grand main plaza, and a variety of buildings that showcase distinct architectural styles such as Petén, Chenes, and Puuc. Throughout the tour, your guide will reveal the history, symbolism, and sophisticated organization of this fascinating civilization, which left a lasting legacy in southeastern Mexico.
After immersing yourself in Mayan history, continue to Bahía de Tortugas, a beautiful coastal retreat ideal for relaxation. Enjoy free time to swim in the sea or pool, unwind in the shade, and fully disconnect from your daily routine. A traditional seaside lunch is included, allowing you to savor local flavors while taking in stunning ocean views.
Overnight in Campeche.
Day 5: CAMPECHE – MERIDA (179km – 2.5hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your scheduled pick-up and transfer to the Francisco Campeche Maya Train Station. Board the Maya Train for your journey to Mérida (12:09 – 14:37), traveling comfortably through the scenic landscapes of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Upon arrival at Mérida Teya Station, you will be transferred to your hotel in Mérida for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the opportunity to explore the vibrant capital of Yucatán at your own pace, discover its rich cultural heritage, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Overnight in Merida.
Day 6: MERIDA – UXMAL – MERIDA (160km – 2.35hrs)
The tasty breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning exploring the ruins of another former Maya city clawed back from vegetation. Arrive at Uxmal and enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike other Mayan cities, Uxmal was devoured by the rainforest after the Spaniards had arrived. The most famous structure is the 35-metre-tall Pyramid of the Magician, towering over the remarkably well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle with its ornately carved interior and exterior walls. Across the central plaza, just beyond the ballgame court, is the Governor’s Palace with its elaborately decorated roof. At the southern end of the main complex is the Great Pyramid, of which only one side has been excavated, with the other three still unclaimed from the bush. After this experience, will you visit a Cacao Museum where the plant and its importance for the ancient Mayans will be explained. Lunch at a typical restaurant is included.
Overnight in Merida.
Day 7: MERIDA – IZAMAL – CHICHEN ITZA (166km – 4.5hrs)
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your transportation will be waiting in the lobby to begin your journey to the enchanting town of Izamal, known as the City of Three Cultures, where pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern influences blend harmoniously.
Transfer to the Mérida Teya Maya Train Station to board the train for your journey to Izamal (10:04 – 14:42). Upon arrival, enjoy an immersive cultural experience as you visit the impressive Convent of San Antonio de Padua, one of the region’s most iconic colonial landmarks, followed by the Izamal Museum, where you will learn about the area’s rich history.
Continue your exploration with a visit to a traditional jewelry workshop in Cocoyol, where you can appreciate local craftsmanship, as well as a papier-mâché workshop that showcases regional artistry. You will also stop at a Mayan herbalist shop, offering insight into ancient healing practices that are still preserved today. A traditional Yucatecan lunch is included, allowing you to savour authentic local flavours before visiting the nearby village of Kimbilá, renowned for its textile traditions. At the end of the tour, you will continue your journey by Maya Train to the legendary city of Chichén Itzá.
Overnight in Chichen Itza.
Day 8: CHICHEN ITZA
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Today, we make an early start in this enigmatic location. Your transportation will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby for your round-trip to one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya. You will have free time to enjoy this visit (without a guide), but you can hire one at the entrance if you wish to delve deeper into Mayan culture.
Discover the Maya and their civilisation and admire the scale and detail of this ancient city that has been laboriously reclaimed from the jungle. Behold the geometric perfection of the 25-metre-tall Temple of Kukulkan, popularly known as El Castillo (‘the Castle’), which was built both as a representation of the mystical Maya calendar and to reflect the optical illusion of a serpent snaking its way up or down the pyramid during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Admire the Great Ball Court, the largest of 13 discovered at the site, see the haunting Skull Platform, where the heads of human sacrifice victims and prisoners of war were impaled, and catch sight of the Sacred Cenote, where sacrifice victims were dumped. In addition, extremely well-preserved are the Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and adjacent Church, and the large observatory known as the Snail.
Overnight in Chichen Itza.
Day 9: CHICHEN ITZA – CANCUN DEPARTURE (197km – 2hrs)
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel and at the agreed time, transfer to the train station for your final train journey to Cancun Airport Station.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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