By Marlene Oliver
Few moments in travel feel like you're
watching history in motion – literally. Stepping aboard Mexico’s gleaming new
Tren Maya (Mayan Train) in Mérida and whizzing comfortably through Yucatán to
Cancún with a stop at the legendary Chichén Itzá is one of those moments.
Thanks to an immersive, boots-on-the-ground FAM trip hosted by CCRA Travel
Commerce Network in collaboration with Tren Maya, I got to experience it firsthand
alongside a vibrant group of TRUE-certified travel advisors.
The familiarization trip offered a
powerful look at how Tren Maya isn't just a transportation project; it's a
transformational one. Spanning over 1,500 kilometers of track when completed,
Tren Maya will connect five southeastern Mexican states (Chiapas, Tabasco,
Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo), linking cities, cultural sites, natural
wonders, and communities like never before.
Our journey began in Mérida, capital of
Yucatán, and an ideal launching point for this multi-sensory travel experience.
Warm Welcomes in the White City
Known as La Ciudad Blanca for its
gleaming colonial buildings, Mérida is a mosaic of Spanish, Mayan, and modern
influences. After arriving in Mérida and checking into the Holiday Inn IHG
Mérida, we kicked things off with a delicious, hosted dinner amid live music at
the property's open-air restaurant La Arboleda and a site overview to get to
know this centrally located hotel. Our second day began with a guided walking
tour through the historic center, with stops at the Ildefonso Cathedral, Casa
de Montejo, and the Government Palace, each steeped in centuries of layered
culture and conflict.
Adding to the day’s excitement was a
journey into the heart of the region’s agricultural past at Hacienda Sotuta de
Peón, where we stepped back in time to learn about the historic henequén
industry – the fiber once called "green gold." The day was filled
with inspirational moments, including a farm-to-table meal and a presentation
by state tourism officials. One of the day's key highlights was descending into
a limestone cave, where we were invited to cool off with a swim in one of the
estate's cenotes —a sacred, surreal experience I'll never forget!
Later that evening, the insightful
moments continued at the Tren Maya corporate offices, where General Oscar David
Lozano Águila, CEO of Tren Maya, personally welcomed our group. He shared the
vision behind the project and explained how it will serve not just tourists but
also local communities by promoting sustainable development, job creation, and
cultural preservation.
All Aboard: Mérida to Chichén Itzá
The next morning, we made our way to the
sleek Mérida-Teya Station, boarding the Mayan Train’s luxurious cars bound for
Chichén Itzá. The onboard experience was comfortable, safe, and spacious.
Panoramic windows offered glimpses of Yucatán's lush interior, while ergonomic
seating, quiet-ride technology, and onboard refreshments made the journey a
true first-class rail experience rather than a simple transfer.
The Tren Maya Chichén Itzá Station
welcomed us less than two hours later, and we were quickly transported to one
of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Chichén Itzá. There’s something
indescribable about standing in front of El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán),
hearing the clap of your hands echo back with avian acoustics – a feat of
ancient Mayan engineering. Our guide offered fascinating context that brought
the ruins to life, including details about the snake that appears on the
pyramid during the spring and fall equinoxes, when sunlight and shadow align
perfectly on the pyramid's staircase, creating the illusion of a serpent
slithering down the stone steps. It's a visual masterpiece crafted by the
ancient Maya, designed to bring the feathered serpent god, Kukulkan, to life
before your eyes.
We then enjoyed a group lunch at Cenote
Ik Kil, where waterfalls and tree roots cascade into a cavern of cool, blue
water. By late afternoon, we were back on board the train for the next leg to
Cancún.
A Slice of Modern Mexico in Cancún
After arriving in Cancún just before 8
PM, we transferred to the Hilton Garden Inn, our home base for the next two
nights. The following day was an eclectic mix of cultural discovery and modern-day
indulgence. We visited Playa Delfines, the Mayan Museum, and La Isla Shopping
Village – with its glittering storefronts from Dior, Fendi, Cartier, and Louis
Vuitton. At Delphinus, a fun aquarium experience, we got up close to dolphins
and later rode the iconic Sky Wheel for sweeping panoramic views over the Cancún
lagoon.
We toured Canopy Hotel, with its rooftop
pool and elegant design, and savored lunch onsite with the hotel's General
Manager and Sales Team, before ending our tour on a festive note at Tacos y
Tequila, where we sipped fresh fruit aguas frescas and sampled their very own
tequila.
Back at the Hilton Garden Inn, we
gathered for one final dinner and reflected on a journey that had been as
enlightening as it was enjoyable.
Why This Fam Trip Mattered
This journey wasn’t just about sites and
sounds; it was about strategy. As part of the CCRA and TRUE commitment to
education and professional development, this FAM gave travel advisors a
hands-on experience with the Tren Maya system, showcasing its value as a tool
for itinerary building, cultural immersion, and sustainable travel.
From inspecting hotels and meeting local
tourism leaders to trying regional cuisine and test-riding the train, advisors
walked away with practical insights they can share directly with clients.
Equally as important, they deepened relationships with fellow certified TRUE travel
professionals – relationships that lead to collaboration and new business
growth opportunities.
The Promise of the Tren Maya
With the first segments now operational
and more opening soon, the Tren Maya is already redefining how travelers
explore southeastern Mexico. It’s connecting world-famous destinations with
lesser-known gems, all with efficiency, comfort, and eco-conscious design.
Tickets can be reserved here.
Travel advisors can learn more about
Mexico’s new high-speed rail experience and can connect directly with the Mayan
Train sales team at CCRA’s PowerSolutions LIVE event in Philadelphia on
December 4, 2025. Registration is now open, and full event details — including
how to secure your spot — can be found here.
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