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7 of the best Maya ruins to visit in Mexico

Remnants of ancient civilisations still stand across Central America — and well-preserved temples and jungle-cloaked pyramids are open to visitors across southern Mexico.

Before the Spanish colonised Central America in the 16th century, the ancient Maya were one of the most sophisticated civilisations in the Western Hemisphere. They developed a complex calendar system through their knowledge of astrology and mathematics, used intricate hieroglyphics to record their history and built large, lavishly decorated cities, complete with pyramids, temples, and plazas.

At its height, the ancient Maya civilisation comprised 40 cities across Central America, spanning southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador and Nicaragua. In the southern Mexican states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Chiapas, many of these settlements — the largest housed up to 50,000 people — still stand today, offering visitors a unique insight into the social, cultural and religious lives of the ancient Maya.

From carefully reconstructed sites like Chichen Itza to the wild, jungle-clad pyramids and ceremonial temples of Calakmul, these are the ancient Maya ruins not to miss in southern Mexico.

1. Chichen Itza

Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the beautifully preserved Chichen Itza in Yucatán is Mexico’s most famous Maya ruin. Despite the crowds, few are disappointed with El Castillo — a carefully restored pyramid that rises up 80ft and has 365 steps — or the city’s tlachtli , the largest Maya ball court in the Americas.

Occupied until the 16th century, Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya and the only one built by the coast. The pyramids here aren’t as large as other Maya ruins in Mexico, but the setting, on 40ft-high cliffs above turquoise Caribbean waters south of Cancun, more than makes up for it.

Home to the tallest pyramid in the state of Quintana Roo, Cobá was once one of the most important Maya cities in Yucatán. Located around 30 miles west of Tulum ruins, the city was built in around 600 CE and it eventually grew to 50,000 inhabitants. Though much of Cobá has yet to be excavated, travellers can climb the 138ft-high Nohoch Mul — a pyramid that offers sweeping views over the Yucatán jungle. Cobá is also known for its sophisticated sacbe,   or ‘white road’2,   network —   limestone pathways that connect the city to neighbouring settlements.

4. Palenque

Deep in the jungles of northeastern Chiapas state in southern Mexico lies Palenque , a Late Classic Maya city known for its detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions and sculpted reliefs. These highly sophisticated designs have helped archaeologists understand more of the ancient Maya's history, mythology and calendar systems.

5. Calakmul

Cloaked by the second-largest expanse of tropical forests in the Americas, in Campeche’s Calakmul Biosphere Reserve near the border with Guatemala, Calakmul is one of Mexico’s wildest Maya ruins. It has the largest and tallest pyramid in Yucatán and more than 6,000 structures, many of them covered by jungle. The site is particularly beautiful at sunrise, when the surrounding jungle comes alive with birdsong, howler monkeys and, if you’re lucky, the roar of a jaguar.

6. Ek Balam

Around 25 miles north of the Yucatán city of Valladolid is Ek Balam , which means ‘black jaguar’ or ‘jaguar star’ in the Yucatec Maya language. The city reached its height in the eight century, when more than 20,000 people lived here. Its largest pyramid is 160 metres long and 105ft high, and contains the tomb of Ukit Kan Le´t Tok, the king of Ek Balam between 770 CE and around 797 CE. Archaeologists found the ruler buried with more than 7,000 pieces of jade, bone, ceramic, shell and precious metal, and the outside walls decorated with stone jaguars, winged creatures and human skulls.

A one-hour drive from the Yucatán capital of Merida is this seventh-century Maya city, once large enough to house 25,000 inhabitants. The Uxmal ruins are part of the Ruta Puuc, a 25-mile road network that connects Uxmal with the archaeological sites of Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labná, Oxkintok, Grutas de Calcehtok and Grutas de Loltún.

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Related topics.

• HISTORIC SITES
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• PREHISTORIC CULTURES
• ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

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The best things to do in Riviera Maya: ancient ruins, magical caverns and tree-top adventures

Feb 24, 2022 • 10 min read

The beautiful coast of the Riviera Maya makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico © CampPhoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Extending across the northernmost tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is an 83-mile sweep of coastline running from the south of Cancún all the way to the Belize border.

The tourist corridor is a magnet for sun-seeking travelers with its powder-puff white sand beaches, legendary ruins, and the world’s second-largest coral reef. What makes the Riviera Maya all the more appealing is that it’s a year-round destination – although the best time to visit is between February and June when temperatures are mild and crowds thin out.

Beyond the sparkling strands, the Riviera Maya entices with an impressive lineup of well-preserved Maya ruins, world-class dive sites, and fun-filled cenotes (natural swimming holes) . Let’s just say you won’t ever run out of things to do. But if you don’t know where to start, we’ve handpicked the best things to do in Riviera Maya – including both quintessential must-dos and unusual experiences for those who like to stray off the well-trodden trail.

Time travel at the Tulum ruins

Ranked high as one of the most prominent ruins in Mexico , Tulum is a great place to start your Riviera Maya journey. The Tulum ruins are perched on the top of rocky cliffs, high above the azure waters of the Caribbean – an uncommon location for an ancient Maya city. With evidence of habitation dating back as far as 564 CE, Tulum's heyday as a Maya city was in the 1200s and it has withstood the ravages of time and retained its grid-like layout, main structures, and a strong sense of history in every corner.

The compact archaeological site can be seen in a couple of hours; aim to get here before the tour groups arrive at 11 am and bring a swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the inviting water beneath the ruins. There is very little shade at the ruins and the opportunity to cool off in the sea is most welcome. Start with the waterfront temples and meander clockwise through the site – the real prize is the view that awaits along the cliff-edge trail of the Castillo, the tallest structure in Tulum, backed by cobalt waters and a spiny-tailed iguana or two.

Get a digital experience at Mystika Tulum

After exploring the Tulum ruins, make a stop at the new-age interactive digital museum, Mystika Tulum . It delivers a one-of-a-kind sensory experience designed to take you on a journey through the Maya cosmology through multi-sensorial rooms and installations. The venue is modest, and the entrance fee is higher than local museums, but it captures your imagination like no other, with outstanding visuals that both adults and kids will appreciate. This gallery is the brainchild of Pepe Soho, one of the most celebrated photographers in Mexico.

Float in the ancient Maya canals at Sian Ka’an

One of the most biodiverse places in the world, Reserva de la Biosfera de Sian Ka’an is a 1.3 million-acre reserve of mangroves, savannahs, spearmint lagoons, and virgin beaches. Just south of Tulum, this patch of wilderness is the largest protected area on Mexico’s Caribbean coast and an eco traveler’s dream come true. The majority of the Sian Ka’an is out-of-bounds, and only a fraction is designated for sustainable eco-tourism.

Sian Ka’an is best explored on a guided tour, as the rugged trails and waterways are challenging to traverse on your own. Maya-run Community Tours Sian Ka'an runs kayak tours through the lagoons and birdwatching tours that directly benefit the local community. While drifting down canals dug by the Mayas centuries earlier, try to spot giant land crabs and manatees, and listen out for howler monkeys.

Swim in a cavern

Underneath the lush jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula lies a secret underworld of turquoise pools and mystical caves. Cenotes were revered by the Mayan civilization and used as a portal to communicate with the gods. Today, you can see why these underground caverns played a pivotal role in the Maya world.

In the crisp mineral-rich water of Cenote Dos Ojos , you’ll get the chance to weave through narrow passages and swim between illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. What you’re seeing is just a fragment of the world's largest underwater cave systems – book a guided snorkeling tour run by the local Maya community or a scuba dive session if you’d like to venture deeper into the cave system.

The trio of cenotes near Playa del Carmen tends to receive fewer visitors: Azul, Cristalino, and Eden are all open-air cenotes with clear-as-glass water and skin-nibbling tropical fish darting around. They’re great for people of all ages – adventurous adults can dive off mini cliffs into the water, kids can wade in the shallow pools or meander along the jungle paths, and seniors have plenty of space for a picnic.

Step back in time at Punta Allen

Located at the end of the Boca Paila Peninsula, the remote fishing village of Punta Allen gives a glimpse of how the Riviera Maya used to be. The picture-perfect beaches are empty except for a few stray dogs and a fisherman or two. A sandy main drag cuts through the sleepy pueblo , lined by crumbling wooden houses, simple loncherias (eateries), and grocery stores.

Getting here is not easy: even though it’s just 25 miles (40km) from the Sian Ka'an entrance, most people take at least two hours to traverse the bumpy dirt track to Punta Allen. But the village is well worth the arduous journey for its low-key atmosphere, traffic-free tranquility, and absence of mass tourism.

Rise early for a dolphin-watching trip or go snorkeling over the technicolored reef. After that, join the village's seniors on a fishing trip, and end the night under the starry skies in a bell tent at Hotel Cielo y Selva .

Swim in the magic waters of Laguna Bacalar

For those keen on veering off the beaten path, we’ll let you in on a secret: Laguna Bacalar is a quiet, little-known lake close to the border of Belize, with inviting spearmint water, stromatolite-rimmed shores, and overwater hammocks. Nicknamed Laguna de Siete Colores (lagoon of seven colors), the water alternates between light turquoise and dark indigo.

To explore the lagoon, base yourself in Bacalar town, just two hours from Tulum by car. The village appeals more to indie travelers than the average package tourist, with a surprisingly good selection of contemporary cafes and food trucks. Rent a kayak or join a boat tour to see the 38-mile-long (60km) stretch of water, making stops at the Canal de los Piratas , a channel that used to be plundered by pirates, and Cenote Cristalino , fringed by ancient pancake-like rocks known as stromatolites.

Watch the sunrise on a SUP

There’s no better time to take to the waters of the Riviera Maya than at sunrise. At this golden hour, the water is as smooth as glass, and the beach is empty save for a few other early birds. The usual raucous atmosphere of Playa del Carmen is gone, and in its place is a soothing silence punctuated by the sound of lapping waves and the squawks of seagulls overhead.

Paddleboarding at sunrise is an extraordinary experience, even for SUP (stand-up paddleboard) enthusiasts. Aloha Paddle Club organizes guided sunrise SUP sessions daily at Inti Beach, in the center of Playa del Carmen. Book in advance as these sessions are popular.

Snorkel with turtles in Akumal

Akumal is no longer a secret, but its swimmable lagoon remains the best place to snorkel with turtles in the Riviera Maya. The U-shaped bay and seagrass draw in turtles by the droves, with the coral reef protecting everything inside the bay. Because of the reef, the water here is always clear and calm – perfect conditions for snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive eagle ray swimming in the seagrass meadow.

To swim in the protected marine reserve, joining a guided snorkeling tour is mandatory. Snorkeling gear and life safety vests are included. Those with young kids can also sign up for a snorkel excursion and marine biology class here with We Love the Sea .

Fly over the jungles

Active travelers rejoice: the Ruta de Cenotes, just 30 minutes south of Cancún, is a vast expanse of tropical forest that plays host to several eco-adventure parks. These joints, complete with zip line circuits, jungle trails, and cenotes, promise adults and children alike a thrilling good time – with all the safety measures in place.

Selvática is outfitted with 10 different zip lines, flying fox circuits, and even a bungee swing. You can also choose to hop on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or a 4x4 buggy and trundle through the bush, though kids under 8 are not allowed on them for safety reasons. Cenotes Zapote is home to four different cenotes - including one with prehistoric sloth fossils. Each is equipped with its own zip line that whisk you through the wilderness.

Learn to surf at Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras is one of the best surfing beaches in the Riviera Maya, thanks to the perfect swells and water conditions. The beach is protected by seawalls, in a natural curve away from the open ocean.

Book yourself and your kids on fun, interactive lessons run by Nohoch Surf School . Their mini surf camps get raving reviews from little ones aged 4 to 12. If you’re already a surfer, the school has an excellent selection of boards that you can rent.

Explore Isla Cozumel on a Jeep

Across the bay from Playa del Carmen, Isla Cozumel makes for an easy island escape with its low-key atmosphere and rugged, empty beaches. The best way to explore the 30-mile (48 km) long island is to hire a jeep or buggy as most of the island is covered by lush tropical forests, nature reserves, and empty beaches.

Head straight to the Punta Sur Ecological Park at the southern tip of the island – this natural reserve sprawls across 2500 acres of lagoon systems, tropical rainforests, and wild beaches. See the Maya ruin El Caracol, cruise the saltwater lagoon and spot crocodiles, then climb the 133 steps onto the top of the Celarain Lighthouse.

Get artsy in SFER IK

A contemporary art museum constructed mainly out of bejuco (an endemic wood that resembles vine), SFER IK (pronounced spheric) is a work of art in itself. Built using traditional techniques by Maya artisans, the structure was designed to blend in perfectly with the lush jungles of Tulum.

Wander barefoot through the curving corridor and bridges made of twisted vine-like wood and admire the permanent art collection created by renowned artists such as Ernesto Neto and Artur Lescher. Circular windows open out to the dense tropical forest surrounding you, with the sound of the waves in the not-so-far distance – this spot truly showcases how nature and art intertwine in the Riviera Maya.

Cleanse your soul at a temazcal

The Riviera Maya may have developed rapidly over the past decades due to tourism – but its rich Maya culture and traditions remain. An interesting Maya ritual that’s still practiced today is the temazcal , a pre-Colombian purification ceremony believed to cleanse your soul and rid you of illnesses.

A Maya leader leads the rite, guiding you into a dome-shaped sweat house fired up by steaming volcanic rocks, before beating you with corn husks. In the boiling heat, it’s hardly a relaxing experience, but keep your cool and you might just leave rejuvenated and balanced. Yaax Healing Sanctuary runs temazcal ceremonies at full moon led by a Maya healer.

Sign up for a Maya cooking class

Take a crash course in Maya ancestral cuisine and experience a side of the Riviera Maya that few are familiar with. When you book a cooking class with a local Maya family, you’ll get to know them, take a peek into their lives, and learn all about Maya ingredients, traditional dishes, and cooking methods.

Maya Immersion gives you a chance to do just that: from tasting the achiote spice to making massa (corn paste) from scratch and wrapping your own tamales. You’ll discover a cuisine distinctive from the Yucatecan or Mexican culinary world we know.

You may also like: How to get around in Riviera Maya A guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomads Where to find cenotes – Mexico's amazing natural swimming holes

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Unmissable Things to do on the Mayan Riviera

Welcome to the Riviera Maya! Over the years, we’ve spent a lot of time in this corner of Mexico, from months spent in Playa del Carmen and Cancun, to week-long winter visits spent exploring Akumal, Tulum, and Cozumel.

This stretch of Mexico is a playground for the sun-seeking and adventure-loving traveler. It’s where you can kick off your flip-flops and dive right into a sea of activities. From the chill vibes of Puerto Morelos to the ancient whispers of Tulum’s ruins, there’s a slice of paradise here for everyone.

Things to Do on the Riviera Maya in Mexico

Ready to explore coral reefs, dine on top-notch tacos, or zip-line through lush jungles? Let’s get started and unwrap the best things to do on the Mayan Riviera and explore everything this coastal wonderland has to offer.

What is considered the Riviera Maya?

The Riviera Maya extends along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, covering a 75-mile coastline from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen. This region includes popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, known for its beaches and shopping; Puerto Aventuras, with its marina; Akumal, famous for snorkeling with sea turtles; and Tulum, renowned for its Mayan ruins and white sand beaches. It’s where you can take your Mexican passport on a joyride of experiences, from culinary to culture to art or enjoying yourself in nature.

Puerto Morelos: Relaxed Coastal Charm

Kick off your Riviera Maya adventure in Puerto Morelos, a stone’s throw from Cancun and the gateway to this coastal paradise. It’s a chill spot with a big heart, boasting an inviting beach and a sea brimming with life. Don your snorkel gear and meet the local marine residents around the vibrant coral reefs. For a splash of adventure, the cenotes nearby are perfect for a cliff-jump thrill.

Playa del Carmen: Urban Beach Bliss

Next up, Playa del Carmen offers up its bustling streets and powdery sands. It’s your ticket to exquisite eats and a hub for excursions to ancient Mayan sites and crystal-clear cenotes.

There’s a lot to do in Playa del Carmen, but be sure to indulge in some retail therapy on the bustling 5th Avenue (Quinta Aveneda) in Playa del Carmen, a vibrant street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars all a stones throw from the beach.

If shopping isn’t your thing, master the waves with a SUP rental where the chill vibe of surfing meets the balance challenge of standing up. Playa del Carmen’s waters are perfect for beginners and pros alike to paddle out and enjoy the view from a different perspective.

There are enough fun things to do in Playa del Carmen to keep you busy for weeks, but if you’re looking for a little art and culture, check out the vibrant Frida Kahlo Museum in Playa del Carmen. It’s a wonderful break from the beach to celebrate the life and work of the iconic Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.

Chichen Itza: Echoes of the Ancient Maya

If you want to explore the mysteries of the Mayan people, don’t miss Chichen Itza, a testament to the Maya’s architectural genius, enveloped by the jungle yet standing proud and colorful, still echoing with ancient tales. It’s a few hours inland from the Mayan Riviera proper but makes for a great day trip.

Akumal: Turtle Haven

In Akumal, tranquility reigns supreme on some of the Riviera Maya’s finest sands. It’s a snorkeler’s haven where majestic turtles glide through the waters with grace.

Fun read: The DIY Guide to Snorkeling with Endangered Sea Turtles in Akumal Mexico

While you’re there, kick back at La Buena Vida. This is a beachfront bar in Akumal where you can relax with a drink in hand and enjoy stunning sea views.

Tulum: Coastal Ruins and Culture

Then there’s Tulum, where history perches on cliffs overlooking the sea, offering a glimpse into the Maya’s coastal life.

While you’re there, rent a bike and explore Tulum’s bustling streets, beautiful beaches, and nearby cenotes at your own pace.

Exploring Cenotes: Nature’s Subterranean Wonders

Discover the Riviera Maya’s hidden gems: cenotes. These natural limestone pools are gateways to an underwater world of crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations.

Dive into Cenote Cristalino , a favorite for its sparkling, refreshing waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Not far away, Cenote Dos Ojos beckons the more adventurous souls with its vast network of caves, perfect for diving deep into the Yucatan’s subterranean mysteries. Whether you’re looking for a serene swim or an underwater adventure, the cenotes are a must-visit and they literally dot the Riviera Maya for miles and miles.

Cozumel: Island Adventures

Finally, we have Cozumel. An island gem wrapped in hues of blue. A paradise for underwater explorers and fishing enthusiasts alike, it offers some of the most stunning aquatic experiences around. Regarded as home to some of the best snorkeling in Mexico, Cozumel makes a great day trip from Playe Del Carmen or a fine place to bed down for a week or two. Being a cruise ship destination, it’s also a thriving area to explore.

The Wonders of Xcaret

Step into Xcaret and be swept up in a cultural fiesta. This park is a kaleidoscope of Mexico’s natural beauty and rich traditions, from the mystic underground rivers to the natural zoo to the vibrant dance performances that light up the night.

Serenity at Xpu-Ha Beach

Escape to Xpu-Ha Beach near Puerto Aventuras for some down time. Here, the beaches are quieter, the vibe is relaxed, and the coastline is just as stunning.

Adventure at Xplor Park

For the thrill-seekers, Xplor Park waits with open arms. Zip-line through the treetops, steer through jungles in amphibious vehicles, and swim in the cool embrace of ancient underground rivers.

Discover Sian Ka’an’s Natural Wonders

A journey to Sian Ka’an, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, is a journey into the wild heart of the Riviera Maya. Spot rare wildlife and explore landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries.

While you’re there, be sure to visit the Muyil archaeological site. Also known by its alternative name, Chunyaxche, Muyil stands as one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites along the eastern Yucatan Peninsula.

Taste the Flavor of the Riviera Maya

Dive into the local flavor with Riviera Maya’s must-try dish: fish tacos. Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, they’re the essence of coastal cuisine on a plate. While you can find foods from all around the world in the Riviera Maya, eating local is the best way to experience it. From street vendors to hidden treasures you can find some of the best Mexican food here and while we won’t share our favorites, know that some of them will leave you wanting to eat there every night.

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Isla Holbox

For an encounter of a lifetime, swim with the whale sharks in Isla Holbox. These gentle giants offer a moment of awe and connection with the ocean’s wonders that you won’t easily forget. Tours for them can be booked from numerous locations around the Mayan Riviera.

Mayan History at Chetumal’s Museum

Immerse yourself in the deep roots of the region with a visit to the Museum of Mayan Culture in Chetumal. It’s a treasure trove of artifacts and stories, opening a window to the ancient world of the Maya.

Xel-Há Park: Snorkeling in a Natural Aquarium

Dive into the clear waters of Xel-Há Park, a natural wonder that’s often dubbed as one of the world’s greatest aquariums. This spot is a snorkeling paradise, where you can swim alongside a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and explore a lush underwater world that will leave you in awe.

Coba Ruins: Echoes from the Past

Reach for the sky as you climb the ancient pyramids at Coba Ruins. Step back in time as you traverse the same stone causeways that the Maya did in this venerable city. The view from the top is as breathtaking as the history is deep, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding jungle.

Rio Secreto: The Underground River’s Mystique

Journey into the earth at Rio Secreto, where an underground river flows through a network of caves lined with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. This hidden gem offers a surreal adventure, softly lit by the natural light filtering through, creating a serene atmosphere for exploration and reflection.

Fuente del Pescador: Chetumal’s Tribute

Take a stroll along Chetumal’s boardwalk to the Fuente del Pescador. This statue isn’t just a nod to the local fishing traditions; it’s a piece of art that tells the tale of the town’s connection to the sea.

Free Things to Do in Riviera Maya

Looking to save some money, and enjoy the free attractions in the Riviera Maya?

The Riviera Maya isn’t just a place for luxury resorts and exclusive tours; it’s filled with countless treasures that don’t cost a dime. Here’s a guide to soaking up the sun, culture, and beauty of this tropical paradise, all for free.

Beach-Hopping Along the Coast

Embrace the Riviera Maya’s best free offering: its beaches. From the vibrant shores of Playa del Carmen to the tranquil coves near Akumal, there’s a stretch of sand for every type of beach lover.

Pack a picnic, grab a towel, and soak up the sun-drenched beauty without spending a peso.

Strolling Through Tulum

The laid-back charm of Tulum is yours to enjoy at no cost. Wander the bohemian streets, soak in the atmosphere, and marvel at the mix of traditional and modern that makes Tulum unique. Don’t miss the iconic murals that add a splash of color to the town’s rustic façades.

5th Avenue Performances

Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue is an open-air stage where performers bring their A-game every night. From fire dancers to mariachi bands, the street comes alive most nights with free entertainment that rivals any paid show.

Joining the Fiesta at Cultural Festivals

Riviera Maya is rich in culture and often hosts festivals celebrating everything from local cuisine to traditional dance. These gatherings are free and offer a window into the soul of the region.

Parks and Playgrounds for the Family

Families can enjoy the public parks and playgrounds dotting the Riviera Maya. They’re perfect for an afternoon of fun with the kids, offering a chance to relax while the little ones play.

Artistic Explorations

Art is everywhere in the Riviera Maya, from the street art in Tulum to the galleries in Playa del Carmen, like the Gastón Charó Art Gallery. Take a self-guided tour and enjoy the creativity of local and international artists alike.

Window Shopping Extravaganza

The Riviera Maya’s shopping areas, like Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, are a treat even if you’re just browsing. The vibrant window displays and lively atmosphere provide a festive experience that’s completely free.

Hiking Nature’s Pathways

The Yucatan’s natural beauty isn’t confined to the beaches. Hit the trails and explore diverse ecosystems, from coastal dunes to lush jungles, all for free.

Sunrise and Sunset Spectacles

Cap off your days with the stunning natural beauty of a Riviera Maya sunrise or sunset. Find a quiet spot on any beach and watch the sky perform its daily color dance, a magical moment that’s absolutely free.

And there you have it – a whirlwind tour of the Riviera Maya’s best spots and experiences. You’ve snorkeled with sea turtles, cycled past ruins, dove into lime pools and even tried your hand at stand-up paddle boarding.

Each day brought a new adventure, whether you were chilling on a pristine beach or exploring an eco-park. As you pack up your memories along with your souvenirs, remember that the Riviera Maya isn’t just a place you visited; it’s a collection of lively stories and experiences that’ll keep the spirit of Mexico alive long after you’ve returned home. Safe travels, and until next time, keep the adventure going!

Mexico’s New Maya Train Has Officially Launched, Connecting Cancún with Other Yucatán Destinations

A complete guide to the new tren maya, which will have 34 total stops in the states of quintana roo, yucatán, campeche, tabasco, and chiapas. here’s how to book tickets, how much it costs, and what to expect on board..

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The Tren Maya currently operates between Cancún and Palenque.

Courtesy of Tren Maya

It’s full steam ahead for Mexico’s newest tourism project, the Tren Maya (Maya Train) which celebrated its inaugural departure on December 15, 2023. The ambitious, multibillion-dollar project was announced in 2018 by then president-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who envisioned a rail network spanning 965 miles across five states. At the end of 2023, President López Obrador saw his project come to life as the first train left the station connecting Cancún with the city of Campeche, 300 miles to the west.

Upon completion, which is slated for February 2024, the Tren Maya will feature 34 stops across the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas. For five years the train has been marketed as an efficient way to transport travelers to more remote and lesser-visited parts of Mexico and as a project that will generate jobs for Mexicans. According to López Obrador, the Tren Maya is “the most important public work in the world.” Fonatur, the national tourism fund for Mexico, projected that the railway could create hundreds of thousands of new jobs by 2030 .

But tourists are finding it challenging to get the latest information about the train, including where it runs, how to buy tickets, and what sections are currently open. Here you’ll find everything we know right now about Mexico’s new Tren Maya.

What sections of the Tren Maya are currently operating?

At press time, the route currently available is from Cancún to Campeche, with an extension onward to Palenque. The stations that the train passes through include:

• Cancún Airport
• Leona Vicario
• Chichén-Itzá
• Teya Mérida
• Hecelchakán
• San Francisco de Campeche

Eventually the loop will head back up to Cancún, connecting the following stations:

• Puerto Morelos
• Playa del Carmen
• Tulum Aeropuerto
• Felipe Carrillo Puerto
• Limones-Chacchoben
• Chetumal Aeropuerto
• Nicolás B. Konhunlich

Route map for Tren Maya

How do I buy tickets for the Tren Maya?

Train tickets are available on the Tren Maya website . The link will take you to a form where you select your desired route—right now the only route available is Cancún to Palenque—as well as your origin and destination stations, departure date, and time. After selecting your seat, you will then be prompted to the BBVA Mexico bank page to complete the payment.

Tickets aboard the Tren Maya are not cheap. A ticket in the regular tourist class from Cancún Airport to Palenque costs 2,118 pesos (US$122, based on current conversion rates). For the upgraded Premier cabin, tickets are 3,382 pesos (US$196). The route from Cancún to Palenque, which is a little more than 500 miles, takes nine hours.

For comparison, a bus ticket aboard ADO, one of the largest private bus companies in Mexico, between Cancún and Palenque is 1,300 pesos (US$75) and can take 13 hours. To rent a car from Cancún Airport costs as little as $7 USD per day, and the drive time is roughly 10 hours.

A rendering of the standard tourist train interior

What is the onboard experience like on the Tren Maya?

For such a steep ticket price, you may be wondering what the onboard experience is like on the Tren Maya. Upon completion, there will be three types of rail service. Each train can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The cars feature large windows for ample natural light and landscape viewing, the seats have outlets for charging devices, and the train is equipped with Wi Fi.

The regular train service is called Xiinbal, which is the standard commuter type that is good for short trips. This train, which is already in operation, has a bar car with food services. A second train geared toward culinary travelers, Janal, which will launch later, will feature a dining car that serves traditional dishes from the Mayan region. A third option, P’atal, is also in the works and is being designed for long-distance travel with features such as reclining seats and sleeper cabins.

A rendering of the forthcoming sleeper car trains

Currently Xiinbal is the only train service that is in operation and it features two classes: Tourist and Premier. The major difference is that Premier class has 2-1 seat configuration, while Tourist Class has a 2-2 seat configuration.

A controversial project

The Tren Maya project is a massive win for the López Obrador administration. However, it has drawn enormous criticism, including from environmental groups. More than 3 million trees were cut down to clear the way for the route, according to The Wall Street Journal , which has been a major blow to the natural habitats of local wildlife, like jaguars and spider monkeys. The train’s route will also bring greater exposure to Mayan communities that are deep in the jungle and have managed to evade the overtourism that has been a rising issue in the Mexican Caribbean.

Additionally, the train costs were also originally expected to be $7.5 billion, but they have ballooned to closer to an estimated $30 billion , according to the Financial Times .

Whatever one’s opinion is of the Tren Maya, there’s little denying that it will be a game changer for tourism to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and that it will have a dramatic effect on how travelers move around the region and where people choose to visit in the future.

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How to Travel to the Riviera Maya

With buzzing towns like Tulum and Playa del Carmen and appealing resorts set along the white-sand coastline, Mexico’s 100-mile-long Riviera Maya has become a travel hot spot. T+L’s highly curated guide will help you navigate the area and plan the best vacation ever.

Not so long ago, Mexico’s Riviera Maya didn’t even have a name. The area—which stretches for 100 miles along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula—was just a string of small fishing villages. Soon, resorts began popping up by the dozen, sleepy Tulum became a yoga mecca, and once-scruffy Playa del Carmen started attracting shoppers and spring breakers. Mexico’s tourism agency branded the area the Riviera Maya, and a destination was born. Now, millions of travelers regularly descend upon this beachy getaway, which officially starts just south of Cancun and reaches all the way to Punta Allen inside the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. But with so many locations to choose from, planning a trip here is no easy task. Here’s how to make the most of a vacation along Mexico’s most happening coastline.

Easiest Flight Routes

One advantage of traveling to this area is the airline access. With all the major carriers flying into Cancun (Delta, American, United, and so on), as well as direct flights from most major U.S. cities, getting here is easy and relatively affordable.

How Far in Advance to Book Tickets

As with any vacation destination, demand will dictate flight availability. According to research from airfare tracking website Hopper.com , because Cancun is a leisure route, prices tend to be more stable and often fall until seven days before departure, though the difference between booking 35 days in advance and 10 days in advance is $8. But all that goes out the window at peak times—Christmas, spring break—when being an early bird pays off.

Visa Policies

U.S. citizens visiting for less than 180 days don’t need a visa to enter Mexico. However, you will need to have a visitor’s permit , which can be obtained by filling out a form provided by your airline, travel agency, or at the point of entry in Mexico. Since 2007, a valid passport has been required to enter Mexico, whether you’re flying, driving, or arriving by cruise ship. Mexico requires that your passport be valid for at least 90 days following your departure date, but it’s a good idea to have six months’ validity on your passport at all times (not to mention unused passport pages for necessary stamps).

Transportation Logistics

Most international flights to the Riviera Maya land at Cancun’s international airport, the second largest in Mexico. From there, most parts of the Riviera Maya are accessed by a highway that skirts the coast and links Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. It is smart to have your hotel arrange transfers, since local taxis can not pick up passengers at the airport. Another option is to fly into the island of Cozumel and take the ferry over to Playa del Carmen. Throughout the Riviera Maya, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, with fares set by the government. For instance, it costs $32 (640 pesos) to take a taxi from Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida (“Fifth Avenue”) to Tulum, approximately 43 miles away. There’s also public transportation like buses and jitney-style vans. But most visitors who want to explore rent a car from the airport , where you’ll find brands like Avis and Thrifty and rentals as cheap as $30 a day. According to the U.S. State Department, U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico, and Mexican insurance is required for rental vehicles (Mexican liability insurance is also recommended).

During the Riviera Maya’s peak season—from the Christmas holidays through the end of March, you’ll experience sunny days and temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Like much of the Caribbean region, the Riviera Maya experiences a hot and rainy season that lasts from June through October, but that’s not a reason to avoid travel during this time period. This is also when you’ll find that hotels have more availability and prices are at their lowest. And while hurricanes are rare in this region, they have been known to impact the area; so travel insurance is a good idea, especially during hurricane season, which lasts from June through November.

What to Bring

When you’re coming to the Riviera Maya, you might think there’s little more to pack than a bathing suit and flip-flops. But with its jungles to discover, ruins to climb, and underwater worlds to explore, this slice of the Yucatan Peninsula is a dream for adventurers. So depending on what activities you have planned, you might want to bring hiking shoes, diving gear, and outdoor clothing. And while it’s rare, the Yucatan can sometimes have cool nights in winter, so it’s always smart to bring a sweater, just in case.

• You can’t visit the Riviera Maya without exploring its ancient Mayan ruins. There are a number to choose from in the Riviera Maya. Tulum , with its pristine beachfront temples set on a 40-feet-high cliff overlooking the ocean, is easily accessible. For the more adventurous traveler, check out Cobá, a less manicured site deep in the jungle with the highest Mayan temple in the Yucatan Peninsula. (A fun way to explore: on a bike, which you can rent here.) Further afield is Chichén Itzá (see Great Day Trips).

• At the southernmost tip of the Riviera Maya is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Within this jungle paradise 20 minutes south of Tulum, you can check out archaeological sites, take a boat ride through a placid lagoon, explore savannas and dunes, and visit a Mayan community that has lived here since 600 B.C. The best way to see everything is on a tour with Visit Sian Ka’an , which offers nature encounters, fly-fishing expeditions, and more.

• The Riviera Maya has as much to discover under the water as above. The Great Maya Reef—the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest coral reef in the world—extends more than 600 miles from the top of the Yucatan Peninsula all the way down to Honduras. There are amazing spots for dining and snorkeling up and down the coast, but one of the best is at Puerto Morelos , where the reef is closest to the shore. Mexidivers can organize diving and snorkeling expeditions

• One not-to-miss experience in the Riviera Maya is swimming in a cenote, a natural sinkhole filled with water. Considered sacred places by the ancient Maya (cenote means “sacred well”), they are found throughout the region. Some of the top spots include Cenote Azul (known for its fresh turquoise water), Gran Cenote (go early to avoid the crowds), and Dos Ojos (where you can snorkel amid stalactites and stalagmites).

• Families love Xcaret , an eco-park where kids can interact with butterflies and spider monkeys, check out Mayan cultural exhibits, and swim along an underground river through a cave system. At the end of a visit, mom and dad might want to check out the artisanal wines at Xcaret's wine cellar .

Great Day Trips

• The Riviera Maya is home to several significant Mayan ruins, but for history buffs it is worth the trek to see Chichén Itzá , a sprawling location that has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . From Playa del Carmen, it takes over two hours to get this UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a thriving Mayan city.

• Near Chichén Itzá is a Spanish colonial town worth checking out: Valladolid, which would seem frozen in time were it not for its burgeoning fashion scene. Former Argentinian model Nicolas Malleville and his Italian fashion designer wife Francesca Bonato have started a veritable cottage industry of cool here with the Coqui Coqui perfumería and 16th century hotel , whileGerman designer Ariane Dutzi sells handmade accessories at her shop Dutzi .

• On the west side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mérida merits a day trip or even spending the night. (It’s a three-hour drive from Playa del Carmen.) This perfectly preserved Spanish colonial town has been discovered by artists, foodies, and hipsters in search of affordable housing and a cool expat community. Don’t miss the morning food market—the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez—or the modern Mexican cooking at Apoala .

• Just 12 miles off the coast is the island of Cozumel, which is reached by a 45-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen. Wander around the cobblestoned downtown, then hire a Jeep to explore. At just 10 miles wide and 29 miles long, it’s easy to get around. Head to the far side of the island, where thatched reggae bars line the rugged white-sand beach.

Tours and Tour Operators

• Whatever kind of experience you want to have in the Riviera Maya, Journey Mexico can plan it for you. Founded by travel expert Zachary Rabinor—a regular fixture on T+L’s A-List—Journey Mexico offers a number of set itineraries in the region, from swimming with whale sharks to visiting haciendas to exploring archaeological sites to family weekend escapes. Or have Journey Mexico design a custom trip that combines it all.

• Dedicated to sustainable travel, Alltournative specializes in eco-archaeological expeditions and works with Mayan communities. Have a healing session with a shaman, swim in an ancient cenote, or visit a local woman’s home. For travelers who really want to immerse themselves, Alltournative also offers longer trips like a Native Boot Camp, staying in tents.

• Want to go ATV’ing, dive into cenotes, or go zip-lining through the jungle? The adventure outfitter Mayan Jungle Tours is the source for all-out fun.

Where to Stay Along the Riviera Maya

• Just north of Playa del Carmen is Mayakoba , an eco-friendly resort development built amid lush mangroves lining a white-sand beach. There are properties for every type of luxury traveler, plus an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course. At the intimate Rosewood , look for modernist suites crafted from indigenous materials with private plunge pools. The all-villa Banyan Tree brings the essence of Asia to the Riviera Maya; every room has its own pool. With 401 rooms and five pools, the Fairmont is the largest of the Mayakoba properties. At the end of 2016, an outpost of Hyatt’s luxury boutique brand Andaz will open its doors and offer amenities like sunrise yoga on the beach and photo or video shoots with a local photographer.

• Grand Velas Rivieria Maya breaks the mold of the typical all-inclusive resort with private butler service, sprawling suites that start at 1,000 square feet, and unique experiences like stargazing with an astronomer from the Astronomic Society of Quintana Roo. And did we mention that there are no buffets? Instead, you’ll eat at restaurants like the Basque-inspired Cocina de Autor, which offers a nightly multi-course tasting menu. For foodies, there are plenty of new offerings, like a Mayan cooking class, a tasting experience with tequila and taco pairings, and a ceviche bar where guests can make their own ceviche.

• The Karisma hotel group runs a number of all-inclusive properties throughout the Riviera Maya that are known for gourmet dining and upscale accommodations. For families, there’s Azul Beach Hotel and the neighboring (and less expensive) Azul Sensatori , both of which offer the Nickelodeon Experience for meet-and-greets with Dora the Explorer, breakfasts with SpongeBob Squarepants, and parties with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s Karisma’s new El Dorado Maroma Palafitos : With the first overwater bungalows in Mexico, the resort is making quite a splash. Each bungalow has a glass-bottom floor, a private infinity pool, and a ladder right into the water.

• Set on one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is great for both romantic getaways and family-friendly vacations. Have a private dinner at the top of the observation tower, with views over the sea, or create love amulets with a special ceremony at the spa’s La Botica. Kids are welcomed with pint-sized kaftans and slippers.

• For a unique experience in the Riviera Maya, check out Coqui Coqui Cobá Residence & Spa , a five-room boutique hotel overlooking ancient pyramids. The owners, former model Nicolas Malleville and his fashion designer wife Francesca Bonato, gained fame for a sleek beachfront hotel in Tulum that has since closed and also own a hotel and perfumería in Valladolid. Coqui Coqui Cobá offers stylish accommodations with plunge pools and healthy modern Mayan cooking.

What to Eat/Drink Along the Riviera Maya

• Most of the restaurants in the Riviera Maya are at resorts or in the towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen (see below). Hands down, the best resort for dining is Mayakoba. With dozens of restaurants, a cooking school, and a farmer’s market selling local craft beers and fresh churned ice cream, Mayakoba is a foodie’s dream. Rosewood offers unique experiences like a tour of a Mayan bee farm and La Ceiba, a farm-to-table restaurant set in a garden where just a handful of guests can enjoy an exclusive dinner party. At Fairmont, acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval—known as the "father of the modern Mexican cuisine"—is the force behind four restaurants . Banyan Tree’s Saffron serves authentic Thai cuisine prepared by chefs from Thailand. And at the new Andaz, the Casa Amate restaurant is designed to feel like you’re eating in the home of a well-traveled friend.

Where to Stay in Tulum

• Zamas is one of the older hotels in Tulum and still one of its best. Each of the Robinson Crusoe-inspired suites and cabañas has its own individual design: Some are set on the white-sand beach, while others are tucked into the coconut grove. No matter where you stay, you’ll want to kick off your shoes and leave the high heels at home: This is a barefoot retreat. Don’t miss the achiote shrimp tacos with jicama tortillas at Que Fresco , the hotel’s oceanfront restaurant.

• The Papaya Playa Project started as a pop-up from the Design Hotels group and proved so popular it never went away. Thatched casitas are clustered along Tulum’s gorgeous white-sand beach, and there’s tons to do: yoga, Tai-Chi, kite surfing, full-moon parties. There’s also a big focus on sustainability, organic eating, and healthy living.

• The beachfront Amansala has developed a cult-like following with its Bikini Bootcamp, which promises to whip you in shape during a short vacation. But no matter when you come, you’ll find great ways to detox, de-stress, and rejuvenate (yoga classes, beachfront meditation, bike rides to the ruins, spa menus).

• Set on the outskirts of Tulum is Hotel Esencia , a former private estate created by an Italian duchess and now owned by a media entrepreneur. His footprint can be seen in the mid-century modern style furniture and the Juice Bar. The beachfront hotel is surrounded by 50 acres of tropical gardens.

What to Eat/Drink in Tulum

• Tulum’s best-known restaurant, Hartwood, is also impossibly difficult to get into—make sure to request a reservation over e-mail. If they’re booked up, you can also go at 3 p.m. for a same-day reservation. All the food is cooked over an open flame and ingredients are sourced locally.

• If you can’t get into Hartwood, check out Arca, an open-air jungle restaurant located just yards away. Like Hartwood, the emphasis here is on fresh ingredients, served with inspired mezcal cocktails.

• Owned by pair of Argentinian expats, Casa Banana is another hot Tulum restaurant where the steaks are prepared on an open wood-fire grill, the fish is caught just down the road, and the mixology program rivals anything you’d find in New York.

• If you’re just looking for a good cocktail, Todos Santos is the place to be. This indoor/outdoor bar is popular with locals like Zamas owner Susan Bohlken, who is a fan of the Mojito Jaguar, made with cucumber, rosemary, and sugarcane.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

• Thompson Hotels got its start with a design-forward property on Thompson Street in New York’s SoHo, and it is that urban aesthetic that makes the group’s new pair of hotels in Playa del Carmen so exciting. In the center of town, Thompson Playa del Carmen has a mid-century modern aesthetic and a 30,000-square-foot roof deck with a pool, restaurant, and killer views. A couple blocks away is the oceanfront Thompson Beach House , with 27 loft-like rooms and a beach area with private cabanas.

• It’s a large resort with 314 rooms, but the waterfront Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort still manages to feel intimate, thanks to a sexy design by Mexican architect Sordo Madaleno and New York-based Rockwell Group. The architecture of the spa was inspired by a cenote and has locally inspired treatments.

• Hotel La Semilla is a boho bed and breakfast with vintage flea market decorations and a terrace for panoramic jungle and ocean views. There are also free bikes for guests, a great way to get around town.

Where to Eat/Drink in Playa del Carmen

• In addition to stylish accommodations, Thompson Playa del Carmen has great places to eat. The rooftop seafood restaurant Catch is the sister to the spot by the same name in New York’s Meatpacking District, while the seaside C Grill serves wood oven-fired food from local farmers and fisherman.

• Set atop an actual cenote right in the center of Playa del Carmen, Aldea Corazón specializes in authentic local dishes like jicama tacos and camarones al mojo de allo (shrimp in garlic sauce)

• When you tire of Mexican food, head to Como Como Osteria Mediterranea , which serves Italian-inflected dishes prepared with local ingredients, including starters like snapper and artichoke mousse with salmon caviar and quinoa bread or slow-cooked veal cheek with Valpolicella wine reduction.

• Want to experience Playa del Carmen’s throbbing beach party scene? One of the oldest—and most happening—bars is the beachfront Blue Parrot , which hosts foam parties and fire shows.

• For a different spin on the Playa del Carmen nightlife, check out Beercicleta , a cocktail tour on a group bicycle that goes to an Irish pub and Mexican bars.

The Complete Guide To Visiting The Most Impressive Mayan Ruins In 5 Countries

Mayan ruins span across regions in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, and this is all you need to know about visiting them.

The Maya civilization is known as one of the big three Pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas - the other two being the Azetics and the Incas in addition to many other smaller civilizations. The Mayan civilization spanned the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico , all of Belize and Guatemala, and western parts of Honduras and El Salvador. The Mayans are known for the most sophisticated and developed writing system in the Americans before the European arrival. There were also developed in art, mathematics, architecture, and more.

The pyramids they left behind are awe-inspiring and draw visitors from far and wide. An eager tourist will also check out the Mayan caves as they were also very important to them as conduits to the underworld and the associated gods.

'Maya' is a term used to describe a variety of peoples in the same region with similar cultures. They were never united, nor did they have a common sense of unity. About 28 Mayan languages survive today.

Related:  Visiting The Stunning Maya Ritual Caves Of The Mayan Peninsula

Mayan Ruins In Mexico

Mayan ruins in Mexico include some of the most famous ruins and a large part of the territory that the Mayans occupied. They are clustered in and around the Mayan Peninsula. Some of the ruins here include some of the most famous of Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Some of these cities were abandoned long before European arrival around the year 900 AD for reasons that are still being debated.

Chichen Itza

Perhaps the most famous ruins of the Mayan world are those of Chichen Itza. It has been named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is one of the symbols of Mexico.

• Size: One Of The Largest Mayan Cities
• Where: Yucatan Peninsula
• Date: From 5th Century to The 10 Century
• Highlight: El Castillo - Massive Mathametically Designed Step Pyramid With 365 Steps For Each Day Of The Year

Coba is a must-see but it has not had the same touristic acclaim as its neighbors like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Today it is located deep in the jungle and until the 1970s it was not open to the public because of difficulty getting to it.

• Excavation: Only A Small Amount
• How To Get Around: Rent Bicycles On-Site
• Advantage: One Of The Last Mexican Pyramids Tourists Can Still Climb

Tulum is one of the most famous Mayan ruins in the Yucatan and is one of the coastal Mayan sites.

• Popularity: Over Two Million Visitors Annually
• Heyday: Around The 13th Century
• Tip: Bring A Bathing Suit To Jump In The Sea

Mayan Ruins In Belize

Belize may be a less popular destination than Yucatan in Mexico, but it is thought of by some as toping its neighbor with the number and a variety of sites. There are more than 600 sites in Belize alone (so this article is not exhaustive)!

Caracol Ruins

Caracol is massive spanning an area larger than the modern Belize City and was once one of the largest cities on earth. Today it is inside the tropical Chiquibul Forest and is a total must-see in Belize

• Peak Population: Around 140,000
• Abandoned: Around The Year 900
• Number Of Structures: More Than 35,000 Known And Counting
• Chief Highlight: Canna, Aka the Sky Palace, 143 Feet High And The Tallest Building In Belize
• Other Highlights: Alters, Ball Courts, Hieroglyphics, Astronomic Observatory
• Tip: Hire A Guide To Bring Caracol To Life

Lamanai Ruins

Lamanai is one of those rewarding sites that are very difficult to get to. To get here you need to take a boat 26 miles up the New River - and so it doubles up as a scenic tour as well.

• Size: One Of The Largest In Belize
• Highlights: High Temple, New River Lagoon, Jaguar Temple, Mask Temple

Mayan Ruins In Guatemala

Don't forget about Guatemala! The Mayan civilization spanned the entirety of this Central American country. And so it is also rich in Mayan ruins, many of them less known.

Tikal Ruins

Tikal is the most spectacular of the many ruins in Guatemala and some pre-Mayan structures have been found to stretch back to the 4th century BC. Tikal is nestled in amongst the Central American rainforests and had its heyday from around 200 to 900 AD. This city once dominated its region.

• Peak Population: Around 100,000
• Conservation Status: UNESCO Listed (Part of The Tikal National Park Listed For Biodiversity Alone)
• Highlights:  Temple of the Grand Jaguar, Temple of the Masks, And The Central Acropolis

Ruins Of El Salvador And Hondorus

Both El Salvador and Honduras host ruins in parts of their countries forming the boundary of the Mayan civilization. Some of the more prominent sites to see in El Salvador are Casa Blanca, Cihuatan, El Tazumal, San Andres, and Joya de Ceren. There are of course many more sites than these in El Salvador, they are, however, not as impressive as those in Belize and Guatemala.

Honduras also hosts a good many ruins in its lands. The most famous of these is the UNESCO-listed ruins of Copan Ruins in western Honduras. The Copan Ruins have been dubbed the Paris of the Mayan world and are one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization.

• Abandoned: 9th Century AD
• Highlight: The Plaza of the Hieroglyphic Staircase
• Glyphs: More Than 1,250 Individual Glyphs - The Longest Known Mayan Inscription

In short, the Mayan civilization spanned many hundreds of years and did not correspond to modern borders. Some of the ruins are touristic some are not. But they are indeed numerous. And don't forget to check out the Mayan caves!

Next:  How To Visit The Eerie, Mysterious And Abandoned Viking Ruins In Greenland

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

How to Travel on the Maya Train: The Ultimate Guide + Tips

• The New Maya Train in Mexico: Your Guide to an Incredible Adventure

Planning to explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of The Yucatan Peninsula ?

There’s no better way to do it than on the new Mayan Train !

The Maya Train, or “Tren Maya”, is a railway project that will connect five states in Mexico’s southeast, covering a distance of approximately 1 500 kilometers (932 miles): Chiapas , Tabasco, Campeche , Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.

The stations will be strategically located near a variety of attractions, activities and experiences, such as 14 “Pueblos Magicos” (Magical Towns), 6 World Heritage Sites and 50 archaeological sites !

To help you plan your trip on the Mayan Train, I have prepared a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know.

In this guide, you will find out the detailed route of the train , with the main stations and the best attractions near them. You will also learn about the features and amenities of the train; the cost of tickets and how to book them ; and the complementary projects that are planned around the Mayan Train.

Let’s dive in!

What You Should Know Before You Hop on the Tren Maya

When will it be in operation, how much will the train cost, how to get tickets for the maya train, inside the maya train: the features and services, the stations of the maya train: itinerary and attractions, the mayan train map, the complementary projects around the maya train, how accessible is the maya train for people with disabilities, how fast will the train go, how long will it take to travel from merida to cancun on the mayan train, my opinion on the tren maya, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you.

The Tren Maya is expected to start operating in December 2023.

The official prices are still pending , but the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur) stated previously that tourists would pay between 40- 50 dollars ; about 800-1,000 pesos.

• The fare will depend on the distance traveled and will vary for local, domestic and foreign passengers, with locals paying the lowest rate.

At the moment, the Maya Train is in its early stages of operation , which means ticket availability is limited and they’re being snapped up fast! To purchase your tickets, visit this link: www.eticket.mx/trenmaya

For the latest updates on ticket sales and routes , I recommend following the Maya Train’s Facebook page . They regularly post important information there.

Once the Maya Train is fully operational, you’ll have the convenience of buying tickets at any station’s ticket office , through the official website , or by using the Tren Maya App .

The Maya Train will feature 42 X’trapolis trains, electric trains that will feature a distinctive design for Mexico, with a capacity of 300 passengers per car .

It will be able to carry 10,000 passengers per day and aims to attract three million tourists annually!

The Mayan Train will offer three categories of service : Xiinbal (regular), Janal (long journey) and P’atal (restaurant).

• Xiinbal, the regular service

The large windows offer passengers a stunning view of the scenery along the journey. The seats are spacious, ergonomic and reclining, and have power outlets and storage for suitcases and bags.

There is also a designated area for bikes .

• P’atal , the long journey service

The passengers traveling long distances will have access to comfortable cabins with bunk beds, private bathroom and shower.

•  Janal , the restaurant service

The train’s menu  will feature more than 30 dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, showcasing the regional mayan cuisine such as chipilín tamales, motuleño eggs, panuchos, cochinita pibil, venison tzic, lime soup, papadzules, among others.

The train’s dessert menu will offer traditional marquesitas , artisanal chocolates, cocada and dulce de nance (a fruit).

The train will also serve regional drinks such as coffee, pozol , water and chaya tea, pitahaya and lime waters, xtabentún , tequila, mezcal, wine, pulque and craft beers from Mexico.

The Maya Train will have 20 stations and 14 additional stops  across the five states , covering a distance of approximately 1 500 kilometers (932 miles) , with two routes that encircle the peninsula: one clockwise and one counterclockwise.

Here are some of the stations that the Maya Train will have:

1. Cancun Airport

Cancun is one of the main destinations of the Maya Train in Quintana Roo.

It has a big international airport that connects with many destinations around the world, and is one of the most famous beach resorts in the world , offering white sand, turquoise water and a lively nightlife. It is also a gateway to other attractions in the Caribbean, such as Isla Mujeres , Cozumel and Tulum .

• Where to stay in Cancun? The guide to the best hotels and resorts, for all budgets
• Cancun : the 35 Best Things to Discover
• 1 Day in Cancun   – The Perfect 24h itinerary
• 2 Days in Cancun  – How to make the most of your week-end in Cancun
• 3 Days in Cancun –  What to See, Do and Eat

2. Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a small town in Quintana Roo that is known for its easy access to the Ruta de los Cenotes , a road that connects dozens of beautiful cenotes that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

It has a charming fishing village atmosphere and a coral reef that is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

3. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya .

The city offers a wide range of accommodation, dining, shopping and entertainment options, as well as beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife. It is also close to other attractions such as Xcaret Eco Park and  Xplor Adventure Park.

• Top 30 Things to Do and See in Playa del Carmen!
• 1 day in Playa del Carmen   – the best 24h itinerary
• 2 days in Playa del Carmen  – An Epic Itinerary
• 3 days in Playa del Carmen – What to Do, Where to Eat, and Where to Stay

A town in Quintana Roo that is famous for its Mayan archaeological site that overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

Tulum also has stunning beaches, bohemian vibes and eco-friendly resorts. It is a hotspot for yoga, wellness and alternative lifestyles.

• Tulum Ruins : everything you need to know for your visit

5. Tulum Airport

A brand new airport in Riviera Maya,  located about 15km from Tulum, and yes it will have its own train stop!

The airport is expected to be operational by 2024 and will have a capacity of 3 million passengers per year.

Bacalar is a small town in Quintana Roo known for its Lake of Seven Colors (Laguna de Bacalar), which has beautiful crystal-clear water.

You can enjoy a boat trip on the lagoon , visit the fortress of San Felipe , explore the Canal de los Piratas, a natural passage with white sand and beautiful blue tones, and the Rapidos de Bacalar, where you can swim, paddleboard or kayak in the water flows.

7. Chetumal

Chetumal, the capital city of Quintana Roo with an international airport (CTM), is a border city that faces Belize.

It is also close to Mahahual , a village with a more authentic and relaxing feel than other popular spots like Cancun and the Riviera Maya , although it can get busy when cruise boats visit the Costa Maya Port for the day.

You can explore the rich marine life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, or simply relax on the soft sand and enjoy the breeze.

Xpujil is a town in the state of Campeche that is known for its proximity to the wonderful Calakmul , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features one of the largest and most important Mayan cities in Mexico.

It has over 6,000 structures, including pyramids, palaces, temples and stelae. It is also surrounded by a biosphere reserve that hosts diverse flora and fauna.

• I’m pretty excited for this one because Calakmul is my favorite archeological site in Mexico , and it has always been difficult to access . But now thanks to the new Xpujil station, it’s going to be much easier!❤️

9. Tenosique

Tenosique is a town in Tabasco that is known for its traditional dance called “La Pochó”, which involves colorful costumes and masks.

This dance, which dates back to the pre-Hispanic times, is a remarkable feature of the Tenosique Carnival that takes place in late January.

It is also close to the Usumacinta River , which forms part of the border with Guatemala.

10. Palenque

Palenque is the starting point of the Maya Train in Chiapas .

Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological complexes in Mexico . It is also surrounded by lush rainforest that hosts diverse wildlife.

Edzna was one of the major cities in the region and had a close relationship with Calakmul.

You can admire the main pyramid of Edzna , which has a unique five-story structure with a temple on top and a staircase flanked by masks of the rain god Chaac.

12. Campeche

San Francisco de Campeche is the capital city of Campeche state . Campeche is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves its colonial architecture and fortifications.

Mérida is the capital and largest city of the state of Yucatán , and a cultural and historical center of the Yucatán Peninsula.

From Mérida , you can also take a day trip to the Ruta Puuc , a circuit of five Mayan archaeological sites that showcase the distinctive Puuc style of architecture and sculpture.

The most famous and impressive of these sites is Uxmal , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor’s Palace and the Nunnery Quadrangle

• The initial plan was to put a station direcly in Mérida, but it was modified and now Mérida-Teya station ( see map here ) will be located about 10 km from Mérida.

My Advice Check out my guides:

• The Ultimate Bucket List of 20 Amazing Activities in Mérida
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Uxmal Mayan Ruins

Izamal is a colonial town in Yucatán that is known for its yellow buildings and its large Franciscan convent, Convento de San Francisco de Padua.

Izamal also has several Mayan pyramids, like Kinich Kakmó and Iztamatul, that are integrated into the urban landscape. It is considered a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Mexican government.

15. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Wonder of the World , is Mexico’s most iconic and visited Mayan site.

It features the famous Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of the Warriors, the Mesoamerican Ballcourt and the Observatory.

A colonial town in Yucatán that is known for its cenotes (the most famous being Ik Kil and Suytun) and its proximity to Chichén Itzá.

From Valladolid, you can also visit the ancien mayan city of Ek Balam , home to the  Acropolis , a six-level structure that measures 524 ft in length, 223 ft in width and 104 ft in height. It is one of the largest and most impressive Mayan buildings in the region!

 Another attraction of Ek Balam is the Cenote Xcanche , a stunning natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation and rock formations, where you can swim and relax after exploring the ruins.

My Advice Don’t miss my articles:

• How to Visit Ek Balam: A Guide to the Ancient Mayan City and its Cenote
• The Ultimate Guide to Valladolid  

Here you can see the full map of the Maya Train’s route, with all the stations and stops marked.

Along with the Maya Train, there are significant complementary projects that are ongoing, such as the Nichupté bridge (Cancun), 6 new hotels and 2 ecological parks!

The six Tren Maya Hotels will be located close to archaeological sites, facilitating their access:

• Palenque , Chiapas
• Edzná , Campeche
• Uxmal , Yucatán
• Chichén Itzá , Yucatán (it will be the 1st one to open)
• Tulum , Quintana Roo
• Calakmul , Campeche

Other frequent questions about the Maya Train

The flat floor facilitates the movement of passengers with  limited mobility .

The train also features storage areas for wheelchairs and accessible toilets .

The Maya Train can reach a speed of 160 km/h (99mph)

It will only take one hour and 30 minutes by train , instead of the current four hours by car.

Like any other project, the Train Maya has its advantages and disadvantages. However, I think it is overall a positive initiative that will provide more accessibility to many amazing sites that were hard to reach before quickly.

I wish it will encourage people to venture beyond the popular destinations of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, because there is so much more to see and experience in Mexico!

Another interesting aspect is that it will also be a great alternative for those who do not want to rent a car but still wish to explore the peninsula’s diversity in depth.

So, are you excited to experience the Maya Train on your next Mexico adventure?

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City , Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla , Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico : The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
• Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Yucatan Peninsula : Top 20 things to Do and See
• New Tulum Airport (Felipe Carrillo) : All You Need to Know
• Playa del Carmen : Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

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Discussion 14 comments.

Hola, Great article Saludos! -Scott

Hello, I read that there will be a train ride from Merida to Cancun but will there be a ride from Cancun to Merida? I cannot find the info anywhere. it seems to me that the Mayab Train will be doing ……

Hi Martine! Well, they are contemplating a double-track between Mérida and Cancún, but it is still pending confirmation (same for Cancun-Tulum)

Much information!

I hope to ride the tren, from Merida to Palenque, in a clockwise direction, what would the cost of the trip, and how many stops, ( over night stop) would I be allow?

Hi Jose! For now there is still very few information/update so I really can’t tell you how much the ticket “Merida-Palenque” would cost. As for the stops, you can check out the map to get an idea: https://www.voyagemexique.info/en/maya-train/#The_Mayan_Train_Map

Can you explain the difference between estaciones and paraderos? What is the difference between the two from a passengers perspective.

Hola Mauricio! Paraderos are simple platforms that do not have any additional structures. They are different from stations, which are larger and offer more services. Passenger trains generally do not make long stopovers at paraderos, unless necessary for boarding or disembarking passengers at that specific stop.

Hi Vanessa,

I have booked the train ride from Campeche to Cancun. It leaves Campeche at 11am, I have not been able to find out what time it arrives in Cancun.

Hi DJ, I’ve been searching for that information myself and can’t find it anywhere

Nos gustaria ir en El Tren Maya este ano.

Gracias por tu descripción. De hecho, es uno de los mejores que he visto hasta ahora. Es uno que mucha gente de la región debería leer porque muchos tienen la idea errónea de que el Tren Maya también irá de Mérida a Chetumal. Muchos en Yucután creen que podrán viajar por todo Yucután en lugar de ADO y Mayab, lo cual no es el caso en absoluto si son desde Yucután.

También cabe señalar que aún faltan años para que este proyecto esté finalizado. En la mayoría de los lugares ni siquiera se han instalado las vías del tren porque el camino aún no está despejado. Y además, les faltan aún más estaciones de tren que aún están por construir. A este proyecto aún le faltan entre 4 y 6 años para completarse, si no más.

Este es un buen proyecto para los turistas y el turismo.

Thanks for your description. It’s one of the best I have seen thus far actually. It’s one that many people in the region should read because many have the misconception that the Tren Maya will also go from Merida to Chetumal. Many in the Yucutan believe they will be able to travel throughout the yucutan in place of ADO and Mayab which is not the case at all if from Yucutan.

It should also be noted that this project is still years away from completion. Most places still don’t even have the train tracks laid down because the pathway isn’t cleared yet. And to add, they are missing even more train stations which have yet to be built. This project is still 4-6 years from being completed, if not more.

This is a good project for tourists and tourism, but besides cheaper fairs for locals and some jobs for a couple of years, it’s not beneficial for them.

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• All our Guides about Mexico

Testing out Tren Maya, Mexico’s new train that connects the Yucatán

The controversial train is up and running, but not without challenges. here’s what it’s like to book and ride..

MÉRIDA, Mexico — It wasn’t until I stepped aboard Mexico’s shiny new train myself that I truly believed the Tren Maya existed. Up until that point, between a confusing booking process and reports of stranded passengers and construction problems, I felt that it was possible the entire project was nothing but a Potemkin train.

If there was any hope that it existed, it was from the bad news: The train had already attracted headlines for injuries to workers, rushed construction and damage to the fragile jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula and archaeological sites, despite promises from the Mexican government to avoid any harm.

The new train opened its first section in December and was scheduled to be fully complete in February, but that’s since been pushed to June. When finished, it will span about 970 miles and link five states in southeastern Mexico in a Q-shaped loop: Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Tabasco. Construction is still underway on tracks covering most of that distance, including a line running about 26 miles south, from the Cancún airport to the popular beach town of Playa del Carmen. The inaugural train rolled through that section Thursday.

During my early February visit to the region, only one segment of the total route was in reality complete — a line connecting the busy tourist hub of Cancún to Campeche via the busy midsize city of Mérida. At the time, the train was making just a couple of runs per day, which is a fraction of its promised frequency. It’s ostensibly geared toward visitors, so being a lover of train travel, I eagerly incorporated it into my travel plans. That, it turned out, would be easier said than done.

Here’s what it was like booking and riding the train from Mérida to Valladolid.

The booking process

The beauty of taking a train is that booking a ticket and boarding the train is a much simpler process than flying. That’s not the case for the Tren Maya, which is complex.

I first tried booking a ticket from my home in Canada in the weeks before my trip. There is just one official website for booking tickets — the service’s X account warns of scams — but the site is less than user friendly. Tickets become available only one week before and are frequently sold out. (This week, there were no tickets available, for any segment of any route that I checked.)

One week before my arrival in Mexico, I did manage to snag what I thought was a reservation. Alas, it was not to be: Booking a ticket is actually a two-part process, and I had completed only the first part. Once a booking is made, you have to make a payment online within half an hour, but the site’s automatic redirect to the payment page didn’t work, no matter how many times I tried from Canada. I gave up and decided to book while I was in Mexico for a different leg of my trip.

A week later, I was in my hotel in Mérida, determined to make this journey happen. When I found two open seats, I jumped on them, and — voilà! — was redirected to the payment page. The payment went through, and I received a receipt moments later. But, still no tickets. Those would take another nerve-racking 13 hours (did I just get scammed?) to arrive in my email inbox.

The lessons I took away from this experience: Booking within Mexico seems to be the easiest, if not the only, way to complete a reservation. The website does in fact provide tickets eventually, but planning a week ahead helps. So does having a grasp of Spanish; there is no English-language website or support, though you can use the translate function of your browser. I also didn’t see ticket kiosks in the city centers of Cancún, Mérida or Valladolid, where I spent time throughout my trip.

Ticket pricing

Prices for different journey lengths vary based on cabin choice — tourist or premier — and are higher for international visitors than for Mexican nationals.

When I booked my tickets, a 3½-hour one-way trip from Mérida to the Cancún airport cost about $90 for premier class or just under $60 for tourist class, for an international visitor. Tickets are 25 percent less for a Mexican national. With all the uncertainty and wanting to limit my chances of being stranded, I decided to book a premier ticket on the shortest leg I could — between Mérida and Valladolid — for about $50.

The station and boarding

With my ticket PDF on my phone, I caught a $15 Uber from central Mérida to the brand-new station in Teya, on the city’s outskirts. My Uber driver, Gabriel, mentioned that he was taking the train to visit family in Cancún in July. As I arrived at the station, it appeared that the majority of the train’s users were in fact Mexican families. The lack of international visitors riding has raised concerns, local media has reported.

Construction at the station was still ongoing. Crews were putting the finishing touches on landscaping, platforms and more, while the security screening machinery sat next to the boarding area, ready to be plugged in. The station is sparkling and airy, with a few little shops selling snacks, but there is no air conditioning, charging stations or WiFi.

With departure approaching, an announcement in Spanish echoed through the station, and we were ushered smoothly and efficiently onto one of the station’s six platforms, the only one that appeared to be operational at that point. There were no elevators in sight, but instead many stairs and escalators. Combined with a wide gap between the platform and the train, it’s safe to say that accessibility is not yet a consideration.

The departure time came and went, with no sign of the train, and I feared it might not come. But then, 20 minutes later, the security officers fanned out across the platform and fixed their eyes into the distance, where the train was winding into view.

The journey

The train’s tourist and premier classes are distinguished mainly by the amount of elbow room. Premier compartments have three seats to a row, while the tourist compartments have four and more options for seats that can face one another, which is great for small groups. (A third, sleeper class, will eventually operate on longer journeys.) The cars are immaculate, comfortable and quiet; the train operates so smoothly as to be almost unnoticeable when it moves.

The cars were outfitted with air conditioning, and the seats had USB plugs for devices; the temperature was also kept at a pleasant, cool level. There was WiFi, but it didn’t appear to work at a level sufficient to do much of anything.

After one or two stops, at semi-functioning stations near archaeological sites between Mérida and Valladolid, a cart rolled through the premier cabin with complimentary (but unappetizing) sandwiches. Luckily, other snack and drink options, including alcoholic options, were available in the bar car. A full food menu is expected to be offered later, but it wasn’t available yet. When I turned down the sandwich, I was instead offered a cup of fresh papaya, watermelon and pineapple, which I gladly accepted.

The atmosphere on the train was bordering on festive: Families took selfies as the train pulled away from its various stops, and those who had just disembarked waved to everyone aboard. The sense was that this train was opening up new possibilities for the region, much of which is served by poorly maintained roads, if there are any at all.

A friendly Pomeranian wandered the central aisle (a reminder that the train allows small dogs) as the train rolled past tiny villages and henequen plantations, and near enough to archaeological sites for quick access, but unfortunately not for a view.

Pulling into the station near the region’s best-known archaeological site and new Wonder of the World , Chichén Itzá, I felt like the kids locked in their Jurassic Park jeep, craning my neck to spot the attraction from the ride. There was no sign of the towering Kukulcan pyramid on the horizon, however, and I had to remind myself that it’s not a theme park ride, it’s transit — intended to deliver you to the places where you can experience the region, not to be the experience itself.

The train glided into a station north of Valladolid just behind schedule, as the sun was about to dip below the horizon. A bus waited to whisk us downtown for about $2 a head, completing the short journey.

It was hard in retrospect to reconcile the comfort and confidence of the train experience itself with the labyrinthine process of booking — and the ecological destruction its construction has wrought. Sitting down on the train, I had the sense of having tumbled through the surf, certain I would drown, only to be deposited gently on a pristine shore with a drink in my hand.

If I were returning to the Yucatán Peninsula, I’d avoid incorporating the train into my plans for now. The booking system is too unreliable, and support is too sparse for it to be a predictable or pleasant part of a vacation. I also have a nagging feeling that my uneventful, mostly on-time journey was something of an outlier.

But if I were to return sometime after the dust settles over the next few months — and I hope to — I’d gladly hop on another ride. When the booking system bugs and construction chaos are worked out, the Tren Maya feels destined to become a must-do for any traveler, foreign or domestic, eager to explore beyond the resorts of Cancún.

Jimmy Thomson is a journalist based on Vancouver Island.

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By: History.com Editors

Updated: August 11, 2023 | Original: October 29, 2009

The Mayan Empire, centered in the tropical lowlands of what is now Guatemala, reached the peak of its power and influence around the sixth century A.D. The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, writing, calendars and mathematics, and left behind an astonishing amount of impressive architecture and symbolic artwork. Most of the great stone cities of the Maya were abandoned by A.D. 900, however, and since the 19th century scholars have debated what might have caused this dramatic decline.

Where Did the Maya Live?

The Maya civilization was one of the most dominant Indigenous societies of Mesoamerica (a term used to describe Mexico and Central America before the 16th century Spanish conquest).

Unlike other scattered Indigenous populations of Mesoamerica, the Maya were centered in one geographical block covering all of the Yucatan Peninsula and modern-day Guatemala; Belize and parts of the Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas ; and the western part of Honduras and El Salvador. This concentration showed that the Maya remained relatively secure from invasion by other Mesoamerican peoples.

Did you know? Among the earliest Maya a single language existed, but by the Preclassic Period a great linguistic diversity developed among the various Maya peoples. In modern-day Mexico and Central America, around 5 million people speak some 70 Maya languages; most of them are bilingual in Spanish.

Within that expanse, the Maya lived in three separate sub-areas with distinct environmental and cultural differences: the northern Maya lowlands on the Yucatan Peninsula; the southern lowlands in the Peten district of northern Guatemala and adjacent portions of Mexico, Belize and western Honduras; and the southern Maya highlands, in the mountainous region of southern Guatemala.

Most famously, the Maya of the southern lowland region reached their peak during the Classic Period of Maya civilization (A.D. 250 to 900), and built the great stone cities and monuments that have fascinated explorers and scholars of the region to this day.

HISTORY Vault: Engineering an Empire: The Maya

What began as a modest population of hunters and gatherers expanded into more than forty flourishing city-states. Where did the Maya come from and what catastrophes caused the collapse of this innovative civilization?

Early Maya, 1800 B.C. to A.D. 250

The earliest Maya settlements date to around 1800 B.C., or the beginning of what is called the Preclassic or Formative Period. The earliest Maya were agricultural, growing crops such as corn (maize), beans, squash and cassava (manioc). During the Middle Preclassic Period, which lasted until about 300 B.C., Maya farmers began to expand their presence both in the highland and lowland regions.

The Middle Preclassic Period also saw the rise of the first major Mesoamerican civilization, the Olmecs. Like other Mesamerican peoples, such as the Zapotec, Totonac, Teotihuacán and Aztec, the Maya derived a number of religious and cultural traits—as well as their number system and their famous calendar—from the Olmec.

In addition to agriculture, the Preclassic Maya also displayed more advanced cultural traits like pyramid-building, city construction and the inscribing of stone monuments.

The Late Preclassic city of Mirador, in the northern Peten, was one of the greatest cities ever built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Its size dwarfed the Classic Maya capital of Tikal, and its existence proves that the Maya flourished centuries before the Classic Period.

Mayan Pyramids of the Classic Maya, A.D. 250-900

The Classic Period, which began around A.D. 250, was the golden age of the Maya Empire. Classic Maya civilization grew to some 40 cities, including Tikal, Uaxactún, Copán, Bonampak, Dos Pilas, Calakmul, Palenque and Río Bec; each city held a population of between 5,000 and 50,000 people. At its peak, the Maya population may have reached 2,000,000 or as many as 10,000,000.

Excavations of Maya sites have unearthed plazas, palaces, temples and pyramids , as well as courts for playing the famous Maya ball game ulama , all ritually and politically significant to Maya culture. Maya cities were surrounded and supported by a large population of farmers. Though the Maya practiced a primitive type of “slash-and-burn” agriculture, they also displayed evidence of more advanced farming methods, such as irrigation and terracing.

The Maya were deeply religious, and worshiped various gods related to nature, including the gods of the sun, the moon, rain and corn. At the top of Maya society were the kings, or “kuhul ajaw” (holy lords), who claimed to be related to gods and followed a hereditary succession. They were thought to serve as mediators between the gods and people on earth, and performed the elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals so important to the Maya culture.

The Mayan Calendar and Culture 

The Classic Maya built many of their temples and palaces in a stepped pyramid shape, decorating them with elaborate reliefs and inscriptions. These structures have earned the Maya their reputation as the great artists of Mesoamerica.

Guided by their religious ritual, the Maya also made significant advances in mathematics and astronomy , including the use of the zero and the development of complex calendar systems like the Calendar Round, based on 365 days, and later, the Long Count Calendar, designed to last over 5,000 years.

Serious exploration of Classic Maya sites began in the 1830s. By the early to mid-20th century, a small portion of their system of hieroglyph writing had been deciphered, and more about their history and culture became known. Most of what historians know about the Maya comes from what remains of their architecture and art, including stone carvings and inscriptions on their buildings and monuments.

The Maya also made paper from tree bark and wrote in books made from this paper, known as codices; four of these codices are known to have survived. They are also credited with some of the earliest uses of chocolate and of rubber.

Maya Life in the Rainforest

One of the many intriguing things about the Maya was their ability to build a great civilization in a tropical rainforest climate. Traditionally, ancient peoples had flourished in drier climates, where the centralized management of water resources (through irrigation and other techniques) formed the basis of society. (This was the case for the Teotihuacan of highland Mexico, contemporaries of the Classic Maya.) In the southern Maya lowlands, however, there were few navigable rivers for trade and transport, as well as no obvious need for an irrigation system.

By the late 20th century, researchers had concluded that the climate of the lowlands was in fact quite environmentally diverse. Though foreign invaders were disappointed by the region’s relative lack of silver and gold, the Maya took advantage of the area’s many natural resources, including limestone (for construction), the volcanic rock obsidian (for tools and weapons) and salt.

The environment also held other treasures for the Maya, including jade, quetzal feathers (used to decorate the elaborate costumes of Maya nobility) and marine shells, which were used as trumpets in ceremonies and warfare.

What Happened to the Maya?

From the late eighth through the end of the ninth century, something unknown happened to shake the Maya civilization to its foundations. One by one, the Classic cities in the southern lowlands were abandoned, and by A.D. 900, Mayan civilization in that region had collapsed. The reason for this mysterious decline is unknown, though scholars have developed several competing theories.

Some believe that by the ninth century the Maya had exhausted the environment around them to the point that it could no longer sustain a very large population. Other Maya scholars argue that constant warfare among competing city-states led the complicated military, family (by marriage) and trade alliances between them to break down, along with the traditional system of dynastic power.

As the stature of the holy lords diminished, their complex traditions of rituals and ceremonies dissolved into chaos. Finally, some catastrophic environmental change — like an extremely long, intense period of drought — may have wiped out the Classic Maya civilization. Drought would have hit cities like Tikal especially hard, because rainwater there was necessary for drinking as well as for crop irrigation.

All three of these factors — overpopulation and overuse of the land, endemic warfare and drought — may have played a part in the downfall of the Maya in the southern lowlands. In the highlands of the Yucatan, a few Maya cities, such as Chichen Itza , Uxmal and Mayapán, continued to flourish in the Post-Classic Period (A.D. 900-1500). By the time the Spanish invaders arrived, however, most Maya were living in agricultural villages, their great cities hidden under a layer of verdant rainforest.

Do the Maya Still Exist?

Descendants of the Maya still live in Central America in modern-day Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and parts of Mexico.

The majority of modern-day Maya live in Guatemala, which is home to Tikal National Park, the site of the ruins of the ancient city of Tikal. Roughly 40 percent of Guatemalans are of Mayan descent. 

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5 Hidden Beaches in Riviera Maya That Only Locals Know About

T he Riviera Maya is famous for its picturesque beaches and vibrant resorts, but these popular spots can often be crowded and overrun by tourists.

As a travel expert that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve discovered some hidden gems along the coast that only locals know about.

Here are 5 hidden beaches in Riviera Maya where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a slice of paradise.

Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!

Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com

Flights: Skyscanner

Rental Cars: Discover Cars

Tours & Activities: Viator

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master

1. Playa Xpu-Ha

My personal favorite, Playa Xpu-Ha (pronounced “Ish-Poo-Ha”) is a serene beach located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s a popular weekend hangout for locals to relax and unwind.

The beach has a few small beach clubs, like Xalmar Beach Club, where you can rent a lounger and enjoy fresh seafood, but the overall vibe remains laid-back and uncommercialized.

It’s one of the best beaches in Riviera Maya and the perfect spot for a relaxing day under the sun.

2. Playa Xcacel

Playa Xcacel is a true hidden treasure, serving not only as a stunning beach but also as a sea turtle sanctuary.

Tucked away between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this beach is less developed and therefore retains much of its natural beauty.

With its fine sand and turquoise sea, Playa Xcacel is ideal for those looking to unwind in a more secluded setting.

With virtually no amenities, it’s a quiet spot to enjoy a peaceful day at the beach. Make sure to come prepared with all your own beach gear.

3. Punta Maroma

Punta Maroma is often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, yet it remains relatively unknown compared to more popular destinations in Riviera Maya.

Located just north of Playa del Carmen, this secluded beach has wide stretches of powdery white sand and vibrant blue waters.

While it’s mainly home to all-inclusive resorts, what most people don’t know is that you can still access the beach by purchasing a day pass to Maroma Beach Club.

Here, you can enjoy the stunning beach and optional activities, including water sports and catamaran sails, without having to pay for an overnight stay.

4. Punta Venado

Located just south of Playa del Carmen, Punta Venado is a beach club and more of a secret spot that not many tourists know about.

The beach club is operated by Cancun Adventures so a lot of their tours will end here for lunch and beach time.

But the real gem at Punta Venado is the secluded beach with crystal clear water and soft sand.

Punta Venado Beach Club has everything you need for a perfect day at the beach including lounge beds with covered shades, bean bags, and a beachside restaurant and bar.

5. Paamul Beach

Paamul Beach is a small, crescent-shaped bay just north of Puerto Aventuras, known for its white sandy beach and tranquil blue waters, protected by a coral reef.

Here you’ll find the Paamul Hotel & Beach Club, which is a restaurant and beach club where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, grab some food and drinks, and enjoy the beautiful beach.

The beachfront is lined with palm trees and rustic palapas, giving it a remote and untouched feel despite being close to larger tourist areas.

These hidden beaches offer a fantastic escape from the more tourist-heavy areas of Riviera Maya, providing peace, beauty, and a chance to mingle with locals in some of the most stunning settings the region has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these spots are sure to provide an unforgettable beach experience.

• 15 Best Beaches in Riviera Maya You Won’t Want to Miss
• 7 Secrets to Experiencing the Riviera Maya Like a Local
• 7 Secret Hacks to Snagging the Best Hotel Deals in Riviera Maya

Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The post 5 Hidden Beaches in Riviera Maya That Only Locals Know About appeared first on Viva La Travelista .

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Taxi driver arrested for charging Canadian tourist $1000 USD - Cancun Forum

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Taxi driver arrested for charging Canadian tourist $1000 USD

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Cancun, Q.R. — The taxi driver accused of charging a Canadian man $1050.00 USD to travel between terminals at the Cancun airport has been arrested. On Monday night, Eduardo “G” was located and arrested from his unit on Cancun streets on charges of extortion.

Eduardo “G” was filmed by a young Canadian man who, on Sunday night, took an airport taxi from terminal 4 to terminal 3. Once at terminal 3, the taxi driver is heard requesting $1,000.000 USD from the man for the fare.

French Canadian tourist Xavier “C” initially refused to pay the requested amount and demanded the driver call police at which time the cab driver attempted to flee with the young man’s luggage. In a bid to not loose his belongings, he hopped inside the cab and grabbed his bags, saying on video he nearly broke a leg while doing so. He also reported the cab driver charged him $1,050.00 USD for the short ride.

The Cancun airport taxi driver is seen here on the night of the overcharge refusing to call police. Photo: April 21, 2024.

His credit card was charged at least $1,000.000 USD for the transfer between the Cancun terminals, and while police never arrived (because they were never called as requested by the Canadian man) airport security did make an appearance but nothing was done to assist the Canadian traveler.

“This taxi stole a thousand dollars from terminal 4 to terminal 3. While I called security, he tried to escape with my suitcase. By good luck I was able to jump into the cab to grab my bags,” he said on video.

The day after his video went viral, the Cancun airport taxi driver was located and taken into custody. He was arrested from his marked airport taxi by Cancun police around 11:00 p.m. Monday night as he continued to offer his services.

He is being charged by the State Attorney General’s Office for extortion.

He was located and arrested late Monday from his airport taxi unit. Photo: April 22, 2024.

On Tuesday, State Secretary Cristina Torres said the money charged to the credit card by the airport taxi driver has been reimbursed.

“What I understand is that the tourist made a complaint against the person who transported him to the terminal (…) the charge has been returned to the user,” she said.

Torres said an investigation by state and federal authorities is underway since the Cancun airport is located in an area of federal jurisdiction. She said the investigation will prevent this type of situation from occurring in the future.

Xavier “C” called the taxi fare a “scam” and said he would never return to Mexico. “I will never return to Mexico again. This is crazy,” he said.

The taxi driver’s car was seized by authorities and towed during the Monday night arrest. Photo: April 22, 2024.

Due to its size and distance between the four terminals, the Cancun International Airport offers complimentary shuttle services for travelers who need to get from one terminal to another.

https://riviera-maya-news.com/taxi-driver-arrested-for-charging-canadian-tourist-1000-usd-between-cancun-airport-terminals/2024.html

8 replies to this topic

1) Use the free airport shuttle

2) Agree to taxi cost before getting in

3) Get luggage out of taxi before making payment

4) Don't use a credit card

Yep total common sense, always negotiate before getting in and Cash only.

We walked from terminal 4 to terminal 3, it wasn’t that big of a walk, and we had a shuttle waiting for us to take us to the hotel

OR, maybe the government should start cracking down on the taxi mafia's criminal activities.

Yes avoid taxis at the airport, order your own private shuttle on line at home before leaving

The Govt is the Mafia.........

Everything Co_Pilot says, 100%! Can’t believe this type of thing only occurs in Mexico though. And yes, we’ve been overcharged for beer at the airport there……

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‘Call Her Daddy’ host Alex Cooper marries Matt Kaplan in intimate wedding in Mexico

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Alex Cooper is officially a wife!

The “Call Her Daddy” podcast host married her longtime boyfriend, Matt Kaplan, in front of close friends and family members in Mexico on April 6.

“Daddy gang, I’ve been keeping a secret from you,” she wrote via her Instagram Stories Wednesday before excitedly announcing the news. “It’s the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep. But today, it’s yours.”

In an interview with Vogue , Cooper, 29, and Kaplan, 40, said they chose a resort in Riviera Maya, because they wanted it to feel like a vacation for their guests.

“We weren’t looking to have a formal wedding. We wanted it to feel relaxed and authentic to us and the location, so from the decor to the festivities it all was very naturally curated,” Kaplan, who planned most of the wedding, told the outlet.

The Ace Entertainment founder added that they wanted the weekend to feel “private” and “romantic,” so they only invited people “who we love the most and who have helped us become who we are today.”

Their wedding weekend began on April 4 with a welcome party that featured espresso martinis with their initials and a custom sand castle of their dogs, who also played a role in the nuptials.

Cooper wore a semi-sheer Danielle Frankel mini dress embroidered with pearls and a matching skirt for the kickoff party. She accessorized the look with Jimmy Choo satin open-toed heels and 18-karat Material Good antique gold studs.

The following night, the couple held a rehearsal dinner where the blond beauty wore a 2011 Donna Karan Collection tan tulle gown that featured ruffles and silver embellishments. She and Kaplan sat in white lounge chairs while their friends gave speeches and topped off the evening with s’mores on the beach.

Cooper and Kaplan then said “I do” in an emotional ceremony on April 6, with the podcast host opting to walk herself down the aisle as a string quartet played in the background. Cooper requested that the guests face her to make the entrance feel more like a “runway” moment.

“At the beginning of wedding planning, I really rejected the concept of being walked down by a man to be handed to another man. Although to clarify, I have such an incredible relationship with my father and both of my parents — it wasn’t about that,” she explained.

“To me personally, I just never loved that tradition. It’s old and antiquated. My mom also walked herself down the aisle, so in a sense, I guess we are creating our own tradition for the women in our family.”

Cooper called the moment “perfect,” adding, “As soon as I came out, the only thing I saw was Matt. It was a very dramatic moment revealing my dress but also a very beautiful euphoric moment between the two of us.”

As for the officiant, Cooper gave that role to her brother, Grant, telling Vogue that he “has been so instrumental throughout my life, and he and Matt have built such a great bond.” Meanwhile, Cooper and Kaplan’s two fur babies served as ring bearers who presented the rings – via their collars – to the happy couple before they read off their own wedding vows.

“Although my life is pretty public, the true intimate bond and connection Matt and I have we actually keep pretty private,” Cooper gushed. “So for our families and closest friends to hear us verbalize our feelings towards one another in the most intimate setting felt electric.”

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For the ceremony, Cooper wore a custom Danielle Frankel silk gown that featured a round neckline and internal corset. She paired the stunning dress with custom Jimmy Choo sandals.

“The dress truly turned out to be my dream,” she told Vogue. “I felt so classic and chic in it. I felt confident and sexy while still elegant and timeless. [From there] the rest of the looks fell into place.”

The Unwell co-founder pulled her hair back in a sleek bun and added a short veil and Lorraine Schwartz diamond drop earrings. She held onto a white flower bouquet that was tied with pearls her mom gave her as a child as her “something borrowed.”

Meanwhile, Kaplan looked dapper in a custom Cloakroom black suit with a white button-down, which he styled with black shoes by Saint Laurent.

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After the emotional ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests ventured to the reception where Cooper changed into a vintage Alexander McQueen silk chiffon corset dress with Jimmy Choo heels.

The couple continued their unconventional wedding vibes by opting for a “first shot” over the traditional first dance, cutting into two separate cakes and running into the ocean with their guests.

Cooper slipped into one last outfit for the afterparty – a vintage 1995 Gianni Versace corset top with a matching silk skirt.

“Matt and I were both so intentional about making the weekend about being present with each other and our friends and family, and that’s exactly what we did,” she shared. “There’s no detail or moment I won’t remember — and I will cherish this celebration of our love forever.”

Page Six broke the news in April that Cooper and Kaplan got engaged after dating for nearly three years . The couple met through work, though Cooper kept his identity underwraps until the proposal.

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How I Made $686 on My 4th-Month Blogging?!

Honestly, I didn’t know I will make this blog post so soon. My blogging journey wasn’t and still isn’t the easiest.

Even though I am familiar with the “blogging world” (I had a Youtube channel back in the very early days of 2007-2010 and had a few blogs since), I’ve never blogged for the purpose of making it my full-time job, so on this blog I’ve been learning a lot of stuff I didn’t know about before.

So, except for the basics of blogging, I’ve learned so much these past 4 months and I couldn’t be happier!

Today I’m going to share with you how I made  $686 on my 4th-month blogging! 

YEP. You read that right! I’m so happy!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Read  My disclaimer.

Like I just said, my blogging journey wasn’t the easiest, and it still isn’t. It is mainly because I’m a very ambitious person, and sometimes my expectations from myself are too high from reality, and it’s hard for me to accept the fact that there are things in life that don’t follow up with my lead.

With that being said, even if I’m “not cool” with my reality, I still do everything I can to reach my goals, and that’s exactly what I am doing with my blog.

I had ups and downs with my blog, and even though I made this much money only on my 4th-month blogging, I am still not up to my expectations. But I’m working on it, no worries 😉 

On my 4th month blogging, I made $686! Which is insane for me, especially because my views weren’t that great, and I had a few problems with my blog, also there were a few days my blog wasn’t working because I had switched themes and did a complete makeover to my blog. 

My main goal is to make my blog my full-time job, and November was the month I’ve really got into the idea of making it happen, the quickest as possible. 

During November I made a few investments; I bought a few courses that helped me learn even more about blogging, and also to upgrade my blog and helped me grow. But I will get into that later. 

This is my first income report, I was thinking a lot whether I should or shouldn’t post an income report. Honestly, I wasn’t too comfortable thinking about the idea of sharing how much I make and talking about it. 

But on the other hand, this isn’t my full income, I work in other stuff as well in my everyday life, so it is only sharing a part of my income. That made the idea better. 

I am sharing this income report for all of my fellow beginners, to show you that it is possible, and to share with you the things I did to earn this amount of money only on my 4th-month blogging. 

According to my blog’s stats, it hasn’t been great. 

At the beginning of November, I had around 3,000 + monthly page views, but the rest of November was pretty tough and my page views decreased. 

The only thing I can think of is a few problems I had with my website and a few things I did on Pinterest that later that month, after taking a few blogging courses, I discovered that were hurting my blog and not helping it.

On Pinterest, I had 189K monthly page views and 780 followers. Later that month, after changing my Pinterest strategy I ended the month with 210K and 800 followers! (and according today the stats are only increasing. YAY)

What helped me increase my Pinterest stats?

This month i took two amazing pinterest courses that helped me so much .

The first one I actually received on a giveaway, was  “The Viral Pin Guide”  by Emily from  easyblogemily.com  I love this ebook! 

Emily went viral on Pinterest multiple times, and also has a Pinterest service. 

After going viral a few times, she created this amazing ebook and shares all her secrets on how to create viral pins, how to go viral on Pinterest and shares her own Pinterest strategy which is amazing. 

I took this course around a month ago, and I’ve already seen a change in my Pinterest stats and blog’s pageviews a few days after implementing her strategy! 

CLICK HERE to go viral on Pinterest as well!  

The second course I took was  Pinterest Strategies  by Carly from  mommyonpurpose.com ! I think Carly is considered as the queen of Pinterest. 

After “cracking the code” of how to succeed on Pinterest and drive massive traffic to your own blog, Carly created this  amazing Pinterest course  that is being updated every year or so and shares her own secrets and strategies on driving massive traffic to her blog. 

Well, I’ll tell you this – I took this course 2 weeks ago, and I’ve seen a massive increase in my Pinterest stats and on my blog’s page views! 

From the 189K monthly views, I had on Pinterest by the end of November, in these past 10 days I’ve reached 240K monthly views, and I am seeing much more engagement on my pins without even working too hard on them! 

CLICK HERE TO “CRACK THE PINTEREST CODE” AND BE SUCCESSFUL!

I highly recommend taking both courses. On  The Viral Pin Guide , Emily shows you exactly how to create viral pins, how to go viral on Pinterest and shares her own great Pinterest strategy. 

With the combination of taking the  Pinterest Strategies course , you’ll learn how to work with Pinterest, how to drive massive traffic to your blog and learn all of the best tips on how to grow on Pinterest and grow your own blog. 

Both courses are super affordable, and are highly worth the investment!

Interested in starting a profitable blog?  CLICK HERE to start your own blog and make money!

More to read:

How to start your own blog for cheap?!

The best blogging ebooks to grow your blog’s income & traffic

An honest review on Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course

How this blogger makes $500+ a month from Amazon?

PRO TIP: A while ago I launched a   2020 blogging planner  and also started using it myself!

Honestly, I will tell you that using a blogging planner   has changed my blogging life forever. It is so nice to have everything organized, have all my blog posts planned, use to-do lists and just have everything layed out infront of me!

If you are serious about blogging and your aim is to make blogging your part/full-time job I highly recommend investing in a  blog planner   and organize everything inside!

AND NOW, I just wanted to let you know that my 2020 Blog Planner is on 30% OFF! 

CLICK HERE TO GROW YOUR BLOG WITH THE PERFECT BLOGGING PLANNER FOR BLOGGERS!

How I Made $686 on my 4th-month blogging?!

Affiliate Marketing: $662

This was the biggest part of my income this month, and most of it is actually from the HotelsCombined affiliate program!

Hotelscombined – $615

Like you can tell Hotelscombined was the biggest affiliate income of the month.  

If you are a travel blogger, I highly recommend joining Hotelscombined’s affiliate program!

This affiliate program works as a pay-per-click, which at first I thought sucked, but that month I discovered how profitable it can get.

In order to earn money,  your viewers need to click your link and only search for hotels, that’s it!

The payment range is between $0.50-$2.00 per click, which sounds a little, but if you drive a lot of traffic to your links, it can get pretty good.

A few of my pins went viral on October-November, so I guess it was the main reason I earned that amount of money.

Amazon – $9

Even though it’s only $9, I am happy with it because in October I earned only a few cents.

At the end of October, I bought Dale’s  Amazon Affiliate Affluence ebook . After feeling so frustrated with Amazon’s affiliate program, I thought I was missing out on something, and I had to get better.

So, first month after using her  ebook’s strategies , I made $9 after making only a few cents on the month before. 

I was hoping to make more, but like I said before, sometimes my expectations are higher than what reality gives me.

Anyways, I have a full review on the Amazon Affiliate Affluence ebook, CLICK HERE to read it!

Cj.com – $18

Cj is an affiliate network that offers many affiliate programs! 

I’m signed with a few, but these $18 are actually from the Skyscanner affiliate program!

They are also a pay-per-click affiliate program, and this is what I made with them 🙂

House Of Barzen – $11

I’m an affiliate of the House Of Barzen’s ebooks and courses, and on November I made $11 with it:)

I’ve actually only talked about the ebook I’m promoting once on my Favorite Blogging eBooks and Courses blog post, so I guess it did go well.

With that being said, I still highly recommend checking out the  $10K Journal Bundle!

It’s a bundle of the 10K In 12 Months ebook and the Journal Yourself To Wealth Ebook.

I mainly bought it because I wanted the 10K in 12 Months ebook, which I talked about more deeply in  this blog post!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Skimlinks – $9

Even though I didn’t see much money from this affiliate program, I still love it and highly recommend it, because I definitely see the potential.

Skimlinks automate your affiliate links, which means that if I inserted a link to Uber, for example, they will make the link an affiliate link and I will receive the money from Skimlinks.

I hope I explained that right. Anyways, I highly recommend checking Skimlinks out! 

I believe  my affiliate income was increasing (again, comparing it to the $5 I made on October) thanks to this amazing course I took on October,  Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing  by Michelle from  makingsenseofcents.com

I truly give this course the credit, because before I took it, I did know what affiliate marketing was and how can I make money with it, but after taking this course I learned that I wasn’t doing it right, and I’ve learned a lot of new strategies and things I should do to really see money from affiliate marketing. 

Apparently throwing links all over your blog isn’t enough 😉

Digital Products – $24

I am so happy to say that I’ve made money from my own digital products. 

If you didn’t know or notice, I have a little shop section with a few digital products I’ve created in the past 2 months.

I believe I’ve only seen income from them in November because before that I wasn’t promoting them right. 

I recommend checking out the  Get Paid To Pin ebook  by Dale from   bloggingherway.com

In the ebook she shows her own strategy on how to make money from Pinterest, I took this course in October, but only started implementing her strategy last month.

I can tell you this course was a success because one of the sales was from Pinterest!

CLICK HERE to make money from Pinterest!

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16 thoughts on “How I Made $686 on My 4th-Month Blogging?!”

This is a great read with lots of great affiliate marketing ideas. I’ll have to check some out, thanks!

Happy to hear! Thank you 🙂

Great article with resourceful information to earn from blogging. You have shared helpful tips for new bloggers to start earning from their platform. It’s a great way to make money, such as bloggers can sell their content in the form of ebooks, and as you said, affiliate marketing is also a common way to publicize your work and skills to different blog owners. The major challenge for new bloggers is to build their organic traffic for at least six months with contentious effort. After that, they can earn from Google Ad-sense and Pinterest.

Well done with you’re blogging journey so far. It’s really good to see that it is still possible to earn from a new blog as a lot of bloggers who earn seem to have been an established blogger for a very long time.

Very good article! I will try some of your recommendations. Let’s see how they will work for me 🙂

Loved reading this as a new blogger! So many great tips that I will be using with my blog when it launches in January. I struggle with making goals that may seem too big at first and then have a hard time when I don’t meet those expectations so I feel you there! Definitely feeling it with the goals I am making for the blog already lol. Keep it up you’re doing great! Getting income in only 4 months is awesome!

Thank you! And good luck with your blog!

I am so glad that you are making progress! You are an excellent author and you deserve this!

Very inspirational, Maya 🙂 Especially for new bloggers like me. It’s nice to see that earning money, even with a small blog, is truly possible. Great job!

Cheers, Corinne

Your results are so incredible and inspirational! I only made 75 so far and this inspired me a lot

Great article, this is both inspiring and inspiring newbie bloggers like me to work harder on our blogs.

Great article! So inspirational. I really hope to make my blog full time and to monetize it, so this was some great information!

Amazing results! Good work and cheers to a great new year!

Thank you! Happy new year!

That is wonderful!! I will definitely check out those two courses.

https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/

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