The hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems along the path of the Tren Maya
One of the chief reasons given by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for the ambitious Tren Maya is to bring tourism and development to underserved communities in southeastern Mexico.
While highly visited attractions such as Chichén Itzá, Cancún, and Tulum are likely to benefit from the program, lesser-known communities may also experience a turn of fortunes.
Here is a list of communities in the Tren Maya’s path. They have not gotten much attention, but when the project is finally up and running, that might change.
Today, we explore some of the highlights along the first three of the six train routes, but don’t worry; we will get to the rest soon!
Route 1 (Campeche and Tabasco)
Kicking off in Palenque, just next to the famous archaeological site of the same name, and concluding in Escarcega, the route also crosses paths with some much lesser-known yet impressive archaeological sites.
Stop 4 – El Triunfo, Tabasco
The region of El Triunfo has never really been on the radar for tourist groups. Part of the reason is the region’s poor infrastructure and, frankly, lackluster security. Though the town itself is cute enough, the main draw of this area is the archaeological site Moral de Reforma.
The archaeological site Moral de Reforma is dominated by a massive double pyramid, as well as an impressive plaza containing several structures, including a Mesoamerican ballcourt, circular temples, and an abundance of Maya stelae.
Stop 5 – Candelaria, Campeche
Located near the border with Guatemala, Candelaria has long been considered fairly off-limits to tourists, as the region is known for illegal border crossings and drug smuggling. Hopefully, the presence of the national guard along this section of the Tren Maya will make exploring this region rich in natural and archaeological wonders safer and more accessible to travelers.
The area is also home to several impressive archaeological sites, including Itzamkanac, also known as El Tigre.
Route 2 (Campeche)
The second route of the Tren Maya runs entirely within the state of Tabasco. It will offer travelers the opportunity to check out Colonial cities, Beaches, and, of course, plenty of archaeological sites.
Stop 2 – Champotón, Campeche
The town of Champotón is an extremely charming fishing village with some particularly good seafood restaurants. The community is also particularly good for birdwatching and taking it easy on the boardwalk.
Given its location right on the coast, the town also has some dazzling beaches nearby, which are usually all but empty and make for a great location for picnics.
Stop 2 – Edzná, Campeche
In the Yucatec-Maya language, Edzná means the home of the Itzá. Although not nearly as famous as Chichén Itzá, Edzná is extremely impressive and feels nothing short of a great imperial capital.
The site covers 25 square kilometers and features dozens of impressive structures, including religious temples, administrative buildings, and habitational areas. Although not as dense as archaeological sites more to the south, the vegetation surrounding Edzná is quite beautiful. It is also possible to spot a great many species of birds, as well as monkeys and peccaries — a species of small wild pig endemic to the peninsula.
Stop 3 – San Francisco de Campeche
Better known as simply Ciudad de Campeche, San Francisco de Campeche is one of the most beautifully preserved colonial cities in the Yucatán Peninsula. The city is famous for its beautiful churches and extremely long boardwalk, chock-full of great restaurants and public parks.
In the XVII century, Campeche erected large fortifications to fight the growing piracy problem in the Gulf of Mexico. Several of the original walls and bastions are still observable today and give the city a charm unlike anywhere else on the Peninsula.
Route 3 (Yucatán)
The third route of the Tren Maya is the shortest of all. Still, it travels along some truly spectacular locations and provides opportunities to discover the wonders of Yucatán’s northwest.
Stop 1 – Maxcanú, Yucatán
Maxcanú was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish. It was initially a Mayan settlement, and its name means “place of the four houses.” The town grew in importance in the 19th century, becoming a center for the henequen industry.
The town is also near several archaeological sites, including Oxkintok, and the caves of Calketok. Both are worth a visit.
Stop 2 – Umán, Yucatán
Umán is a modern city with a mix of old and new. The city center is home to several historic buildings, including the Exconvento y Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís, an XVIII-century church and convent. Umán is also home to several ex-haciendas, which were once large agricultural estates.
Umán is also known for its markets, where locals and visitors enjoy some of the region’s best eats.
Stop 3 – Mérida, Yucatán
Mérida is the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán and the largest city in southeastern Mexico. It is located in the northwest corner of the Yucatán Peninsula. The city boasts rich colonial and Maya heritage, as well as some of the best restaurants in the south of México.
Mérida is also a major economic center for the Yucatán Peninsula. The city is home to a variety of industries, including food processing, textiles, and tourism. Mérida is also a popular tourist destination known for its archaeological sites, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture.
Check back soon for Part 2 for more of the highlights along the path of the Tren Maya.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht, PhD, is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway. Most recently, he earned a doctorate in Heritage Studies in 2026.
