FONATUR Reaffirms Mayan Train Environmental Commitment

The National Fund for Tourism Promotion (FONATUR) announced that the Mayan Train will be inaugurated in December 2023 and that protecting archaeological heritage and natural wealth is FONATUR’s major commitment to the region. 

FONATUR presented reports for stretches 5, 6 and 7 of the project, which include elevated viaducts and a cable-stayed bridge. The stretches cover 62 km, eight municipalities in Quintana Roo and three in Campeche. FONATUR announced via a press release that the project consists of seven stations, four bus stops and 800 complementary works. 

The reported stretches cover distances of 43.3km from Cancun to Playa del Carmen for section 5 North; 67.7km from Playa del Carmen to Tulum for in section 5 South; 255.8km from Tulum to Chetumal for section 6 and 254.5km from Chetumal to Escárcega for section 7. The project will also have a maintenance base for the road and railway bridges, cross drainage and pedestrian, vehicular and wildlife crossings as part of the complementary works.

Section 5 of the Mayan Train will cover a stretch from Cancun to Tulum and 75% of the track is located on an elevated viaduct to protect the karstic soil, cenotes, caverns and underground ecosystems, explained FONATUR’s Director General, Javier May Rodríguez. "The Mayan Train advances to its inauguration in December of this year, taking care of the archaeological heritage and natural wealth," says May. 

May explained that archaeological zones are under works, such as the new Paamul II site, which will include the “Garra de Jaguar” cave, the Cueva de las Manitas and the “8 Balas” cave. Other areas are also being refurbished, such as: the Jaguar Park, Seven-Colors Lake in Bacalar and the biosphere reserve of Calakmul.”

Numerous activists and environmentalists have expressed concerns due to the project’s environmental impact, arguing that indigenous populations currently live in the area and could face severe affectations. Critics also highlight the importance of the region, which is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, as the railway will cross the second largest lung in Latin America, the Mayan jungle. The Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA) explained that the project will likely cause fragmentation and irreversible impacts on vegetation, soil, water and biodiversity of the area, as reported by MBN.