Ride the Mayan Train to the New Great Museum and Z.A. from Chichen Itza

Ride the Mayan Train to the New Great Museum and Z.A. from Chichen Itza

If you’re thinking of exploring the Yucatán’s iconic Mayan sites with a modern twist, this tour offers an intriguing way to do it. It combines the spectacle of Chichen Itza, a visit to the impressive new Mayan Museum, and a scenic train ride aboard the Mayan Train, all from Cancun. While it’s a full day packed with sights, the experience balances cultural discovery with a bit of adventure, making it appealing for travelers who love history and unique transportation.

One of the things we love about this tour is the access to the newly opened Great Museum of the Mayan World, which offers a chance to see over 400 archaeological pieces—something you won’t get in just a standard visit to the ruins. Plus, the train journey itself receives praise for its smooth ride and well-maintained cars, adding a comfortable touch to what could otherwise be a long day.

However, a potential consideration is the price—at over $700 per person, it’s definitely on the higher end for a day trip. That said, the inclusion of transportation, a museum visit, and a guided tour can justify the cost for those looking for a comprehensive experience. This tour is especially suited for travelers keen on a seamless, well-organized adventure that covers multiple highlights without the stress of planning each step.

If you’re someone who appreciates knowledge from guides, enjoys museum exhibits, and wants to see Chichen Itza without the hassle of organizing transport, this trip could be a good fit. It’s ideal for those who want a mix of ancient ruins, museums, and scenic train rides all in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience including Chichen Itza, a new museum, and the Mayan Train ride
• Guided visits with experts who share insights about the Mayan civilization
• Comfortable train journey with well-maintained cars and smooth ride
• Delicious regional food included at the buffet restaurant
• Flexible cancellation policy—full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance
• Price point may seem high but covers transport, museum, and guided tours

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Early – Pickup and Train Ride

The tour kicks off early from Cancun at 6:30 am, with a 30-minute ride to the train station. This early start might seem a bit demanding, but it allows plenty of time to enjoy the day. Once at the station, you’ll board the Mayan Train for about two hours, heading directly toward Chichen Itza. The train ride is praised in reviews for being smooth and well-operated, with travelers mentioning that the cars and facilities are clean. One reviewer even pointed out that the top speeds on most segments reach about 70-75 MPH, making it a surprisingly swift way to travel.

Visit to the Great Museum of the Mayan World

After arriving at Chichen Itza, your first stop is the Gran Museo de Chichén Itzá, which houses around 500 archaeological pieces. This museum is relatively new and features exhibits assembled by international archaeologists and researchers. We love the way the museum offers a different perspective from the ruins—more detailed, well-curated, and accessible, especially after a long day of walking around the site.

In reviews, visitors mention the museum as fabulous and appreciate that the exhibits are the result of nearly a century of archaeological work, bringing new insights into the Mayan civilization. Expect to spend around 90 minutes here, which is enough time to get a good overview but leaves room for the rest of the day.

Chichen Itza Highlights: The Heart of the Site

Next up is the iconic Chichen Itza itself—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The main highlight, of course, is El Castillo (Kukulcán Pyramid). Our guides are usually quite knowledgeable, and the tour includes plenty of interesting facts. It’s worth noting that admission to the pyramid isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you want to climb or explore further.

Your guide will also take you through the Temple of the Warriors, the Ballgame Ritual Area, the Observatory, and the Platform of Venus, among other notable structures. These sites offer a look into the Mayans’ advanced scientific and cultural achievements—more than just a pile of stones.

Lunch Break with Regional Flavors

Midday, you’ll enjoy a buffet of Yucatecan dishes at the Puerta Chichen Restaurant. The included meal is a highlight for many, offering a chance to taste regional flavors and enjoy a break from sightseeing. The buffet includes salads and desserts as well, which is especially welcome after a morning of walking. Reviews indicate that the food is exquisite and a good value given the overall tour price.

The Mayan ZA: A Closer Look at Mayan Science and Technology

Post-lunch, your guide will take you to the Z.A. (Zona Arqueológica), where you’ll explore various structures and learn about the scientific and technological achievements of the Maya. Sites like the Platform of Eagles and Jaguars devouring hearts showcase their architectural prowess and symbolic artistry. This part of the tour deepens your understanding of how advanced this civilization was, beyond the iconic pyramid.

Returning to Cancun

After another two hours aboard the train, you’ll return to Cancun around mid-afternoon, with some free time before heading back to your hotel. The tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to the Riviera Maya, making it a fairly relaxed end to a busy day.

The Experience from Review Insights

While the full itinerary is packed, reviews highlight some consistent themes. Travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and helpfulness, which enhances the experience significantly. One reviewer shared, “Staff was friendly and helpful,” emphasizing that well-trained staff can make all the difference.

Another reviewer pointed out, “Maya Train is terrific, with clean cars and smooth ride,” showing that the transportation component lives up to expectations. The modern, well-maintained train cars and the overall cleanliness were appreciated, making the long ride more enjoyable.

Food also received positive mentions, with travelers describing the buffet as delicious and authentic, giving a taste of local cuisine that complements the cultural exploration.

Practical Considerations

This tour is a full day, so expect an early start and a long return. It’s a private tour, which means your group will be the only participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. The price of $721.25 per person might seem steep, but it includes the train ride, museum entry, and guided tours, which could save you time and hassle compared to self-organizing each component.

One thing to keep in mind is that admission tickets to the pyramid and ruins are not included, so you should budget for that if you plan to climb or explore further. Also, travelers should have moderate physical fitness—the walking involved can be considerable, especially in the heat.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves history, appreciates organized sightseeing, and wants to experience the Mayan culture with expert guides, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a good choice if you prefer comfort and convenience—no need to worry about transportation or parking, as everything is taken care of.

It’s also a solid option for those interested in seeing the new museum and learning about the technological achievements of the Maya. If your interest is primarily in getting photos of the ruins and quick visits, be aware that the itinerary is fairly packed, and you might be rushing through some sites.

This tour is less suited for travelers looking for a more flexible or slow-paced experience or those on a tighter budget, given the cost.

The Sum Up

This experience provides a well-rounded look at the Mayan world from Cancun, combining ancient ruins, a museum that unveils new archaeological insights, and a scenic, comfortable train ride. The guides’ expertise, the quality of the museum exhibits, and the convenience of all-in-one planning make this a compelling choice for travelers who want to pack a lot into one day.

While the price is on the higher side, the inclusion of transport, guided explanations, and cultural highlights can make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those eager to deepen their understanding of Mayan civilization without the fuss of organizing each component separately.

Overall, it’s a good fit for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and anyone who values a comfortable, guided experience that covers the major highlights of Chichen Itza and beyond. If you’re after a thoughtfully curated day trip that balances learning, sightseeing, and relaxation, this tour could suit you nicely.

FAQ

Is the train ride comfortable?
Yes, travelers consistently mention that the train cars are clean and well-maintained, and the ride is surprisingly smooth, with speeds reaching about 70-75 MPH in most segments.

Are admission tickets to the ruins included?
No, the tour price does not include tickets for the pyramid or ruins. You may need to purchase these separately if you want to climb or explore specific sites more closely.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, from pickup in Cancun to hotel drop-off. It’s a full day, so be prepared for an early start and a busy schedule.

What’s the food like?
The included buffet features regional Yucatecan dishes, salads, and desserts. Reviews highlight that the food is delicious and authentic, making it a good break mid-day.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the moderate physical activity and guided nature make it accessible for most travelers with decent mobility. However, younger children may find long walks and heat challenging.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, receiving a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

If exploring Chichen Itza with the added experience of the new museum and scenic train ride sounds appealing, this tour offers a well-organized way to enjoy it all from Cancun. Just make sure to factor in the cost and physical demands, and you’ll be set for an enriching day.