Business Owners Call for Return of Tourist Train in Tulum

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Business owners, artisans, and civic groups are pushing to bring back Tulum’s iconic tourist train, which for years shuttled visitors between the town’s commercial district and the archaeological site. They argue its disappearance has hurt both mobility and local commerce.

The call comes after changes brought by the Jaguar Park project, which altered access to Tulum’s main tourist attraction. According to local stakeholders, the lack of a direct link between shopping areas and the new entry system has reduced foot traffic to plazas, restaurants, craft shops, and other businesses.

“Losing the train was a big blow because it was something very emblematic of Tulum. It also helped elderly people, those with special needs, and people with disabilities get to the archaeological zone,” said businesswoman Valeria Blanco.

Blanco recalled that during early stages of the Jaguar Park development, officials considered using golf carts to cross the commercial plaza and take visitors to the ruins via an integrated access system. That proposal never materialized, leaving no similar connection today.

The initiative to reinstate the train has backing from artisans, members of the Playas Libres collective, and local business owners. They believe its return would boost tourist mobility and help recover some of the economic spillover that the steady flow of visitors once generated. Proponents stress they are not questioning the Jaguar Park itself, but rather seeking ways to better integrate federal infrastructure with local economic activity for the broader benefit of the community.