“Mayan Train Project Fails to Boost Chichen Itza Tourism”

Tour guides at the Chichen Itza archaeological site have criticized the federal Mayan Train project, calling it a "failure". Despite the project's aim to increase visitor numbers, the railway station at the site has not seen the expected rise in tourist traffic. The Mayan Train station at Chichen Itza has been operational for a month, with a bus service provided for transporting tourists.

However, according to the tour guides, fewer than 30 passengers arrive at the site's stop each day. This disappointing figure suggests that the project is not delivering the anticipated results. Approximately 4,000 tourists visit Chichen Itza daily, but most arrive by other means, such as buses and private vehicles.

The government's plan was to boost visitor numbers to the archaeological site by constructing a new Visitor Attention Center, incorporating a Mayan Train station. This was expected to benefit local artisans, tour guides, and others providing services in the area. However, to date, there has been no noticeable increase in visitor numbers to Chichen Itza, leading the guides to label the project a "failure".

They also noted that there has been no rise in visitor numbers to the Maya Museum, which was opened by Mexico's President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a few months ago.

Work is still ongoing at the new Visitor Attention Center, located on the road between the city and the town of Pisté. The construction is reportedly more than a year behind schedule. Artisans have not yet been allocated their spaces and remain uncertain about the distribution of commercial premises. The entrance to the archaeological site remains at the original stop, requiring a drive along the federal highway to reach the access road junction. The existing parking area has long been considered insufficient, leading many to park along the highway or use makeshift parking lots on local land.