Mayan Train Delayed, but Still on Track for Tulum Adventure
Exciting times in Tulum! A 19m observation tower, major road upgrades, and a revamped Mayan Train are on the horizon. Plus, Tulum secures land for affordable housing and celebrates local, sustainable cuisine.
In a visit to the municipality of Tulum, Román Meyer Falcón, the head honcho at Sedatu, sprang some news that's got the whole town buzzing with excitement. Brace yourselves, Tulum enthusiasts, for a series of incredible developments is coming your way.
An observation tower that soars 19 meters high, offering a vista that's more jaw-dropping than that mesmerizing cenote you couldn't stop Instagramming. This observation tower, soon to grace the southern access of Jaguar National Park, is about to become the hottest attraction in town. It will shower you with panoramic views of the mystical Tulum archaeological zone, the pristine beauty of the park's coastline, and even a bird's-eye view of the city of Tulum. Not to forget, the central access will house the brand-spanking-new Museum of Mayan Culture, and the northern gateway will lead you straight to the Mayan Train station. That's right, it's an all-access pass to Tulum's treasures.
These dreams are coming true with a whopping investment of approximately 2 billion pesos! You heard that right. While we can't promise you a date with the Tulum Tower just yet, they're aiming to kick open the park's gates by the end of the year.
Moreover, your journey to Tulum just got smoother. Road connections are getting a facelift, ensuring that you won't have to wrestle with potholes and bumpy roads anymore. And if you're one to adore scenic pitstops, a lookout point is being built at the southern access. It's not just a lookout, it's going to be your landmark to brag about when you return home.
Best part? Access to all these fabulous structures will be absolutely free. The Ministry of National Defense is teaming up with INAH to ensure that the Jaguar Park runs as smoothly.
Mayan Train Delayed, but Not Derailed
Speaking of the Mayan Train, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador spilled the beans. Yes, the Train is rolling, but not quite into Tulum on December 15. Only the stretch from Palenque to Cancun is getting the green signal this year. Section 5, the star of numerous debates, could see the light of day by January or February 2024. But hey, we're all about optimism here, and the full Train should be up and running by August next year, just a whisker away from the six-year finish line.
With Tulum's bright future on the horizon, local authorities are laying the groundwork. They're gearing up to construct three “magic arches” in response to the urban and tourist explosion expected in this magical destination. This expansion, fueled by the Tulum International Airport, the Jaguar National Park, and the upcoming Mayan Train station, is about to make Tulum shine even brighter.
On the home front, Tulum's municipal president, Diego Castañón Trejo, has unleashed the ultimate weapon against those pesky potholes. A pothole-patching and streetlight-repair program kicked off in style on Cobá Avenue and Ok'ot Street. Finally, Tulum's streets are getting some much-needed TLC. Say goodbye to those car-rattling craters.
Homes for All, Courtesy of Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo is on a mission to offer affordable housing to its citizens. The government's securing 80 hectares of land in Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and Cozumel for social interest housing developments. These aren't just any neighborhoods; they're going to be filled with essential public services – from drainage systems to electricity, everything to guarantee a high-quality life for future residents. With private investments in the mix, these neighborhoods are all set to be the ideal places to put down roots, minus the headache of federal funds.
And finally, if you're a foodie, Tulum's got your back. Chef Miguel Hidalgo, the maestro behind Escama restaurant, is bringing you the Honest Kitchen concept. This culinary wonderland is all about local, organic, and fair trade ingredients. Think fish from Punta Allen, chickens from Playa del Carmen, and a delightful array of veggies from neighboring communities. Tulum's flavors, now served on a sustainable platter.
So, dear readers, with these new developments, Tulum, the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, is set to shine brighter in the Mexican sun. Stay tuned because the future is Tulum, and it's looking better than ever.
