The two routes
| With the Maya Train | By van | |
|---|---|---|
| Mérida → Izamal | By train (ticket included) | By van |
| Stops | Izamal, Chichén Itzá, lunch in Kaua, Cenote Selva Maya | Izamal, Chichén Itzá, lunch, Cenote Selva Maya, Valladolid |
| Requirement | Official ID to board | Nothing special |
| Extra | Chichén Itzá and cenote entry, drinks | Chichén Itzá and cenote entry, drinks |
What to know about the Maya Train
The official Maya Train guide published by INAH lists a Chichén Itzá station linked to federal highway 180 and a separate station in Izamal. The Chichén Itzá station isn't inside the archaeological zone, which is why tours combine the train with road transport. Train schedules vary by service and are set by the operator.
Choose the Maya Train if…
- You want the experience of riding the Maya Train.
- You'd prefer a slightly shorter day.
- You have valid official ID with you.
Choose the van if…
- You want to add Valladolid, a colonial city and Magical Town.
- You'd rather not depend on train times.
- You're a group and want to consider a private transfer with stops at your own pace.
Fun facts
- The Maya Train has separate stations for Izamal and Chichén Itzá.
- The train ride from Mérida to Izamal takes about forty minutes.
- Chichén Itzá station connects to the archaeological site via highway 180.
Related tours
Archaeology · 11 h
Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and Izamal
The Mérida–Izamal leg by train, the rest by road
from $1,600 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Transfer to the station — From the office to the Maya Train station in Mérida.
- 9:18 AM Maya Train ride — Forty minutes from Mérida to Izamal. Ticket included.
- 10:15 AM Izamal — The yellow town, the three-tier Baroque altarpiece and free time on the main square.
- 12:30 PM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of Kukulkán, the Jaguars and Eagles platform and the Ball Court.
- 2:30 PM Lunch in Kaua — Buffet of typical regional dishes.
- 3:45 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim of the day, with the heat already easing off.
- 5:00 PM Back to Mérida — Two hours on the road back.
Included: Transport, General culture guide, Maya Train ticket Mérida–Izamal, Midday meal
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Archaeology · 11 h
Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid
Four stops in one day, and none of them rushed
from $1,200 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
- 9:00 AM San Antonio de Padua Convent — The story of the 16th-century Franciscan convent told in its atrium, then free time to walk the yellow town.
- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
- 1:45 PM Regional lunch in Kaua — Buffet of Yucatecan dishes: cochinita, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options.
- 3:00 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim lands exactly when the sun is at its worst. Changing rooms and showers on site.
- 4:20 PM Valladolid — Francisco Cantón Rosado park with its original railings, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall.
- 8:00 PM Back in Mérida — We drop you off where the day started.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, General culture guide, Regional buffet lunch
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Transfers · 10.5 h
Transfer to Chichén Itzá
Four stops, your own pace and the van waiting
from $2,650 MXN per vehicle
Frequently asked questions
Does the Maya Train go straight to Chichén Itzá?
It has a Chichén Itzá station, but outside the archaeological zone; you finish by road.
What do I need for the train?
A valid official ID.
Which route includes Valladolid?
The van route: Chichén Itzá, Izamal, a cenote and Valladolid.
Do both include lunch?
Yes, both include lunch; Chichén Itzá and cenote entry are paid separately.
