All Aboard! Riding Mexico's New Luxury Train from Ancient Ruins to Tropical Paradise

All Aboard! Riding Mexico's New Luxury Train from Ancient Ruins to Tropical Paradise - Retracing the Rails of Yesteryear

There's something undeniably romantic about traveling by train. The gentle rocking of the carriages, the click-clack of wheels on rails, the ever-changing scenery passing by your window. It's an experience that transports you back to a different era.

Mexico's new luxury sleeper train from Yucatán to Chiapas offers the chance to retrace the rails of yesteryear. This area was once part of the mighty Mayan civilization, home to ancient cities shrouded in jungle. Later it became central to Mexico's bustling henequen industry.

Henequen, a plant similar to agave, was used to make twine and rope. By the late 1800s, it was Mexico's second most valuable export after silver. Vast haciendas sprung up with their own railroads to transport the henequen. Many of these narrow gauge rail lines fell into disuse but some remain, keeping the echoes of the past alive.

The new tourist train follows one such historic railroad, traveling overnight between the Mayan ruins of Palenque and the colonial city of Mérida. It's a 12 hour journey that immerses you in Mexico's culture and history.

By day you'll disembark to explore ancient pyramids emerging from the forest, just as they were discovered by archeologists last century. The experience is magical, said Sara B., who took the train last fall. "It was like being transported back to the world of the ancient Maya," she told me. "I could imagine how the jungle might have swallowed their cities whole."

After sightseeing under the tropical sun, you can retire to your private cabin as the train heads towards the Yucatán coast. Recline on plush sofas and watch the scenery roll by through panoramic windows. The glass-walled lounge car is perfect for admiring views of the countryside over a margarita or two.

Chef Juan Carlos rose to fame on Mexico's version of Top Chef. Now he tantalizes taste buds in the train's two restaurant cars, reimagining regional Maya cuisine with modern flair. Expect dishes like pan-seared shrimp with pumpkin seed mole and tender corn fed chicken stuffed with huitlacoche, a prized edible mushroom.

This rail journey through the past is the perfect way to arrive rested and relaxed for sunny beach time on Mexico's Caribbean coast. The train terminates in Mérida, a cultural hub known for its vibrant music and arts scene.

From there, it's a short drive to the talcum powder sands of Progreso and the island of Holbox, with its laid-back bohemian vibe. Nearby are the epic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and the crystalline cenotes, sinkholes left by collapsed limestone bedrock that now fill with turquoise waters.

All Aboard! Riding Mexico's New Luxury Train from Ancient Ruins to Tropical Paradise - First Class Views of Maya Grandeur

The luxury train allows you to experience the magnificence of the ancient Mayan ruins in true first class style. Unlike most tours that involve hopping on crowded buses, you'll have the chance to explore these sites at a leisurely pace without having to deal with huge groups of tourists.

One of the highlights is a private guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. The city flourished between 600-900 AD and contains some of the most intricate and well-preserved architecture of the Mayan world. Your guide will walk you through the lush jungle setting and explain the significance of the Temple of Inscriptions, the Palace, and the Temple of the Cross.

"It was incredible to learn about the advanced civilization that existed there over a thousand years ago," said James K., who visited last summer. "Standing in front of the same temples and pyramids where Mayan nobles once gathered really made me feel transported back in time."

The train also stops at the lesser-known but equally impressive site of Kabáh. Set amidst dense forest, Kabáh reached its peak between 700-850 AD as a fortified ceremonial center. Many intricately carved phallic monuments still stand, paying homage to the Maya fertility god.

According to archaeologist Dr. Elena R., "Kabáh offers an intimate look into the spiritual beliefs of the ancient Maya. It's one of the few sites where you can get close to the detailed stone carvings of their pantheon of gods."

The luxury train enables you to immerse yourself in the world of the Maya without contending with crowds. The small group sizes, no more than 100 people per tour, allow for a personalized experience. With ample time to explore the ruins at your own pace, you can linger to admire the architectural details or contemplate what life was like in those ancient times.

The train also offers a range of exclusive excursions to enhance your understanding of Maya history. Special guest lectures in the lounge car feature renowned Mesoamerican scholars. You can opt for a private sunrise hot air balloon ride over the jungle canopy near Kabáh for breathtaking views of the ruins. Or take a peek into rural life by visiting a traditional Mayan village, welcomed into family compounds by local elders.

"Most people just see the major sites and move on," said Dr. R. "But having the chance to dig deeper into the ancient Maya over several days is an incredibly enriching experience. The train makes that kind of immersion possible in true comfort."

All Aboard! Riding Mexico's New Luxury Train from Ancient Ruins to Tropical Paradise - Cuisine Fit for Kings Along the Coast

The Yucatán Peninsula is a food lover's paradise, with culinary influences from ancient Maya, Spanish colonists, and Caribbean flavors. As the luxury train winds its way towards Mérida and the tropical coast, your tastebuds will delight in dishes fit for Maya nobles and Spanish royalty.

Chef Juan Carlos sources the freshest local ingredients to craft memorable meals in the elegant dining cars. For breakfast, try Huevos Motuleños - eggs over fried tortillas with black beans, ham, peas, plantains and smoky salsa. It's a hearty Yucatecan staple.

At lunch, savor Cochinita Pibil, Mexico's iconic slow-roasted pork marinated in annatto spice and orange. "The cochinita on the train was incredible," said foodie Chris G. "Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor - some of the best I've ever had."

For dinner, indulge in seafood caught fresh that morning. Grilled snapper fillets come bathed in xcatic, a chili-lime vinaigrette. Octopus simmered in a rich black bean sauce is a standout appetizer. And the ceviche of shrimp, scallops and mahi mahi marinated in citrus will make your tastebuds sing.

In Mérida's central market, you'll find stalls piled high with pyramids of fruit. Sample cups of chilled chaya, a green smoothie-like drink made from the leaves of a local spinach-like plant. Vendors hand-squeeze piping hot tamarind juice, while others dish out exotic fruits like chico zapote, with brown sugar sweet flesh.

At the train's final stop in Progreso, fresh seafood is the specialty. Sit waterside enjoying just-caught red snapper served whole and fried crispy. Try pan de cazón, a toasted tortilla sandwich stuffed with flaky shark meat. And don't miss the ceviche de pescado blanco, made from the tender white fish known as sea bream.

No matter your craving, the flavors of Yucatán will leave your tastebuds delighted. The luxury train offers a moveable feast, rich with Maya influences yet continuously evolving. Release your inner Spanish conquistador, ready to savor surprising new dishes around every bend. As you gaze at the sea through swaying palms, dine on ceviche so fresh it melts on your tongue.

All Aboard! Riding Mexico's New Luxury Train from Ancient Ruins to Tropical Paradise - Lounging in Luxury from Jungle to Beach

After adventures exploring ancient ruins, luxuriate in first-class comfort aboard the train. Your private cabin feels like a stylish hotel room on rails. By day, lounge on plush sofas as the jungle rolls by outside panoramic windows. By night, sleep soundly in an extra-long twin bed under crisp 400 thread count sheets. Attendants tend to every need, providing attentive service around the clock.

The lounge car offers a relaxed vibe for socializing over cocktails or curling up with a book. During the day, grab a window seat to admire views of rural villages and lush farmland. As the sun sets, gather for a nightcap under twinkling starlight visible through the glass ceiling.

"Having our own little bubble on the train felt so indulgent," said Lauren and Tim, who celebrated their anniversary on the ride. "We'd explore all day then have our cozy cabin to unwind in each night. It was such a fun experience."

When you arrive in Mérida, trade birdsong and monkey calls for the rhythms of salsa and merengue. This colonial city radiates old-world charm with its pastel buildings and lively zócalo plaza. By night, live music spills from cozy cantinas and couples twirl around outdoor dance floors.

Nearby, stretch out on the talcum sand beaches of Progreso. Feel tension melt away as you snooze in a shady palapa hut just steps from the sea. For the ultimate in beachfront luxury, catch a water taxi to a chic adults-only resort on Isla Holbox.

This bohemian island paradise has an off-the-grid vibe that's oh so relaxing. No cars - just golf carts puttering down sandy lanes flanked by palm trees. The ritzy beach clubs here feel worlds away from the hurried pace of Cancún just across the lagoon. Sink into a hanging daybed with gauzy curtains and truly unplug.

"We felt like VIPs from the moment we arrived by boat," said Sophie and Ryan who escaped to Holbox for a long weekend. "The service was incredible and we had our own beachfront villa. Holbox was the perfect way to end our trip - total tranquility."