Passengers on the Maya Train will soon have the opportunity to experience a new convoy named P’atal, set to debut in September. This new train will feature overnight journeys with sleeper cabins, enhancing travel comfort in the lush landscapes of southeastern Mexico.
The P’atal train will have seven cars instead of the four currently in operation. It will operate partially on electric energy and will also have a diesel engine, which is why it is referred to as a dual-energy train.
One of the highlights of this "nocturnal jaguar" train is its sleeper cabins, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenic views of the jungle during their journey. Each cabin will feature seats that convert into beds, as well as a wardrobe, a small table, and a bathroom with a shower, making for a comfortable travel experience.
Maite Ramos, the director of Alstom Mexico, shared during a morning press conference with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that for the first time, entire families, including both Mexican nationals and international passengers, will have the chance to sleep amid the jungle and gaze at the stars from their cabins.
Currently, the train operating in the southeastern region uses standard diesel and dual-energy models (known as Xiinbal). The new P’atal model is longer and is designed with sleeper cabins to provide a more luxurious travel experience.
The new sleeper cabins come in two types: standard and those designed for people with reduced mobility or disabilities. Each cabin allows for the transformation of seats into individual beds at night, while the cabin for those with reduced mobility features a larger bed but does not convert.
The layout of the new P’atal train includes a variety of amenities. The first two cars are designated as premier class with wider, reclining seats for added comfort. The third car is set aside for tourist class, while the fourth car features a bistro and seating for individuals with mobility challenges. The fifth car houses a restaurant decorated with colorful curtains, and the sixth car will split its space between a kitchen servicing the restaurant and the initial sleeper cabins. The seventh car is exclusively for the remaining sleeper cabins.
The design of the P’atal is inspired by traditional textiles from the region, with motifs reflecting the starry night, a theme significant to the ancient Mayan astronomers.
In addition, the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) has provided updates on the development of the Maya Train Hotel in Palenque. This ambitious project aims to enhance tourist offerings in one of the most visited areas in southeastern Mexico, featuring 160 double and single rooms along with amenities like a restaurant, swimming pool, spa area, and an outdoor temazcal. Construction is currently 40.10% complete, with plans for an opening on September 21, as detailed by Blas Andrés Núñez Jordán, the chief of the Maya Train Coordinating Operations Center.
Óscar David Lozano Águila, general director of the Maya Train, emphasized the importance of the infrastructure on section one, especially the Boca del Cerro bridge, which spans the Usumacinta River, the largest river in Mexico. This section enables travelers to explore iconic natural destinations such as the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, as well as the urban park Salto Grande, connecting visitors to the region’s rich culture and abundant natural beauty.
Regarding the number of passengers using the Maya Train, Lozano Aguila reported that since the beginning of the year, the service has transported a total of 43,065 people, including 2,337 children.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2024/07/22/asi-seran-los-camarotes-de-patal-el-nuevo-convoy-del-tren-maya-que-se-entregara-en-septiembre/
