CANCÚN, Mexico — Mongabay reporter Maxwell Radwin and videographer Caitlin Cooper embark on a journey aboard the Tren Maya, traveling from Cancún to Palenque and back. Their mission is to uncover critical issues associated with this ambitious rail project. They investigate allegations of deforestation, the displacement of local and Indigenous communities, and the pollution of surrounding water bodies, which are central to numerous legal challenges filed by activist groups and local communities.

Through conversations with passengers and locals, Radwin and Cooper reveal a nation divided over the Tren Maya. While the train promises to boost tourism, it also raises significant environmental and social concerns. Watch the video to learn more about the complexities of the Tren Maya project and its impact on Mexico’s landscape and communities.

Mongabay’s Video Team wants to cover questions and topics that matter to YOU. Are there any inspiring people, urgent issues, or local stories that you’d like us to cover? We want to hear from you. Be a part of our reporting process—get in touch with us here.

Banner Image: The Tren Maya which travels through five states of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Image via Fonatur. 

All aboard Tren Maya: Here’s what we found riding Mexico’s controversial railway