Belize Pushes for Tren Maya Expansion

Is the Tren Maya heading to Belize? Since early 2024, a delegation from Belize has been in talks with Tren Maya officials in Mexico. In March, they discussed the possibility of setting up a station at Belize’s northern border with Mexico.

In July, Amir Espadas, President of CANACO SERVYTUR, spoke about the potential benefits of extending the Tren Maya to Belize, saying, “The president said that there is the possibility of extending the Tren Maya, according to conversations with the government of Belize, into Belize.”

Prime Minister John Briceño also addressed the idea in an interview in May 2024. He said, “That is one of the meetings we are going to have with them to see how we can get the Tren Maya a little over three miles to be able to connect to our border.” He added, “Ideally what we want to do is connect it to our border, build the facilities, and get the tourists to come to Belize and also products. We no longer have to depend on transporting by ship.”

Yesterday, Riviera Maya News, a Mexican news outlet, reported that the government of Belize has officially requested Mexico to extend the Maya Train across the Hondo River and into Belize. In a formal letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Briceño proposed a two-phase expansion. The first phase would add over 7 kilometres of track from Quintana Roo into Belize, including a spur connecting Chetumal International Airport near the border, according to Rivera Maya News. The second phase would extend the train through Belize to Guatemala, reaching the famous Tikal National Park.

Briceño explained the significance of the proposal to Rivera Maya News: “The letter was to follow up on the two proposals we have; the first is that we can bring the train to the entrance of Belize from Chetumal, and the second is that it can go from here in Belize to Guatemala City.”

He added, “This would bring many benefits to Belize. It could open a new market for tourists since those who come to Cancun are often from Europe… With the Maya Train, it would be much easier for them to travel to Belize.”

“Also in trade, Mexico is a country from which we import millions of dollars, so with the train moving products from Mexico to Belize would be easier, and also moving our products not only to Mexico, but to the United States and Canada, so it is an opportunity for everyone to win,” he said.

Although studies are still needed, Briceño stated, “I am very hopeful that this can be consolidated.”