Escárcega

Escárcega is a small city located in the state of Campeche.

It began as a settlement called Kilómetro 47, primarily dedicated to logging after 1914. Like many railway towns, it was later renamed in honor of railroad engineer Francisco Escárcega Márquez (1896–1938), who played a key role in building the railway connection between Coatzacoalcos and the Yucatán Peninsula. At the time, it was considered a monumental achievement, and the name was changed to Escárcega just one year after his death.

It is no coincidence, then, that today the railway once again plays a central role in the city’s life. Escárcega is now the only Y-shaped junction in the almost circular route of the Tren Maya, with direct connections from here to Calkiní (and beyond), Chetumal, and Palenque (which eventually reconnects with Coatzacoalcos).

People often pass through on their way to other destinations. The Miguel Colorado cenotes are among the area’s most popular attractions. But it’s just as likely that visitors are headed to the coast en route to Ciudad del Carmen. The Sabancuy coast is about 90 minutes west, and Champotón is just over an hour directly to the north.

But Escárcega is also home to the huge public market named after José del Carmen González Salazar. The market opened in the 1980s and was rebuilt in 2010. Today, it is a hub of Escárcega’s gastronomy and culture, with commerce often spilling into the surrounding streets. It’s a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat and is just five minutes south of the train station by taxi.

As the Tren Maya service becomes more regular and expands, more visitors than ever are expected to arrive at Escárcega’s station. Of course, from the state capital, the Autobuses Sur line makes the 3.5-hour journey—almost matching the time of what might be a far more pleasant ride by train.