Who among us has not felt at least a twinge of guilt in booking a flight to a far-flung dive destination, knowing very well that the trip will add a significant contribution of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere? Being both a keen traveller and avid environmentalist, I surely have felt conflicted.

Tren Maya is a 1,525km (948mi) system of new and revitalized railways designed to connect Caribbean tourist resorts, such as Cancun, with cities, cultural sites and lesser-known destinations inland. The new rail system will pass through the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo—the main regions of the Yucatán Peninsula.