A group of business leaders is pushing for the proposed Mazatlán–Acapulco Transpacific Train to include a stop in Puerto Vallarta, positioning the region as part of what they describe as Mexico’s most diverse and promising natural tourism corridor.

Carlo Iván Gómez Pérez, director of the National Chamber of Small Commerce and Tourism (Canacope) in Puerto Vallarta and the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CANACO Servytur) for Bahía de Banderas-Compostela, presented the initiative as a business-backed, citizen-driven proposal. The project, originally conceptualized by his father, Guillermo Gómez, in 1994, is now being revived with renewed energy and support.

“This isn’t just a dream anymore—it’s becoming a reality,” said Gómez Pérez. “We’ve presented it to federal lawmakers, and we’re in discussions with the six Pacific coast states. We’re engaging business and tourism stakeholders who consider the project viable and necessary.”

The proposed train would stretch more than 1,200 kilometers along Mexico’s Pacific coastline, linking over 45 beach destinations—from well-established tourist hubs like Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, and Acapulco to smaller, lesser-known spots along the Costalegre. According to Gómez Pérez, this region accounts for more than 35% of Mexico’s national hotel occupancy (SECTUR, 2023), yet lacks a unified tourist rail network to connect and elevate these destinations.

He pointed to the success of the Maya Train project, which is expected to serve more than 3 million passengers annually, noting that a Pacific version could exceed that figure due to the density and appeal of the destinations involved.

Juan Carlos Fortanel González, regional strategy advisor for CANACO Bahía de Banderas-Compostela and Canacope Puerto Vallarta, highlighted the broader benefits of the project. “This train would reduce regional transportation costs, promote local commerce, and boost the income of small businesses—including artisans, restaurants, and tour operators—by as much as 20%,” he said.

Fortanel emphasized that while major tourist destinations already exist along the Pacific coast, they remain disconnected. “Unlike the Maya Train, which is beautiful but lacks iconic destinations, this corridor is full of them. With this train, we can drive economic and social development in areas that need it most.”

He envisions a rail system similar to those in Europe, where travelers can hop on and off, exploring different destinations in a connected, eco-friendly way. Secondary destinations such as San Blas, Maruata, and Petatlán—currently difficult to access—would benefit significantly from improved connectivity, enabling a richer and more diversified tourism experience.

The business leaders behind the project are currently working on an executive plan that includes technical studies, cost analyses, and strategies for public-private investment. With effective interstate coordination, they argue, the Transpacific Train could become a transformative piece of infrastructure—promoting sustainable growth while preserving the natural, cultural, and economic value of the Pacific coast.

“This could be a legacy for future generations,” Fortanel said. “Even if we don’t see it fully realized in our time, our children will. It would be the train of Mexico, connecting some of the country’s most beautiful and vibrant regions.”