Workers clear trees for the construction of section 4 of the new Mayan Train route, near Nuevo Xcan, Chemax, Mexico, March 3, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Construction worker Oscar Uc-Pool operates machinery at the construction site of section 2 of the new Mayan Train route near the town of Santa Rosa, in Tenabo, Campeche, Mexico, May 17, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

A bulldozer clears jungle for the construction of section 4 of the new Mayan Train route, near Nuevo Xcan, Chemax, Yucatan, Mexico, March 3, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A house stands on the edge of forest which has been cleared for construction of section 5 of the new Mayan Train route, in Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 6, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. Photo taken with a drone. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Ismael Lara, a tour guide, shows tourists a map of the area before visiting a bat cave located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve close to where section 7 of the new Mayan train route is being built, in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico November 8, 2022. The railway "is splitting the jungle in half," said Lara, who fears the train will disrupt wildlife routes and attract too much development to fragile ecosystems. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Gumersindo Martinez, 68, walks next to an unfinished house after his house was demolished to build section 2 of the new Mayan Train route, in Tenabo, Campeche, Mexico, May 14, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Bats fly out of a cave located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve near where section 7 of the new Mayan train route is being built in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico, November 8, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Environmental activist Cristina Nolasco, 32, explores the Yorogana cave, which she says has been affected by the construction of the new Mayan Train route, in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 6, 2022. "This was completely clean, crystal clear, drinking quality water, until a few weeks ago," said Nolasco talking about the water in the caves, "what we see is that construction material is leaking to contaminate the drinking water we have on the peninsula." REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A protestor holds a sign that reads "If the train were Maya, it would know how to respect the earth" as activists and locals protest the environmental impact of the new Mayan Train route, outside the Yorogana cave in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 5, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Biologist Roberto Rojo, 46, prepares to show activists and locals the Yorogana cave, which he says has been affected by the construction of the new Mayan Train route, in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 5, 2022. Rojo says the train will put the entire ecosystem above and below ground at risk. "They are doing studies now that needed to be done at least four years ago." REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Environmental activist Cristina Nolasco, 32, explores the Yorogana cave which she says has been affected by the construction of the new Mayan Train route, in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 5, 2022. "This was completely clean, crystal clear, drinking quality water, until a few weeks ago," said Nolasco, talking about the water in the caves, "what we see is that construction material is leaking to contaminate the drinking water we have on the peninsula." REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Children play during celebrations for The Faithful Departed in the town of Buena Vista close to where the new Mayan train route is being built, Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 8, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A section of cleared jungle is seen from above, during the construction of the new Mayan Train route close to the town of Buena Vista, Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 8, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. Photo taken with a drone. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Juan observes the construction of section 3 of the new Mayan Train route, which he says destroyed part of his home, in Maxcanu, Yucatan, Mexico, May 16, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A man on a motorcycle crosses the old train tracks where section 3 of the new Mayan Train route was planned to be built before protests moved construction to the outskirts of the city, in Chochola, Yucatan, Mexico, May 16, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Train tracks are stacked close to where section 3 of the new Mayan Train route is being built, in Maxcanu, Yucatan, Mexico, May 16, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. Photo taken with a drone. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Rosario Jimenez stands in front of her new house after being relocated due to the construction of section 1 of the new Mayan Train route, in the town of Haro, Escarcega, Campeche, Mexico, May 12, 2022. Jimenez says she was upset when her house was demolished, but is happy she has been relocated into a newly built home further back from the train tracks. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Joselyn Julian Jimenez looks out of a window of her family's new house after they were relocated due to construction of section 1 of the new Mayan Train route, in the town of Haro, Escarcega, Campeche, Mexico, May 12, 2022. Her mother, Rosario Jimenez, says she was upset when her house was demolished, but is happy she has been relocated into a newly built home further back from the train tracks. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Luz Elba Damas Jimenez, 69, eats with her family, in the town of Xkuncheil, Tenabo, Campeche, Mexico, May 10, 2022. Jimenez owns a small store selling soda and snacks near the new Mayan Train route. Many of her neighbours, especially the young men, are working on the project, she said. She also has more customers now. "The government is working on good things for the country... Sometimes there just isn't work in these small towns, but now they have jobs," she said. "The truth is that we have benefited." REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A tree is marked with a red arrow at the construction site of section 5 of the new Mayan Train route, in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico April 23, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

An ocellated turkey stands on a road in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, close to where section 7 of the new Mayan Train route will pass, in Calakmul, Mexico, February 28, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

The Mayan ruins of Calakmul are seen above the trees at the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, close to where section 7 of the new Mayan Train route is being built, in Calakmul, Mexico, February 28, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A man carries a bucket with snacks for sale as he walks past a house which has been destroyed to clear space for the construction of the new Mayan Train route in Candelaria, Campeche, Mexico, February 27, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A residential area, which is being developed for section 5 of the new Mayan Train route, is seen from above in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico November 7, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. Photo taken with a drone. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Women wearing traditional dresses order food, close to where section 2 of the new Mayan Train route is being built, in Tenabo, Campeche, Mexico, May 13, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A beekeeper collects honey at the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, close to where section 7 of the new Mayan Train route is being built, in Calakmul, Mexico, February 28, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

People sit outside the church and convent of Santo Domingo in Uayma, close to where section 4 of the new Mayan Train route is being built, Yucatan, Mexico, May 14, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Environmentalist Raul Padilla Borja, 50, from the organisation "Jaguar Wildlife Center" watches a video of a jaguar detected close to where the new Mayan Train route is being built, in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico November 10, 2022. "The biggest threat facing jaguars is the loss of their habitat and fragmentation," said Borja. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A member of the Mexican army and a member of the construction team monitor access to the construction site of section 6 of the new Mayan Train route, in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 9, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

People attend a bullfight close to where section 2 of the new Mayan Train route is being built, in Tenabo, Campeche, Mexico, May 13, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

David Ku, 3, plays in a hammock during celebrations for The Faithful Departed in the town of Buena Vista close to where the new Mayan train route is being built, in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 8, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Workers and equipment are seen at the construction site of section 4 of the new Mayan Train route in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico, February 26, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Women prepare food during celebrations for The Faithful Departed in the town of Buena Vista close to where the new Mayan train route is being built, in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico November 8, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Workers drive machinery during construction of section 4 the new Mayan Train route, near Uayma, Yucatan, Mexico, May 14, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Butterflies are seen on deforested land where section 5 of the new Mayan Train route is being built, in Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 6, 2022. In the eyes of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the railway his government is building - known as the Tren Maya - will bring modern connectivity to areas for generations deprived of significant economic benefits. But pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor are critically endangered by the railway and its hasty construction, droves of scientists and environmental activists say. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez SEARCH "GONZALEZ MAYA TRAIN" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.