Chetumal, in south eastern Mexico on the border with Belize, is the small, quaint capital of the state of Quintana Roo.
View and book hotels in Chetumal. Click here.
Founded in 1898 with the name
Payo Obispo, the feeling here is more Caribbean than Mexican with its population of Garifonas, Lebanese and Mexican. The result is an eclectic mixture presented in the music, traditions and cuisine of the area.
Located on a huge bay in the jungle, you will find
Mayan culture, history, architecture, adventure travel, nature at its best and seafood. New to the tourism world, the lucky people who are now visiting are catching a jewel in the raw.
Chetumal is a stone's throw from
Guatemala,
Belize and the neighboring Mexican state of
Campeche. Nestled in the jungle, Chetumal boosts a perfect climate, abundant flora and fauna, the nearby Caribbean Sea,
Bacalar lagoon, cenotes,
Chinchorro Banks Reef, miles of white sandy beaches and
Mayan pyramids.
Accommodations run from 5-star hotels to modest inns and eco lodges.
Services
There is an airport, consulates, and a variety of restaurants, medical services, banks, museums and night clubs.
Archeological zones
Kohunlich, Onbanche, Kinichna, Chakanbakam, Oxtankah and the San Felipe Fort.
Museums
The Interactive Mayan Culture Museum and the City Museum and San Felipe Fort Museum in Bacalar.
Fiestas and traditions
- Carnival celebrated in February
- International Border Fair in October
- Anniversary of the founding of Chetumal on May 5th
- International Festival of Caribbean Culture in November
- Religious festivities include December 12th (Virgin of Guadalupe - Patron Saint of Mexico), Easter, and Day of the Dead in November
In Bacalar, July and August are when the Patron Saint, San Joaquin, is remembered. Plus this is the time of the year for the motor boat races.
Music The Yucatecan Jarana and Trova and the Belizean soca, reggae and calypso.
Handcrafts Woven palm and basketry, carved wood, hammocks, hand embroidery and huipiles - the white Mayan shift with flowered borders.
Gastronomy
Yucatecan and Belizean cuisine are big in Chetumal. Belizean rice and beans cooked in coconut oil are a staple. Fresh seafood is on just about every menu along with corn tamales and sotobichay.
