Chetumal is the administrative capital of Quintana Roo, where many arrive for business or government errands. While it may not be famous as a tourist hotspot, the city offers a glimpse of daily Mexican life and a quieter, less crowded experience for curious travelers.

Known as the city “where Mexico begins,” Chetumal borders Belize and is surrounded by rivers, lagoons, and the Chetumal Bay. In many ways, the city feels like a fluvial island, offering visitors a unique natural setting that contrasts with the busy resort towns along the Caribbean coast.

Though large resorts are absent, Chetumal offers comfortable, well-located hotels at affordable prices. Visitors can enjoy convenient access to local markets, waterfront areas, and nearby natural spots, making it a practical base for exploring southern Quintana Roo without breaking the budget.

Beyond the city, southern Quintana Roo hides hidden paradises worth discovering. With a short trip from Chetumal, travelers can visit serene beaches, freshwater lagoons, and natural reserves, turning a business or casual visit into an opportunity for adventure and nature exploration.

Boulevard Bay

A great way to start exploring Chetumal is with a walk along Boulevard Bahía. Begin at the corner with Emiliano Zapata Avenue is heading north. This route lets you enjoy sculptures, monuments, and key points of interest scattered along the avenue.

Along Boulevard Bahía, you will also find restaurants and bars, perfect for stopping to eat or cool off on a hot day. The Emiliano Zapata Avenue combines sightseeing with convenient spots to rest, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll through the city.

Some of the highlights that you will find on the way are:

  • The Renaissance Park
  • Courthouse
  • The Fiscal Dock
  • Government Palace
  • Esplanade to the Flag
  • Payo Obispo model
  • Monument to the Fisherman
  • Legislative Palace
  • Sculptural Corridor of Boulevard Bahía
  • Acoustic Shell
  • The Lighthouse
  • The manatee observation area

Most attractions are concentrated between Av. Zapata and Calzada Veracruz, making it easy to plan a comfortable walking route. In a single stroll along Boulevard Bahía, you can explore parks, monuments, sculptures, government buildings, and charming local spots.

Chetumal City Museum

On the corner of Héroes and Chapultepec stands a building from 1939, built during President Lázaro Cárdenas’ government. It houses the Cultural Center of Fine Arts, classrooms for workshops, an open-air auditorium, and six rooms forming the Museum of the City of Chetumal.

The museum is not very large, but it offers a rich collection of objects, historical documents, maps, diagrams, and artifacts related to the foundation and development of Chetumal, giving visitors a clear picture of the city’s past and cultural heritage.

Chetumal City Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 19:00, allowing travelers to plan a visit at a convenient time. The museum is ideal for those who want to learn about Chetumal’s history while exploring its central streets and nearby attractions.

Museum of Mayan Culture

Just one block from the City Museum, at the corner of Avenida Héroes and Gandhi, you will find the Museum of Mayan Culture. Unlike typical museums, it focuses on interpreting ideas and concepts to explain the life, beliefs, and worldview of the ancient Mayans.

Visitors can explore the Mayan vision of the universe, the underworld, mathematics, astronomy, and daily life. Exhibits include models of Mayan homes, symbolic objects, and a large ceiba tree representing the Mayan worldview, making the experience both educational and fascinating.

The museum spans three floors, each dedicated to a major aspect of Mayan civilization: earthly life, the underworld, and the celestial vault. Walking through these areas allows visitors to understand the complexity, richness, and depth of the pre-Hispanic world.

Calderitas, Chetumal

If you follow Boulevard Bahía all the way north, you will reach Calderitas, about 9 km from the city center of Chetumal. This charming area is relatively unknown but offers a serene beauty, with calm waters that display various shades, perfect for relaxing or exploring.

Like nearby Lake Bacalar, Calderitas’ waters are clear and tranquil, ideal for kayaking, swimming, or snorkeling. The peaceful environment makes it an excellent escape from the city, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy a quiet day by the water.

One of the main attractions is Isla Tamalcab, an uninhabited island just 2 km from Calderitas. With white sands and lush vegetation, it gives the impression of being the only person in the world, surrounded by nature and the gentle sounds of the lagoon.

The island stretches about 9 km and is home to a variety of wildlife, including spider monkeys, eagles, herons, and coatis. Visitors who enjoy fishing or snorkeling will find plenty of opportunities here to experience the local ecosystem up close.

Getting to Calderitas is easy, with public transport running regularly from Chetumal. Renting a boat to reach Tamalcab Island is the best way to explore the area fully and appreciate the natural beauty that makes Calderitas a hidden gem near the city.

Chetumal is also a perfect base for exploring stunning nearby destinations. From turquoise lagoons and quiet beaches to majestic ancient Mayan ruins, the surrounding region offers unforgettable day trips for nature lovers, history buffs, and families alike.

Laguna Milagros

A must-visit for families and nature lovers is Laguna Milagros, located past the town of Subteniente López. This well-kept lagoon is also a SPA with restaurants and offers activities like boat rides and kayaking, which can even be enjoyed under the moonlight.

The lagoon spans about 3 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, with turquoise waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing. Its calm environment makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful day immersed in nature, away from the city’s bustle.

Laguna Milagros is 15 km from Chetumal in Huay-Pix. Visitors can rent a shaded area with tables and chairs or stay overnight in the nearby lodgings, turning a simple visit into a refreshing getaway surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar is just 35 minutes from Chetumal and is famous for its crystal-clear waters, known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors. The sight of its mesmerizing hues at sunrise and sunset makes it one of the most picturesque destinations in the region.

The calm waters of the Bacalar Lagoon are ideal for swimming, floating, or sunbathing. You can also relax in hammocks over the water, take stunning photos, or enjoy quiet moments while the gentle breeze glides over the lagoon’s surface.

Bacalar’s surroundings offer charming restaurants and small shops, making it perfect for a full-day trip. Whether you want adventure or relaxation, this lagoon offers a magical combination of natural beauty and tranquility.

Mahahual

About two hours from Chetumal, Mahahual rewards travelers with its stunning turquoise and green waters. Known as one of the quietest and most beautiful beaches in Quintana Roo, it’s a perfect escape for a relaxing beach day.

Mahahual also offers a variety of sea activities, from swimming and snorkeling to sailing. For families or thrill-seekers, the Lost Mayan Kingdom Water Park features slides, zip lines, and other adventures, adding an extra dose of fun to your visit.

The combination of calm beaches, clear waters, and adventure spots makes Mahahual a versatile destination. Whether you want peace, excitement, or both, this coastal gem delivers a perfect day trip experience.

Archaeological Zones

The region around Chetumal preserves the legacy of the ancient Maya civilization. Many fascinating archaeological sites are hidden among lush jungles, offering visitors a glimpse into the past alongside breathtaking landscapes and serene natural surroundings.

Calakmul is one of the most impressive nearby ruins, located deep in the dense jungle. Its towering pyramids and vast surroundings reveal the power, sophistication, and grandeur of the Mayan civilization that once thrived here, attracting travelers from around the world.

Other nearby sites, such as Oxtankah, Kohunlich, Dizibanché, and Chicanná, each have their charm, with unique structures, sculptures, and histories. Visiting them is like stepping back in time, exploring the mysteries and achievements of the ancient Maya.

The Belize Free Zone is a shopper’s paradise, offering dozens of stores filled with clothing, electronics, shoes, accessories, perfumes, cigars, and a wide variety of foods. Visitors can find products from all over the world at competitive prices, ideal for bargain hunters and gift seekers.

The Belize Free Zone is also home to impressive casinos, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, creating a vibrant atmosphere where excitement is around every corner. Visitors can try their luck at blackjack, roulette, poker, and slot machines, all while enjoying the sleek surroundings.

Open 24 hours a day, the casinos are convenient for any schedule.

Whether you are looking to shop for rare finds, enjoy some exciting gaming entertainment, or simply explore the lively and bustling environment, the Belize Free Zone offers a unique and unforgettable experience just across the border from Chetumal for travelers of all kinds.