Things To Do
The capital of Quintana Roo, Chetumal has a rich, historical past inherited from Mayan ancestors and offers an array of activities. Your dream Mexico vacation includes the impressive turquoise and jade hues of the bay and the gentle breeze blowing up and down the streets. Here are the top five things to do in Chetumal:
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Chetumal Bay
The Bay of Chetumal stands out for its multicolor splendor as one of the main attractions. Several grassy beach parks, including Punta Estrella and Dos Mulas surround the bay. Punta Estrella has volleyball courts and a small marina. The water is calm with plenty of shade from trees and little palapa-topped picnic tables.
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Dzibanché
At Dzibanché (writing on wood), named for its various wooden lintels found with inscriptions alluding to a calendar. This temple is called the Templo de los Dinteles (Temple of the Lintels), standing on the highest point of the archeological zone and standing vigil of the site. The ancient city was originally a small village, dedicated to agriculture. Fertile farmlands surrounding the ruins are still used today as they were hundreds of years ago.
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Kohunlich
The Kohunlich Mayan ruins are renowned for giant stucco masks on its principal pyramid, the Edificio de los Mascarones (Mask Building). The masks are about six-feet tall, set vertically in the wide staircases at the main pyramid, called Edificio de las Estelas (Building of the Stelae). Originally thought to represent the Mayan sun god, they’re considered to be composites of Kohunlich’s rulers and important warriors. The Kohunlich Mayan ruins were built and occupied during the classic period by various Mayan groups.
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Bacalar Lagoon
The small ruins at Oxtankah is a heavenly place. Enjoy this relaxing destination with beautiful views, especially its famous lagoon of seven colors at the edge. There’s also rich cuisine and the Museum of Piracy. Founded by sailors, Chetumal is a city divided between the ocean and the jungle, where the colors contrast and combine with the Caribbean exuberance. The city is much more than a pretty landscape. It’s a Mexico resort area where you can participate in every activity imaginable, like nature walks, water sports, swimming, snorkeling, sports fishing and diving. Plus, enjoy its delicious cuisine, from a city full of history and folklore.