Get to know Chetumal (Grand Costa Maya)

Discover the capital of Quintana Roo
Surrounded by areas of natural beauty, right on the border of the Mexican southwest you will find Chetumal, the gateway to the Grand Costa Maya. It is one of the quietest and simplest cities to have contact with nature.

Chetumal is the capital of the state of Quintana Roo, located approximately an hour and a half from the ecotourism town of Mahahual. Its great cultural and historical wealth can be admired through the different monuments and museums located within the Bahía Boulevard, the longest in the entire Yucatan Peninsula.

Walk through Chetumal
Along the coast, either on foot or by bike, you will come across different monuments such as the Fuente de los Manatíes, built in 1996, when Chetumal was appointed as a Manatee Sanctuary. Further ahead you will see the Corredor Escultorico "Chactemal" , a space that has more than 20 sculptures by national and international artists alluding to the natural beauty of the state.

Make a stop at the Fuente del Pescador, the visitor's favorite “parador” to take a photo there is a wooden corridor that goes into the bay and a large handmade clock.

Further ahead you will see the Explanada de la Bandera, it stands out for its large column with a clock on each of its four sides, the ideal place to take a break and be able to enjoy a delicious “marquesita” with Edam cheese or a deliciuos “machacado”, a traditional drink from Chetumal, made from seasonal tropical fruits. The esplanade is a meeting place for relaxation and family enjoyment every night in Chetumal. Since it is located behind the bay, it will allow you to enjoy the tranquility and the services offered for an afternoon of relaxation.

Delight yourself with the gastronomy of Chetumal

Chetumal offers in its dishes and traditional meals, a very unique and varied mixture of flavors, the result of its border location open to the various influences from all over the world, from the incorporation of imported ingredients such as Edam cheese from Dutch origin, which has been adopted and adapted enriching its gastronomy by developing signature dishes that uniquely characterize the entity, such as stuffed cheese or “marquesitas” that can be found in parks and downtown streets of the city.

 

The influence of Belizean Creole cuisine is very important and emblematic, with dishes such as Rice & Beans accompanied by marinated chicken and fried plantains. Also products of the region such as chaya, chico zapote, and other seasonal fruits that delight the palate of our visitors.

 

One of the places to try the typical food of Chetumal is the “Manuel Altamirano” Market, where the most popular dishes are served such as Tikinxic fish (grilled fish seasoned with achiote and sour orange, tomato, chili and onion), tamales stuffed with chicken or pork wrapped in a banana leaf, panuchos, sopes, eggs, shrimp, as well as various types of broths and many more stalls with appetizers.

Other places to buy products such as flowers, fruits, meats and taste more local snacks are: the "Lázaro Cárdenas del Río" and "Andrés Quintana Roo" markets.

Chetumal Past Tour
But the history of Chetumal is not only monuments and esplanades, we also see it in its museums. In the Museo de la Ciudad there are photographs, utensils and documents that narrate the history of the founding of the city and in the Museo de la Cultura Maya the history of all Mayan periods is presented.

You must take time to observe the magic of the cosmos, the stars, galaxies and planets at the Yookól Kaab Planetarium.

Don't worry about lodging, Chetumal has a wide variety of cabins, hostels and hotels, for all tastes and budgets.

There is no special season to visit it; it has a warm climate throughout the year.