Plan your vacation
Add dates
Add travelers
Cancun International Airport
Cancun International Airport - Photo by Tim Mossholder

Explore Mayan Ruins & Turquoise Waters in Chetumal

About Chetumal, Mexico

Chetumal is a hidden gem located on the Yucatan Peninsula, bordering Belize. The city is a melting pot of cultures that offer visitors a unique experience with its diverse cuisine, lively nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Visit the Museum of Maya Culture and the Bacalar Lagoon, and take a day trip to explore the ancient ruins of Chacchoben.

Chetumal, Mexico is a hidden gem that is quickly gaining popularity among travelers. Located in the southern part of the country on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chetumal is a city with a rich history and culture. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including lagoons, mangroves, and jungles, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

One of the most popular attractions in Chetumal is the Museum of Maya Culture. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Maya civilization. Visitors can learn about the Maya's daily life, religious practices, and political structure.

Another must-see attraction in Chetumal is the Bacalar Lagoon. Known as the "Lake of Seven Colors," the lagoon is a natural wonder with crystal-clear water that changes color throughout the day thanks to the sun's reflection. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities here, including kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.

For those interested in history and architecture, the Santa Rita Archaeological Site is worth a visit. The site was once the capital of the ancient Maya civilization and features a collection of well-preserved ruins and structures, including a ball court and a pyramid.

Chetumal is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Calderitas Beach and Mahahual Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear water, white sand, and a variety of water activities, including snorkeling and diving.

Of course, no trip to Chetumal would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The city is known for its delicious seafood dishes, including ceviche and fried fish. Visitors can also try traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish.

Overall, Chetumal is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach, there's something for everyone in this charming city.

More Detail

Popular Stays in Chetumal, Mexico

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Chetumal, Mexico

Surrounded by the tropical jungle, this unique resort combines Mayan handicraft with top-level luxury. The Mayan site of Kohunlich is only 1.6 km from the hotel. The Caribbean city of Chetumal and its airport are 60 km and 70 km away, respectively. Features of the hotel include 24-hour reception, restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, wellness, bicycle rental, airport shuttle and laundry service. The hotel offers free Airport-Hotel-Airport shuttle service
Situated in the area of the Grand Costa Maya, in front of the second largest barrier reef in the world this is the perfect venue for anyone looking for a sun-soaked vacation, with maybe some snorkelling for added excitement. The hotel is located on the Mexican Caribbean coast, about 145 km from the city of Chetumal. Guests can reach the nearest restaurants, bars and clubs within a brisk 20-minute stroll. The venue is a characteristic beach hotel that uses its minimalist style to convey calmness and relaxation. Onsite one can find a pleasant café, the perfect venue for a mid-day breakfast and a fine restaurant for those hearty meals after a water-drenched afternoon. All of the en suite rooms are equipped with the best quality furniture and decorated in a minimalist style with a Mediterranean touch to convey a relaxed atmosphere of comfort and relaxation ideal for holidays.
This charming hotel is set in Bacalar. The accommodation comprises 34 cozy units. Located in the southernmost part of the Yucatan Peninsula, 20 miles north of Chetumal´s Airport. Rancho Encantado is situated on the shores of the pristine waters of Laguna Bacalar, the 40 mile-long ¨Lagoon of the Seven Colors¨ .Perfect for Individuals, couples, Families and groups, who seek an alternative to huge resort hotels. the Hotel has a Shore front Restaurant and Bar , Outdoor Jacuzzi, Swimming pool, own private dock and Spa. Al sur de la Península de Yucatán y a tan solo 40 km del aeropuerto de Chetumal, en el estado de Quintana Roo, se encuentra el paradisiaco hotel ecológico Rancho Encantado, ubicado a la orilla de la Laguna de Bacalar, famosa por sus siete colores y sus transparentes aguas.
General view
Business hotelsHotels with charm

City Express Chetumal

When you stay at City Express by Marriott Chetumal in Chetumal, you'll be connected to a shopping center, within a 5-minute drive of Payo Obispo Zoo and Santuario del Manati. This hotel is 15. 3 mi (24. 5 km) from Lake Bacalar and 1. 9 mi (3 km) from Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden. . Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, tour/ticket assistance, and a vending machine. Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the complimentary area shuttle that operates within 10 km. . Make yourself at home in one of the 109 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms with showers are provided. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks. . A complimentary buffet breakfast is served on weekdays from 6 AM to 10 AM and on weekends from 7 AM to 11 AM. . Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite. . Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometer. Payo Obispo Zoo - 2. 2 km / 1. 4 mi- Santuario del Manati - 2. 9 km / 1. 8 mi- Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden - 2. 9 km / 1. 8 mi- Palacio Municipal De Othon P. Blanco - 3. 9 km / 2. 4 mi- Museum of Maya Culture - 4 km / 2.
This modern hotel is situated in the heart of Chetumal's city centre, offering easy access to the corporate area for business travellers and to sightseeing opportunities for those travelling for leisure. The Palacio del Gobierno is only a 7-minute walk, and the Museum of Mayan Culture is just a short stroll away. Also within easy reach are the Hondo River and Bacalar Lagoon as well as the Kohunlich and Dzibanche archaeological sites. The hotel's comfortable guest rooms feature modern designs with sleek, polished floors and spacious work desks. Each comes with air-conditioning, private en suite bathroom and a flat-screen LCD television with cable channels. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed with 24-hour room service or take meals in the contemporary restaurant. There is also a gym, lounge and conference room, and covered parking is available. The hotel offers free Airport-Hotel-Airport shuttle service
Set in Mahahual, Aqua Star Hotel and Apartments offers a garden and hot tub. Free WiFi is featured. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV. A minibar and coffee machine are also offered. There is also a kitchen in some of the units, equipped with a microwave. Every unit is equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Towels and bed linen are provided. Aqua Star Hotel and Apartments also includes an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy a year-round outdoor pool and a restaurant on site. Chetumal International Airport is 70 km from the property.
Blue Kay Eco Resort features a total of 65 accomodation units. Moreover, there is a wireless Internet connection available on-site. Blue Kay Eco Resort offers a 24-hour reception service, so that guests' needs will be fully met at any time of the day or night. There is a car park at Blue Kay Eco Resort. Some services of Blue Kay Eco Resort may be payable.
Located in Bacalar, MBH Maya Bacalar Hotel Boutique is on the waterfront, a 1-minute drive from Lake Bacalar and 7 minutes from Laguna Bacalar Ecological Park. This hotel is 7.2 mi (11.6 km) from Cenote Cocalitos and 20.8 mi (33.5 km) from Laguna Milagros. Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including a spa tub and bicycles to rent. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access and tour/ticket assistance. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Full breakfasts are available daily from 8:00 AM to noon for a fee. Make yourself at home in one of the 16 air-conditioned rooms featuring Smart televisions. Rooms have private balconies or patios. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

Things to do in Chetumal, Mexico

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Chetumal, Mexico

Bacalar is a city that has it's own lagoon which is filled with different local species of fish and birds. The lagoon is a very important location for nature, it provides the nature surrounding a big amount of nutrients due to the stromatolites We'll begin this adventure with a swim at The Cenote Azul, this is a gorgeous open cenote where you can just float and all the worries will melt away! A delicious breakfast to endure the adventure will be ready for us, then we will enjoy some free time at the lagoon to swim and relax Our next activity will be with kayaks at the lagoon, our guide will take you into a tour troughtout the lagoon and nature And to end the adventure, our guide will take us to a local restaurant to enjoy an authentic mexican lunch, and before we leave, a quick stop to take photos at the Bacalar City Sign
This is the perfect combination of culture, history and adventure. As soon as your cruiseship arrives to Costa Maya Port, travel through history from the Mayans to the pirates. Start your adventure in one of the least explored archeological sites in the Maya Zone that date back to 200 BC. and let yourself be surprised by the incredible monuments, flora and fauna that the jungle has to offer you. After visiting the jungle and the Mayan city of Chacchoben, we will go to the Bacalar lagoon, a famous haven for pirates, where you can relax, swim or enjoy a kayak ride in the refreshing waters of the spectacular seven-color lagoon. Take a short break eating some delicious fajitas with your favorite drink at the edge of the lagoon or just enjoy the breeze and incredible landscape. We recommend this tour if you visit Costa Maya for the first time.
Explore the best of Costa Maya in one unforgettable cruise excursion! Step off your cruise ship and embark on a journey through time, from the ancient Mayans to notorious pirates. Discover an off-the-beaten-path archaeological site dating back to 200 BC, hidden deep in the jungle. Be awed by the remarkable monuments, lush flora, and diverse wildlife that the jungle has to offer. After your jungle adventure and exploring the Mayan city of Chacchoben, we'll take you to the famous Bacalar Lagoon, once a pirate's paradise. Here, you can unwind, swim, or enjoy a relaxing kayak ride in the crystal-clear waters of the stunning seven-color lagoon. Take a break and savor delicious fajitas and your favorite beverage by the lagoon's edge while soaking in the breathtaking scenery and cool breeze. This tour is a must for first-time visitors to Costa Maya, offering the perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins is the most popular and visited attraction for a day in Costa Maya. It is approximately 50 minutes drive from Costa Maya Port. This site is just a few kilometers from the village of Chacchoben from which it's name derive. The translation of the Mayan word "Chacchoben" refers to "The Place Of The Red Corn". The structures at this site are characterized by large temples and massive platforms dated from 700 AD.
Get to know our History, Culture, Flavors, and Beach leaving Bacalar! You will discover the southern zone of the state of Quintana Roo that offers beautiful landscapes of jungles with flora and fauna, incredible archaeological zones, and an incomparable view of the 'Grand Costa Maya' to enjoy in Mahahual on a lounger by the sea.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins is the most popular and visited attraction for a day in Costa Maya. It is approximately 50 minutes drive from Costa Maya Port. This site is just a few kilometers from the village of Chacchoben from which it's name derive. The translation of the Mayan word "Chacchoben" refers to "The Place Of The Red Corn". The structures at this site are characterized by large temples and massive platforms dated from 700 AD.
Visit the most important Mayan cities in the southern part of Quintana Roo. Let our certified guides accompany you through the mysteries of the Mayan jungle. During this tour you will get to know the archaeological sites of Dzibanché and Kohunlich and have the opportunity to spot species of birds and monkeys. You will also enjoy a delicious 3-course meal at an exclusive location in the middle of the jungle!
Enjoy one of our favorite places of Costa Maya! Located at the heart of Mahahual for our authentic Beach Break Experience! If you are looking to relax on the beach, enjoy the sun and the Caribbean Sea with your favorite drink, this is the place for you! As soon as your cruise ship arrives to Costa Maya Port, your driver will be waiting for you just outside the port to take you to our perfect location in one of the nicest beaches in the world. We offer a full open bar, a variety of lunch options, beach chairs, palapas and umbrellas. The Open Bar includes a wide variety of your favorite drinks and of course Tequila, Mexican Beer and more! Also, we offer a variety of lunch options from ceviche to tacos and our selection of seafood platters. Vegetarian options are also available! Our location is perfect for swimming and enjoy the Caribbean Sea. Kayaks, snorkeling gear are also included! We recommend this tour if you look for an uncrowded beach with great food and great drinks!

Why People Love Chetumal, Mexico

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Chetumal, Mexico

L
luisoS6154HB
4
Aug 2019
I highly recommend checking this out, the tour guides tell you some of the history before you get there on the bus since it is a 3 hour drive there and back so it’s a full day trip. Everyone was nice and friendly the food was included in our package and was super yummy. The bus does get cold so m...
N
NIvia_C
5
Sep 2023
Our guide, Diego, was excellent with thorough knowledge of Maya history. Enjoyed every minute of the tour, it was on time, a very comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The lunch taken at Bacalar was delicious, drinks included. This tour was worth every penny and more. Highly recommend it.
S
S6319BVmatthewg
5
Aug 2023
You can stop looking for any other tours if you've found this one. I went the first week in August as a shore excursion and im immensely happy I did so. This excursion was probably one of the highlights of my trip! With the serene views of the lagoon and the rich history within the ruins, this ...

Explore all stays in Chetumal, Mexico

Explore all things to do in Chetumal, Mexico

Explore other popular holiday destinations

Frequently Asked Questions about Chetumal

What are some must-visit attractions in Chetumal?

Chetumal has a lot to offer in terms of attractions. Some must-visit places include the Oxtankah ruins, the Museum of Maya Culture, the Chetumal Bay, and Bacalar Lagoon. Oxtankah is a small archaeological site located on the outskirts of Chetumal, which features ancient Mayan structures and pyramids. The Museum of Maya Culture is a fascinating exhibit that showcases the history and culture of the Mayan civilization. The Chetumal Bay is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery, while Bacalar Lagoon is a great place to swim, kayak, and take a scenic boat tour.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Chetumal?

Chetumal is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular activities include hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and nature tours. The Bacalar Lagoon is a great place to kayak, swim and enjoy the scenery. The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a great place to explore the natural beauty of Chetumal. The reserve features diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and coral reefs.

What is the best time to visit Chetumal?

The best time to visit Chetumal is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with relatively low humidity and rainfall. The wet season runs from May to October and can be quite humid with frequent rain showers. However, visiting during the wet season can still be enjoyable as the rain showers are usually brief and the vegetation is lush and green.

What is the local cuisine in Chetumal?

Chetumal is known for its delicious seafood dishes, as well as traditional Mayan cuisine. Some must-try dishes include ceviche, a seafood dish made with fresh fish, shrimp, or octopus marinated in lime juice, and cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish cooked in banana leaves. Other popular dishes include salbutes, a type of fried tortilla topped with shredded chicken or pork, and panuchos, a similar dish but with refried beans added to the tortilla. You can also find a variety of international cuisine options in Chetumal.

What are some family-friendly activities in Chetumal?

Chetumal has a lot to offer for families with children. Some great options include the Payo Obispo Zoo, the Planetario Yook'ol Kaab, and the Laguna Milagros. The Payo Obispo Zoo is a great place to see exotic animals up close, while the Planetario Yook'ol Kaab is a planetarium that offers educational shows and exhibits. The Laguna Milagros is a family-friendly water park with a variety of pools, slides, and attractions.

What is the transportation system like in Chetumal?

Chetumal has a well-developed transportation system with several options for getting around. The most common mode of transportation is the taxi, which is relatively inexpensive and can take you to most destinations in the city. There are also several car rental companies in Chetumal if you prefer to drive yourself. Additionally, there are local buses that run throughout the city and connect to nearby towns and cities.

What are some budget-friendly accommodations in Chetumal?

Chetumal offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations for travelers. Some options include the Hotel Los Cocos, the Hotel Hacienda Campestre, and the Hotel Noor. These hotels offer clean, comfortable rooms and basic amenities at an affordable price. Additionally, there are several hostels and guesthouses in Chetumal that offer even more budget-friendly options.

What are some luxury accommodations in Chetumal?

Chetumal also has several luxury accommodations for travelers who want to indulge in a more upscale experience. Some options include the Fiesta Inn Chetumal, the City Express Chetumal, and the Hotel Villanueva. These hotels offer luxurious amenities such as spas, swimming pools, and fine dining restaurants.

What is the nightlife like in Chetumal?

Chetumal has a relatively quiet nightlife scene, with most bars and clubs closing by midnight. However, there are still several options for those who want to enjoy a night out. Some popular spots include the Nayarit Bar and Grill, the La Pachanga Night Club, and the El Chacal Bar.

What is the weather like in Chetumal?

Chetumal has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature ranges from 25-30C (77-86F). The wet season runs from May to October, with the most rain falling in September and October. The dry season runs from November to April and is characterized by warm, sunny days with low humidity.