THE MAYAN STAR OF THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN

Chetumal is the gateway to southern Quintana Roo. Walk through it into a land where nature still reigns. The dense forest and marshes frame the lagoons with their seven shades of blue. This land testifies to the ancient Maya cities that astonish visitors. It is a land of history and adventure.

THE FLAVOR OF YESTERYEAR

Chetumal, the capital of the state of Quintana Roo, is set on the shores of the great bay after which it is named. It is a tranquil city that still retains much of the flavor of the Caribbean of yesteryear. Enjoy its traditional music, cooking, fiestas and architecture.

The Museum of Culture Maya and the Museum of the City are the pride of its inhabitants. The first provides an introduction to the ancient Maya and their world, the second tells the history of the area. Placesworth a visit in the city are "La Maqueta", a model of old Chetumal with its Caribbean-style wooden houses, and the mural in the Legislative Building which depicts the history of Quintana Roo. Both reflect the originality and cultural values of the people of Chetumal.

MYSTERIOUS VESTIGES

In the depths of the forests in the south lie enigmatic Mayan cities such as Oxtankah, on the shores of Chetumal bay, where Gonzalo Guerrero, the father of miscegenation, lived.

Towards the west, just off Highway 186, stands Kohunlich, whose glory is reflected in the imposing masks that depicted the ancient rulers of the sity with the features of the sun god. It is also the site of mysterious Dzibanché, whose great constructions housed tombs that have yielded exquisite ceramic and jade objects. Other no less enigmatic places include Chakanbakán and Chichanhá. Trips can be organized from Chetumal to the archaeological zones and reserves in the south of Campeche (Xpujil, Chicanná, Becán and Calakmul), the north of Belize  (Lamanai) and Guatemala (Tikal).

NATURE, HISTORY AND ADVENTURE

The Manatee Sanctuary forms part of the Chetumal Bay and a boat trip round the area is an unforgettable experience. Boats are also available for hire for a tour of the Río Hondo, the natural frontier between Mexico and Belize.

Wildlife abounds in the south and for visitors with a spirit of adventure, there are expeditions into the heart of the jungle, the Tres Garantías forest reserve and the Cenote del Cocodrilo Dorado, a limestone sinkhole.

North of Chetumal lies the Laguna de Bacalar or de Siete Colores (Seven colors), a turquoise blue jewel of seven fascinating shades set in the mangrove swamps. And on the shores of the Bacalar lagoon lies Cenote Azul, an imposing natural sinkhole whose deep blue waters reflect its depth of nearly 90 meters. During the colonial period, Bacalar was the major Spanish settlement in Quintana Roo, from which products were shipped to Spain. The San Felipe Fort was built in 1729 to defend the area from pirates.