If you still don’t have plans for this summer, there’s a magical place waiting to surprise you, especially if you are one of those travelers who are not content with the already known and always prefer to discover someplace new.
In the state of Quintana Roo, one of the main points of what is known as the “Costa Maya” is Chetumal, a city that is much more than just a Caribbean tourist destination. Chetumal is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, on the border with Belize. It is also a place where landscapes merge, achieving an almost perfect blend of colors and ecosystems.
Chetumal, which in the Mayan language means “where red trees grow,” is a place that offers a variety of unique and diverse experiences. From adventure and ecological tours to water sports, city walks, and why not, visits to the sites that best represent the history and culture of the region.
Paradise for Divers
One of the main spots you can reach from Chetumal is the Blue Well, a natural wonder and an ideal place for diving. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced amateur in this sport, you cannot miss the chance to practice it in Cenote Azul.
Located just 38 km from the city, near the Bacalar Lagoon and its charming village, it is a paradise for divers, who are both challenged and enchanted by the depth and beauty of its waters. Once the diver plunges into the water, they encounter a series of wonders perhaps never seen before, such as labyrinths of roots, rock formations, and caves.
The Bay of Chetumal is part of the Mesoamerican System, and it is among the 21 protected areas of the state of Quintana Roo. This is because it serves as a habitat for many species, among which the manatee stands out, a marine mammal for which the area was declared the “Manatee Sanctuary” in 1996.
Cultural Tour
And while you’re visiting Chetumal, you can also explore the Museum of Mayan Culture, originally designed to disseminate Mayan culture. In the museum’s halls, which can be visited every day except Mondays, you can see permanent exhibitions that bear witness to the presence of the Mayan civilization in this area.
Among the archaeological sites near Chetumal, you can visit Kinichná, Dzibanché, and Kohunlich, where you can get closer to Mayan culture and travel through history. In the latter, you will be amazed by the Temple of the Masks, considered the structure that, due to its iconography, best represents the legacy of the Mayan civilization.
Discover a different, unique, and surprising place on the coast of the Mexican Caribbean. Visit Chetumal, enjoy a place where nature reigns, and indulge in the Blue Well and the best of Mayan culture!
Portuguese Versión: Conheça o Cenote Azul e aproveite a magia da natureza em Chetumal
