Chetumal - Capital of Quintana Roo

Located just north of the Belizean border, Chetumal is the capital of Quintana Roo & is only a 2 hour drive from Ladyville & Price Barracks. Quintana Roo didn't become a state until 1974. Chetumal overlooks the huge and shallow Bay of Chetumal. Chetumal has a few nice hotels, and activities including the Museum of Mayan culture, the City Museum, the Market, the Mayan Ruin of Oxtankah, and the bay front boulevard. When the Spaniards arrived, Chetumal was known as Chetemal or Chactemal "the place where the red cedar is plentiful" and was one of the numerous principalities into which the Yucatan peninsula was then divided. After several attempts, the Spaniards abandoned the area of Chetumal. They were never able to subjugate the fiercely independent natives.

Chetumal as we know it today was founded in 1898 and called Payo Obispo by Lt. Othon P. Blanco who'd been sent to subdue the rebels of the Caste War and stop the arms trade the natives had going with Belize. In 1936, the prosperous bay side city was renamed Chetumal, its original Mayan name.

If you like to experience a traditional Mexican market, Chetumal is an ideal place. Open most days of the week, the open air market is located adjacent to the Cultural Museum. The downtown area around Avenida Heroes features lots of stores, especially Zapaterias, or shoe stores which can be found on almost every block. Unlike Cancun, Chetumal is a city that honours its siesta. It is not unusual to find two-thirds of the city closed from 13:00 hrs - 17:00 hrs. The best time to shop is in the early morning or early evening when the town comes back to life.

Chetumal is the main hub for most of the major bus lines in Mexico, with regular buses to Cancun. The same bus usually stops at Tulum & Playa del Carmen on the way. Approx price for a trip Chetumal to Cancun is 200 pesos (20 USD) each way and takes about 5 hrs 30mins. ADO being one of the better bus lines with a bus about every 2 hours.

www.ticketbus.com.mx

Cancun by Coach from Belize

A visit to Chetumal isn't complete without a visit to the Museum of Mayan Culture. If you don't know much about Mayan Culture, this museum is an excellent starting point. This is a modern museum that would fit nicely into any modern city with interactive exhibits, models of most Yucatan sites and decorated around a jungle theme. Don't confuse this museum with the Chetumal City museum, just a few minutes walk away on the same street. While the City Museum is interesting, it is small and focuses solely on Chetumal.

The Museum has many models of Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan. If you have been to these ruins it is especially interesting. The one at the right is of Xpuhil, located in the Rio Bec area of the Yucatan.

Hours: Tues-Thurs 9am-7pm; Fri-Sun 9am-8pm
Admission: $3 adults; $1 children

Tropical rain storms are a common occurrence in Chetumal and residents take it in their stride. It often cuts the power so don't be suprised to go inside the shops & find them lit by candles and business continuing as normal.

Chetumal is a City that is a mixture of Mayan, Mexican and Caribbean influence. Brightly coloured homes are common place. These homes are Mexican style, but you'll find many wooden homes that are leftovers of Caribbean influence.

Just north of Chetumal lies the ruin of Oxtankah. Spanish missionaries built a church in the middle of the city, so you can see a combination of Mayan and Catholic religion in one site. In the city of Chetumal certified guides can be found who offer their services for a small fee.

Chetumal has a big modern shopping mall that has just been built on the outskirts of the city, complete with Internet Cafe, McDonalds, Liverpool department store, a large grocery store and theatre

El Emporio is a must try place for steak Lovers. Ask a Taxi driver to take you, it's close to a popular night club called AKUA. It is a top rate Uraguayan Restaurant, with other restaurants in downtown Cancun & Playa del Carmen. Try the 650g Bife Largo.

NOTE: Trying to find your way around may be a frustrating experience. If you need to make several stops - park and take a taxi. Taxi's are inexpensive and the drivers know their way around. Most places in the city can be reached for around 20 pesos, (2 USD).