Location: Chetumal
Top Things to do in Chetumal
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Chetumal, Mexico
Gateway to Belize, Tikal in Guatemala and the numerous Río Bec ruins, Chetumal is the capital of Quintana Roo state. Buses connect major cities, including those in Belize. Rental cars cannot be taken through the Belize border. The busy city's old town boasts a Caribbean feel. The excellent, interactive Museo de la Cultura Maya offers fascinating insights to those planning to follow the dramatic Río Bec ruin route. The vine-strewn ruins are rich in wildlife and give the sense of stumbling onto a Lost World.
Restaurants in Chetumal
1. Dzibanche
Overall Ratings
5 based on 147 reviews
Ancient Mayan city with impressive pyramids and buildings.
Reviewed By Rafyalva - Coral Springs, Florida
As part of a shore excursion we visited the pyramids of Dzibanche. Once you walk to the area the view is just breathtaking. It is so well kept and the surroundings are impressive! There are different pyramids in this area and you can tell that it was bug compound. From the Mask Pyramid to the area that used to be designed for competitions and sacrifices. Just knowing that your are walking on a place that the Mayans used to live and it was their kingdom it's a feeling that you just can't describe!
3. Museum de la cultura maya
Overall Ratings
4 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By svmoose - Curacao
this is a very pleasant surprise in a dubious barrio. Well thought out displays and exhibits, exotic lighting and forest canopy effect and sound track. Good explanation of Mayan calendars. Only complaint would be that some of the information boards are positioned too low and under lighted. Must see!
4. Oxtankah Ruins
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By MisterWombat - Tallahassee, Florida
Oxtankah is reached by taking the road to Calderitas north of Chetumal, then driving 6 kilometers on a smaller road to the ruins. There is a nice shady pathway that winds around the ruins with several plants and trees named on signs. The ruins consist of a small pyramid, a Spanish Mission church and several small structures but several structures were being excavated and rebuilt so it may get better. Had a one room museum. We saw a lot of birds. Few visitors. Cost was 42 pesos with free parking at the entrance. Toilets but no refreshments.
5. Kohunlich
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By pablocollier - Bradenton, Florida
This archeological site is spectacular. The ruins have been very well preserved and well maintained. There is very little more than just the ruins but it is so awesome that it doesn't matter. Our guide was excellent. He was of Mayan descent and gave us a wonderful background of his ancient ancestors. Over-the-top great! His description at each building was very informative. These ruins are well worth the 2+ hours from Costa R]Maya Port.
6. Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By Lynn A - Nerja, Spain
Virtually no-one else there : pleasant stroll through undistinguished ,but apparently rare ,trees. Uneven pathways, so sensible shoes required. Bug-free in February , but also animal free , just two lazy iguanas being photogenic. We are plantaholics, but this didn't really excite us . All rather neglected , and if financial support depends on visitor numbers, it will soon cease to be.
7. Santuario del Manati
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn F - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
We saw "Danny" the sole manatee who still lives in the sanctuary's pens. It was not clear why the manatees were released. Danny and various fish choose to hang around the sanctuary for the free lunch. The taxi ride was 150 pesos from downtown Chetumal. The sanctuary was locked when we arrived. A couple of children unlocked the gate and let us in to see the manatee. The young girl was very enthusiastic and told us lots about the manatees in spanish. Admittance is free of charge; any money donated goes to buy more lettuce for Danny. A local told us 4-5km further up the road there was a viewing tower to see the rest of the manatees in the laguna. We did not go any further to check that out.
8. Zoologico Payo Obispo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By mulvihilljs - Belize
We visited this zoo in January, 2017. The cost is very minimal. Upon entering you quickly envision that it was once was thriving and had better days. There are some animals. Some exhibits are now closed. Perhaps if they had a new manager with vision, and funding.
9. Museo de la Ciudad
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By johntpt - Toluca, Mexico
For 17 pesos, this quaint museum gives you a complete history of Chetmaul and Quintana Roo in general. Note that the map is incorrect. The museum is located on a side street across from the Hotel Los Cocos.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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