15 Best Things to Do in Chetumal

Discover the best activities and attractions in Chetumal, Mexico, from what to do to the best day trips and tours.

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Chetumal may not be the first place you think of for a Mexican getaway, but it’s still got plenty to see and do. While most travellers don’t make it this far south (and those that do are usually on their way to or from Belize), if you stop for a day or two, you’ll find some really interesting spots around the city where you can learn about local history and culture, as well as some great day trips. Discover the best things to do in Chetumal, from landmarks and museums to visiting ancient Mayan ruins, in this complete list.

The best things to do in Chetumal

You won’t find theme parks or late-night shows in Chetumal, but you will find calm, space, and genuinely local experiences. Easily accessible via the ADO bus or on the Tren Maya, Chetumal is a quiet coastal town in southern Quintana Roo, near the border with Belize. You’ll still find an interesting array of activities in Chetumal for most interests.

Chetumal Activities Map

We’ve pinned all the best things to do in Chetumal and the surrounding region on the interactive map below.

Free things to do in Chetumal

Being a lesser-visited city that’s off the typical tourist trail, Chetumal is quite affordable, with plenty of things you can do without spending a centavo. The waterfront is the heart of the city, and many of the best free activities involve simply being outside and taking in the views. You don’t need to pay for tours or attractions to understand the spirit of the city, with its wealth of sculptures, street art, and museums.

1. Walk along the Malecón

The Malecón (waterfront promenade) is one of the most scenic parts of Chetumal, offering wide paths, cooling bay breezes, and open views across the water. The route is long enough to feel like a proper stroll but relaxed enough that you can drop into cafés or sitting areas whenever you want. It doesn’t really get busy, as Chetumal is fairly quiet, even in peak season. Walking along it is one of the best things to do in Chetumal, but it can get pretty hot in the mid-day sun, so bring a hat, plenty of water, and sunscreen.

We enjoyed strolling the southern side, by the ferry terminal, where you get views of Chetumal Bay (Bahía de Chetumal), and there are several sculptures to see. If you keep going north, you’ll get to the Lighthouse Museum (Museo del Faro Federico R. Alcérreca) and other city landmarks. The view was especially beautiful at sunrise, before we hopped on our water taxi.

2. Take a picture with the Chetumal sign

Like many cities in Mexico, Chetumal has its own colourful, oversized sign, and snapping a photo here is practically a rite of passage. There are actually several Chetumal signs positioned along the Malecón, so you get the bay as a beautiful backdrop. The area is usually quiet, so you won’t need to wait long for a clear photo.

You can find the sign with the iguana by the ferry terminal entrance, the Letras Aqui Inicia México (“Chetumal – here Mexico begins”) by the giant clock statue, and the Letras Chetumal (pictured below) just along from the statue of the Maya playing Pok-ta-Pok.

3. Spot the sculptures

Chetumal’s waterfront and nearby streets are dotted with quirky sculptures that reflect regional history, local legends, and the city’s Caribbean influence. Some pieces are bold and modern, while others are more subtle and blend into the surroundings. Half the fun is just spotting them as you walk. You can make your own little art trail if you’re up for a relaxed wander, too. Here are a few key ones to look out for:

4. See the Palace

Chetumal’s palace building (Palacio de Gobierno del Estado Quintana Roo) is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city, known for its pale façade and clean architectural lines. As the capital of Quintana Roo, Chetumal is home to the state’s main government institutions, which is why you’ll find this formal palace anchoring the civic centre of the city. The building houses the offices of the state governor and the key administrative departments.

You can’t explore the interior, but the outside alone is worth seeing if you’re interested in government buildings and civic architecture. Its location right by the ferry port also makes it super easily accessible. There was an event on when we passed by, with military personnel milling about, which was interesting to see.

5. Spot the Renaissance statue

The Renaissance statue (Parque Monumento al Renacimiento) is a grand monument that sits prominently along the waterfront and represents rebirth and transformation, a nod to the region’s complex history and cultural identity. It was created to commemorate Chetumal’s reconstruction following Hurricane Janet in 1955, which destroyed almost the entire city and forced residents to rebuild from the ground up.

It’s one of those sculptures that looks different depending on the angle you view it from, so take a moment to walk around it. Its position on the waterfront is intentional too, serving both as a reminder of the sea’s destructive power and a celebration of the community’s ability to rise again. Being only a short walk from the ferry terminal, it’s an easy detour to see – just be careful crossing the road.

6. Admire the Monument to the Flag

The Monument to the Flag (Monumento a la Bandera y Reloj) is a proud symbol of the city and a central point for civic events and celebrations. The square features a large, retro-style clock tower, both elements representing unity, progress, and the passage of time in the region’s development. It was built as part of a broader effort to revitalise the bayfront promenade and reinforce Chetumal’s identity after Hurricane Janet.

It’s an easy and quick stop near the ferry port, but its size and design make it an impressive sight as you walk along the malecón. You’ll often find locals gathering around the area, especially during weekends or public holidays, with street food vendors selling snacks like marquesitas.

Unique things to do in Chetumal

Beyond the waterfront, Chetumal has a surprising number of cultural and historical spots that most travellers never hear about. These places help you understand the city’s identity, from Mayan heritage to modern-day border culture, perfect if you enjoy museums, local markets, and more authentic immersion in local life.

7. Visit the Museum of Mayan Culture

The Museum of Mayan Culture (Museo de la Cultura Maya) is one of the most important cultural sites in the region, offering an in-depth look at Mayan history, cosmology, architecture, and daily life. Exhibits cover everything from ancient trade routes to symbolic art, on three floors representing the three levels of the Mayan cosmos: the underworld, Earth’s surface, and the heavens. Inside, you’ll find informative displays, Mayan artefacts, including stone stelae, and scale models of Mayan temples at nearby sites that help you understand how major cities were built.

It’s a great option for travellers who want context before visiting nearby ruins, and the entrance fee is only 110 pesos (~$6 USD) for foreigners and 55 pesos for locals. Plan for at least an hour or two – there’s more to see here than most people expect, and for many, it’s one of the best things to do in Chetumal.

8. Explore the Museum of the City

The Museum of the City (Museo de la Ciudad) is a smaller museum that focuses on the city’s past, from its Maya roots to colonial influences and more recent development. Displays include old photographs, documents, and everyday objects that help you see how Chetumal evolved over time.

It’s a compact but interesting stop that gives you a sense of place without overwhelming you with information. A lot of the signage is in Spanish, but you can make do with the Google Translate app in camera mode. The entrance fee is 110 pesos (~$6 USD) for foreigners and 35 pesos for locals, and visiting takes an hour or two, depending on your pace.

9. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Fine Arts

This cultural centre (Centro Cultural de las Bellas Artes) hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops throughout the year, making it a lovely way to experience the city’s creative side. You’d probably have to get quite lucky for your visit to align with an event, but it’s a great open space if there is something on.

Even if there isn’t an event on during your visit, the Teatro Minerva itself is impressive, and you’ll likely pass it on your way to the Museum of the City.

10. Browse Chetumal Market

Local markets are the best way to understand a city’s local vibe, and Chetumal’s is no exception. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and local snacks to handmade crafts, clothing, and everyday household items. It’s lively, local, and worth popping into if you’re in the city centre. You’ll find it at the Mercado Municipal Chetumal. If you enjoy people-watching or picking up small souvenirs, this is the place to go. Don’t miss the impressive Mayan monument opposite.

Day trips from Chetumal

Chetumal is perfectly positioned for exploring southern Quintana Roo and even nearby Belize. Whether you’re into nature, history, or beaches, you can easily plan a full-day outing without travelling far.

11. Sail on Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar Lagoon, often called the Lagoon of Seven Colours, is famous for its striking shades of blue, and sailing on it is one of the most peaceful ways to explore the area. You’ll glide past famous spots like the Pirate’s Channel and the shallow sandbanks, and most tours include swimming stops so you can enjoy the turquoise water of the cenotes up close.

Only about a 40-50 minute drive, Bacalar is one of the top day trips from Chetumal. You can visit on your own by renting a car in Chetumal or taking a taxi (although that might be quite pricey), or you can join a Bacalar tour directly, either from one of the lagoon’s marinas once you arrive or one that includes hotel pick up and drop off from Chetumal.

Prepare for your trip with our Bacalar guides:

12. Visit ancient Mayan ruins

Chetumal is surrounded by some of the most important archaeological sites in southern Quintana Roo, and they’re all easy to reach in under an hour. Each site features tall Mayan temples (some of which you can still climb), stucco masks, and wide plazas surrounded by trees (keep an eye out for monkeys and birds like toucans). Because these ruins see far fewer visitors than Tulum or Chichén Itzá, exploring them feels far more immersive and authentic. Here are the top sites:

13. Lounge on Mahahual Beach

Mahahual is a relaxed beach town on the Costa Maya, known for palm-lined shores, clear water, and a laidback atmosphere. At about 1.5-2 hours from Chetumal, it’s a longer day trip, but worth it if you’re keen for that classic sandy beach experience. It’s easy to reach by rental car or bus, and taxis can take you too, though you’ll want to arrange the return trip in advance.

Once you arrive, you can rent a lounger at one of the beachfront restaurants or beach clubs like Malecon 21, Pitaya Beach Club, and La Pancha, snorkel in the calm water, or wander the pedestrian-only malecón that runs along the coast. Mahahual feels completely different from resort-heavy Cancún, as it’s much quieter, slower, and more local, which makes it a great day escape if you want beach time without the crowds.

14. Cross the Belize border

Chetumal sits right on the Mexico-Belize border, so it’s one of the easiest places in Mexico to hop across to Belize for a quick visit. The most popular way to go is by water taxi from the Chetumal Pier to San Pedro or Caye Caulker, which takes about 1.5-2 hours and runs most days of the week. You can also cross by land at the Subteniente López / Santa Elena Border, about 15 minutes from the city, and continue onward by Belizean taxi or bus.

A lot of travellers (including us) use Chetumal as their connection point when heading to the islands, but it also works for a simple day trip to Corozal if you want to get a taste of Belizean culture. Just be sure to check entry requirements and bring cash for departure and arrival fees.

15. The Manatee Sanctuary

The Manatee Sanctuary (Santuario del Manatí) is one of the region’s most unique conservation areas, dedicated to protecting the manatees that live in the shallow, sheltered waters near the Belize border.

We’re not sure on the ethics of this one, as the manatees are fed at specific times of day (a red flag when it comes to ethical wildlife tourism), but they’re free to come and go as they please, and visitors have reported it to be an educational experience. Recent accounts claim no manatees have been seen here for months, so it’s probably not worth the journey anymore, unfortunately.

If you’re really keen to see these gentle marine creatures, there are several places to see manatees in Belize, and you can even swim with them while snorkelling in Caye Caulker. We recommend Salt Life Eco Tours’ 7-Stop Snorkelling Tour, which visits several diverse sites, including a manatee hotspot, with an eco-conscious company that doesn’t feed animals.

More from Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo is home to plenty more amazing coastal towns, featuring turquoise waters, ancient Mayan sites, and eco-rich jungles, making it an easy place to hop between destinations. Prepare for other places on your itinerary with our comprehensive travel guides: