The City of Chetumal is relatively young. It was founded little more than a century before there existed the very distinct English-influenced wooden houses of the Belizian style.

The Chetumal area offers an exceptionally wide diversity, from diving and shopping to ecotourism trips to nearby Mayan archaeological sites. And best of all, it is not only a traveller's bargain, but you can enjoy a relaxed vacation without that wall-to-wall tourist feeling.

Located along the shores of Chetumal Bay, Chetumal is the capital city of the far-southeastern state of Quintana Roo. It's relatively new as Mexican cities go - it was founded in 1898 in an effort to curb the illegal trade of arms and lumber. The city's name is Mayan, meaning "where red cedar is abundant.
About 25 mi/40 km northwest of Chetumal is the town of Bacalar, home to Bacalar Lagoon (the second-largest lagoon in Mexico) and the Spanish-built Fort San Felipe (noted for its museum of weapons and military uniforms). About 40 mi/65 km west are the Maya ruins of Kohunlich, which include a temple with giant stucco masks. Chetumal borders Belize, so you can also make day trips into that country .