Introduction

Located on the Caribbean side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo boasts endless miles of sandy white beaches and numerous Mayan ruins. Between 2,000 and 2,500 archaeological sites have been identified throughout the peninsula most of them have yet to be explored. Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen are the state’s best-known destinations.

The state capital, Chetumal, is located on the border with Belize. A small waterfront city with wide boulevards, pastel colored two story homes, and little else, Chetumal’s biggest attraction is the impressive Museo de la Cultura Maya (Museum of Maya Culture), easily one of the best in the country. Depicting the everyday life and spiritual practices of the Maya through engaging interactive multimedia exhibits, the museum is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Monday.

The city is well situated as a base for exploring the nearby archaeological zone of Kohunlich, as well as those in neighboring Campeche. Chetumal’s beaches and lagoons (including Bacalar, known as “The Lake of the Seven Colors”) are ideal for water sports. Nearby is a beautiful freshwater sinkhole, Cenote Azul, with intense blue waters. Its exact depth has not yet been determined. Just a few miles off the coast is one of the world’s top dive sites, the 26 mile long, 10 mile wide Chinchorro Reef.