Chetumal

Chetumal is a capital city in southeastern Quintana Roo, located on the western shore of Chetumal Bay near the mouth of the Río Hondo at the border with Belize. Streets run parallel to the coastline, connecting residential neighborhoods with government buildings and commercial zones along the main avenues.

The settlement was founded in 1898 as Payo Obispo to secure the border against British loggers. It received its current name in 1936, taken from an ancient Maya settlement that once stood at this location.

The Museum of Maya Culture displays archaeological finds from the region across three floors. The collection documents the life of early inhabitants through pottery, tools and sculptures discovered locally.

The city sits directly at the border with Belize and is well connected by paved roads to Cancún and other destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula. A regional airport offers connections to larger cities in Mexico.

Along the waterfront promenade stand modern sculptures created by local artists depicting scenes from the region's history. The boulevard serves as a meeting place for families on weekends, who walk by the water or sit on benches in the shade.

Location: Othón P. Blanco Municipality

Inception: May 5, 1898

Website: http://opb.gob.mx

GPS coordinates: 18.51459,-88.30055

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:55