A few miles north of Belize is the fascinating little city of Chetumal, capital of the state of Quintana Roo. Its area offers an exceptionally wide diversity of activities, from diving and shopping to ecotourism trips to nearby Mayan archaeological sites.
Chetumal overlooks the huge and shallow bay of Chetumal, part of the Manatee Sanctuary established to protect Mexico's largest surviving population of this aquatic mammal.
With a population of 208,000, Chetumal has a few nice hotels, and activities include the Museum of Mayan culture, the City Museum, the Market, the Mayan Ruin of Oxtankah, and the bayfront boulevard.
