Overview
Chetumal is the capital of Quintana Roo, set on a wide bay where Mexico meets Belize at the southern end of the Caribbean coast. Calmer and more authentically Mexican than the resorts further north, it is a laid-back city with a breezy waterfront and a superb Mayan museum, and the gateway to Bacalar and its Lagoon of Seven Colours. There are no direct flights to Chetumal from the UK, so expect a connection. Use the price charts on this page to compare live fares.
Best time to fly to Chetumal
The dry season from late November to April is the most comfortable time to visit, with warm days, lower humidity and little rain. May to October is hotter and stickier, and the Caribbean hurricane season runs June to November, peaking in September and October. Half-term and Christmas fares climb, so for better value consider late April, May or early November. The When to book chart above shows how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop from the UK to Chetumal, so the usual approach is to fly to Cancún or Mexico City and connect. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic serve Cancún direct from London in around 10 to 11 hours, and TUI flies from several UK airports; British Airways and Aeroméxico link London with Mexico City in about 11 to 12 hours. From either hub, Mexican carriers Aeroméxico, VivaAerobús and Volaris fly on to Chetumal, with the Mexico City leg taking roughly two hours. From Cancún you can also travel by ADO coach or on the new Tren Maya via Bacalar.
Things to do in Chetumal
Chetumal rewards slow exploration, with museums, Mayan ruins and a spectacular lagoon all within easy reach.
- Museo de la Cultura Maya: A modern museum tracing Mayan cosmology, writing and daily life, and the city's must-see attraction.
- Bacalar, Lagoon of Seven Colours: A freshwater lagoon banded in turquoise and indigo, about 40 minutes north.
- Boulevard Bahía: The palm-lined bayfront promenade, ideal for an evening stroll and street food.
- Kohunlich: Atmospheric jungle ruins famous for their giant stucco masks of the sun god.
- Mahahual (Costa Maya): A low-key Caribbean beach town with reef snorkelling, around two hours away.
At Chetumal International Airport (CTM)
Chetumal International sits barely 2 km from downtown, so a taxi into the centre takes about 10 minutes. Buy a ticket from the official airport taxi desk rather than negotiating outside, and carry pesos as cards are not always accepted. There is no airport bus, so a taxi or a pre-booked hotel transfer is the practical choice; Bacalar is roughly 45 minutes away.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Chetumal
- Book ahead: for Christmas, Easter and summer, reserve four to six months out; shoulder-season trips can wait a little longer.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and travel in May or early November, usually beat weekend and school-holiday prices.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by a few days, or routing via Cancún instead of Mexico City, can cut the total cost, as the price charts on this page show.
- Compare the whole journey: weigh a through-fare against a cheaper flight to Cancún plus train or coach, and check several airlines.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism and are usually granted stays of up to 180 days; you may receive a tourist permit on arrival and be asked to show a return or onward ticket. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the Mexican peso; pounds are not accepted, but ATMs are common and cards work in most hotels and larger restaurants. No vaccinations are required, but pack insect repellent, drink bottled or filtered water, and travel with good medical insurance. Check the latest FCDO advice before you go.
