Chetumal Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Travel Guide
Chetumal possesses its own airport, making air travel a good option for many visitors. The main airport serving the city is Chetumal International Airport (CTM). It is a relatively small airport, located just a short distance from the city center, offering convenience for travelers.
Chetumal International Airport does not give direct international flights. International travelers typically fly into larger hubs like Cancun International Airport (CUN) or Mexico City International Airport (MEX). From these particular major international gateways, you then take a connecting domestic flight to CTM. Many international visitors fly into Cancun and finish the remaining journey to Chetumal by ground transportation, like a long-distance bus. This path frequently brings more flexibility and may be more economical.
Flight availability and prices vary with the season. Booking tickets well in advance is recommended during peak periods (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner).
High season (Dec-Apr) sees increased demand; low season (Jun-Oct) sees lower prices and less frequent options.
Monitor airline websites and use flight comparison tools for best deals.
Valid driver's license from home country; International Driving Permit (IDP) is a good idea. Minimum age 21 (sometimes 25). Major credit card for deposit. Mandatory liability insurance. Consider collision damage waiver. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.
Main arteries (e.g., Highway 307 to Cancun) are generally well-maintained. Secondary roads vary in quality; potholes occur. Caution on a reduced number of-traveled routes is advised. Roads can be poorly lit at night.
Topes (speed bumps) are ubiquitous, often poorly marked. Drive slowly near towns. Wildlife (deer, jaguars) can cross roads. Avoid driving long distances at night. Police checkpoints are common; have documents ready. Tip gas station attendants (MXN 5-10).
For an international sea journey, Chetumal offers ferry connections to Belize. A direct passenger ferry service runs between Chetumal and the popular Belizean islands of San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker. San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is a main operator for this course.
Formal river transit for tourists is limited in Chetumal. While the Hondo River forms a significant border, large-scale passenger services are not common. Some local boat operators might offer informal tours within Chetumal Cove or short excursions on the lower reaches of the Hondo River, providing an unique perspective of the border area. These are generally for scenic purposes. Chetumal itself does not have a major cruise port. Mahahual, further north along the coast, serves as the main cruise port for the Costa Maya region.
Arrive no later THAN 1.5-TWO hours before domestic flights, 30-45 minutes before bus departures, plus ONE hour before international ferries for procedures.
Mexico's DNR tourist tax (~MXN 687) is usually in international airfares; otherwise, pay separately for land/sea departure. Quintana Roo Visitax (~MXN 271) is technically applicable.
CTM Airport has fundamental amenities. ADO Bus Terminal and Ferry Terminal offer minimal waiting facilities and limited shops.
Mexico's tourist tax for non-immigrants (DNR) is around MXN 687. If you depart Mexico by air on an international flight, this fee is usually included in your airfare. If you depart overland or sea internationally (e.g., crossing into Belize by bus or ferry), payment may be necessary separately. This is payable at a bank or designated payment point before exiting. Keep the receipt as proof.
Plan your arrival time at terminals or air terminals to allow for check-in and security processes.
A small waiting area with limited food and drink options. Not for extended waits or extensive pre-flight shopping.
Waiting areas, restrooms, and little stores for snacks and drinks.
Features a basic waiting region and immigration counters. Amenities are very small, focusing on international departure procedures.
For any international departure by road or rail or sea, always hold your FORMA migratoria múltiple (tourist card) plus payment methods receipts for exit fees handy.
