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> Homepage > Welcome > Destinations >   Chetumal & the South
 Nature has been generous to Southern Quintana Roo. It’s a fascinating mix of jungles, wetlands, lagoons, white sand beaches and coral reefs, rich in wildlife. The ancient Maya populated the area, building cities that still astonish all who visit them. The Spaniards conquered the Maya and, although their settlement was intermittent, left buildings such as San Felipe Fort as testimony of their presence.
Historians also believe that the first Mexican mestizo (half European and half Mayan) was born in Southern Quintana Roo. Chetumal, capital of the state and border town par excellence, lies on the shores of the bay of the same name. Chetumal Bay is also the mouth of the Hondo River, the only river in Quintana Roo and the natural frontier between Mexico and Belize. Make Chetumal the base for exploring Southern Quintana Roo and the sites of interest in neighboring areas such as Southern Campeche, Belize and northern Guatemala.
The Costa Maya (Mayan Coast) is a remote stretch of untouched Caribbean shoreline which has been earmarked for low-impact ecodevelopment on account of its lovely beaches. A boat ride from Majahual or Xcalak is Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in Mexico, home to myriad marine creatures.
The development that began in Cancún thirty years ago and continued along the Riviera Maya and on the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, has spread to Southern Quintana Roo in recent years. Infrastructure has been upgraded in the area and new roads, docks and airstrips have been installed. Tourism is being promoted by the government as an alternative to the traditional activities of farming and forestry. Planners hope that it will create jobs, boost living standards and revenue. The local tourism industry is growing, particularly along the Costa Maya, and hotels, restaurants and other related services are on the increase.
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.