Native Trails MyTrails 2025 246 Quintana Roo 59 Visit of the archaeological zone of Oxtankah Duration: 02:30 h · Level: Easy The largest known Mayan town in the Chetumal area was inhabited from about 600 BC to 1100 AD, with the maximum importance probably falling into the Early Classic period (c. 250 – 600 AD). Stylistically many buildings are classified as Petén architecture, which was widely used on the Yucatán peninsula. This style is characterized by a design of walls that results, depending on the angle of light, in impressive plays of shadows, which you can also observe in Oxtankah. The site further comprises the ruins of a church that the Spanish built a short time after their arrival in the area. 60 Boat trip to the coral reef of Banco Chinchorro Duration: 07:00 h · Level: Difficult Discover the fascinating coral atoll of Banco Chinchorro, the second biggest coral reef in the world with an expanse of approx. 40 km by 16 km (25 mi. by 10 mi.). Behind the massive reef area, which comes within 60 cm (2 ft.) of the water surface, lies a protected area that is usually just 2 to 7 m (7 to 23 ft) deep and which was often used by pirates as a retreat. Countless migratory bird species, marine turtles and marine life inhabit the natural reserve, which is located approx. 35 km (22 mi.) from the Quintana Roo coast. The three islands of Cayo Norte, Cayo Central and Cayo Lobos are also part of the atoll. 61 Visit of the ruins of Dzibanché Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy The ruins of Dzibanché, an area of approx. 40-km² (15,44-sq.mi.), lie nestled in the lush vegetation of the tropical jungle of the Yucatán peninsula. The name means “writing on wood” and refers to a wooden door lintel in Temple No. VI, on which an engraved hieroglyph can be seen. Old and mighty trees, from which the secretive song of unknown birds can be heard, and the interesting position of the ruins on different levels give the area a mystical flair. The “Prisoners’ House” and the “Temple of the Owls” are also worth a visit. 62 Visit of the Museo de la Cultura in Chetumal Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy The little Museo de la Cultura in the center of Chetumal is concerned with Mayan life and science. Besides explanations of the Mayan script and the sophisticated calendar, you can study exhibits such as tools, jewelry, household utensils, and food of the Mayan civilization. The focus of the eight sections is everyday life in the Mayan Empire. You will also find a comprehensible explanation of the complex number system of the Mayan civilization. 63 Visit of the chewing gum factory Chicza Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy In Chetumal, you visit the production facilities of Chicza, a company producing chewing gum from purely organic ingredients on the basis of the sap of the sapodilla tree. The production plant is part of an association of more than 40 cooperatives, which have been joined by over 2,000 chicleros, mostly of the Mayas, who obtain the milky sap in the tropical forests. The sap is boiled until it gets a rubber-like consistency and is then mixed with the desired natural aroma. Give a try to what fascinated the Mayas about chicle already many centuries ago. 64 Kayaking at the Mouth of Río Hondo Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Difficult Explore the area where the Río Hondo empties into Chetumal Bay during a relaxing kayak tour through untouched nature. After some brief instructions, you go on a discovery tour in the fertile delta (boca del río) that is home to countless animal species. On the route of about 2,5 km (1.5 mi.), you will meet elegant great egrets, pairs of ducks flying side by side, black vultures, sea turtles and dolphins; large lizards lie resting on the ramified branches of the mangroves, while young Atlantic tarpons are swimming to and fro in the water below them – these fish are particular popular with anglers because they are wild fighters. And if you have just a bit of luck, you will be able to watch a friendly manatee while it grazes algae and seaweed.
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