As I left for Chetumal from Ciudad del Carmen it was with some sadness, knowing that this would be my last long riding day in Mexico. I had fallen in love with just about everything related to this country, the people, communities, food and spirit of Mexico. Yes, I had seen all the news articles, been mocked by friends saying that my head would be separated from my body and all that stuff. But this was a country that had absolutely everything.
The road to Chetumal was pretty smooth, a few parts off the road, but mostly paved and although the trip was only 270 miles (430 kilometers), I took my time, as usual, stopping for breakfast and lunch along the way as I coasted through some delightful small villages. I again had my share of tacos for breakfast and amazing beans with chicken for lunch, yes, I was making the most of the awesome food here for my last few days.
Although I was heading out of Mexico in a few days, I decided to extend my stay in the city, because of the good Wifi and also lovely private rooms in the hostel. I also decided to shave for the first time in over a month as my beard was just getting the better of me and itching like hell in the helmet!
I started in Ciudad del Carmen and then went on the Ruta 160 through to Isla Aguada, Sabancuy, Cajero Banorte, Chekubul, Chicbul, El Tormento, Escárcega, Chicaná, Xpujil, Ucum and onto my final stop at Hostelito Chetumal which ended up being quite a little Oasis in an otherwise steaming hot city with good WIFI (a rarity) and a gorgeous upper deck with kitchen, tables, chairs, hammocks and small but refreshing swimming pool.
Chetumal
Chetumal, “Place of the Red Wood” is a city on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Quintana Roo and the municipal seat of the Municipality of Othón P. Blanco. In 2010 it had a population of 151,243 people.
The city is situated on the western side of Chetumal Bay, near the mouth of the Río Hondo. Chetumal is an important port for the region and operates as Mexico’s main trading gateway with the neighboring country of Belize. Goods are transported via a road connecting Chetumal with Belize City to the south, and also via coastal merchant ships. There is a commercial airport, Chetumal International Airport, with airline service. Because of its location on the Caribbean coastline, it is vulnerable to tropical cyclones; Hurricane Janet and Hurricane Dean, both Category 5 storms, made landfall near Chetumal in 1955 and 2007 respectively. More from Wikipedia