Mexico - Part III

Journey across the Yucatán Peninsula

On April 8th, we crossed the border into Mexico for the second time, this time entering at Subteniente López, located in the southeastern state of Quintana Roo. The border crossing was relatively smooth, and we were soon making our way toward the nearby city of Chetumal. We paused there to run a few errands—stocking up on groceries, exchanging currency, and picking up some supplies we’d been unable to find elsewhere. Afterward, we made our way to Calderitas, a peaceful coastal community just north of Chetumal, where we stayed for two nights at a quiet campground surrounded by palms and ocean breezes. It was a relaxing place to catch our breath after several days on the road.

From there, we continued our exploration with a stop at Laguna Bonanza, a stunning freshwater lagoon known for its vividly turquoise water and serene surroundings. We spent the afternoon swimming in its crystal-clear waters and enjoying the natural beauty. Later, we took a kayak tour that took us through mangrove channels and into the Los Rápidos de Bacalar, a narrow stretch of the Bacalar Lagoon where the water flows swiftly between limestone formations. The combination of gentle rapids, lush vegetation, and vibrant water colors made it an unforgettable experience.

Continuing our journey up the Caribbean coast, we visited the beach town of Mahahual, a popular spot for cruise ships but charming and quiet when we arrived. We wandered through the laid-back town, walked along the malecón, and enjoyed a seaside lunch of fresh ceviche and cold drinks before heading inland toward the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula.

As we made our way north, we visited two stunning cenotes—Choj Ha and Mani-Chan. These natural sinkholes, formed over thousands of years, offered a refreshing escape from the heat and an incredible opportunity to swim in clear, cool groundwater beneath ancient limestone formations. Their mystical, cavern-like atmospheres added a magical dimension to our travels through the region.

Eventually, we reached the city of Mérida, where we set up camp for two nights just outside the city. Mérida charmed us with its colonial architecture, bustling plazas, and rich cultural scene. We spent a full day exploring its historic center, browsing local artisan markets, and sampling Yucatecan specialties. However, the weather was intense—the daytime temperature soared above 38°C, and the nighttime temperatures remained uncomfortably high at around 27°C. Sleeping in our motorhome under such hot and humid conditions was a challenge, and restful nights were hard to come by.

After Mérida, we made our way west to Celestún, a small fishing village nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its coastal wetlands and vibrant birdlife. We made a boat tour organized by the local birding club, which took us deep into the estuary where we witnessed thousands of flamingos wading through the shallow water, their pink feathers glowing in the morning sun. We also saw herons, ibises, and other bird species native to the Yucatán. The experience of gliding silently through the mangroves, surrounded by nature, was truly breathtaking.

From Celestún, we began making our way toward the port city of Veracruz, where we planned to ship our motorhome to Colombia. Along the way, we made several stops to enjoy the sights and soak in the atmosphere of the Gulf coast. We visited the colorful city of Campeche, with its pastel-colored buildings and fortress walls; explored Isla Aguada, a peaceful lagoon-side town ideal for wildlife watching and quiet walks; and wandered through Tlacotalpan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 19th-century architecture and musical heritage.

We finally arrived in Veracruz on May 28th, after nearly three weeks of enduring intense heat and humidity. By this point, we were more than ready for a break from the stifling temperatures. We checked into a hotel with air conditioning—our first in weeks—which felt like a luxury. During our stay in Veracruz, we focused on organizing the shipment of our motorhome to Cartagena, Colombia. The process involved a lot of preparation: we had to do a deep cleaning of the interior and exterior, empty the propane tanks for safety, and take care of laundry and last-minute repairs. We also took advantage of the extra time (the original departure date of May 18th was delayed to May 22nd) to catch up on some overdue medical checkups and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and oceanfront malecón.

Veracruz marked a major milestone in our journey, and despite the challenges, it was a rewarding chapter filled with discovery, natural beauty, and meaningful experiences.