Chelem
If you are looking for an authentic Mexican experience in a clean, peacefully quaint fishing village (population 5,200) that boasts no gigantic hotels, no timeshares mongers and no razzle dazzle, then Chelem is for you. Just west of Progreso, you can get to Chelem by public transport or rented car. Once there, you will find the Main Plaza, the arched Municipal building, the church, a local market, lots of seafood restaurants and some good beaches. If you stay there, you can walk or ride to the town square and observe Mexican life first hand. The Yucatan is famous for bird life and Chelem is a birdwatcher's paradise. Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the cienega (lagoon), Chelem is close to nature.
Chelem is a popular area for the snowbirds in the winter as private home rentals are lower on the west side of Progreso.
A fun trip to do in Chelem is the hour long boat ride into the ria to see the flamingos and turtles at the fresh water spring. Trips can be arranged with the fishermen captains just south of the main Plaza. Costs are $50 pesos per person, five people minimum or $250 for six These gentlemen do not speak English but do offer a good trip. While they are safe, the boat accommodations are very basic.
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