Chelem

Chelem is a fishing village in the Yucatan state of Mexico. Chelem is on a stretch of land between the Gulf of Mexico coastal and a tidal area called La Ria. Its population is approximately 5,000 people and is located a few kilometers west (about a 10 minute drive) of Progreso, a port city of 40,000 people and a 30 minute drive from Merida, the capital of the Yucatan with approximately 800,000 people.

Fishing boats on the beach in Chelem.
Fishing boats on the beach in Chelem.

Casa Kaana is less than 1/2 mile from the village center (centro). You can walk or bike to the mercado (market) to buy fruits, vegetables and meat. The mercado also has a variety of cocina economicas (lunch counters) where you can eat many local specialties. Centro also has several fruiterias, tortillerias, panaderias (bread and pastry shops), coffee shops, hardware stores, convenience stores, cerve frios (beer shops) and restaurants.

Cocina Economica in the Chelem mercado
Cocina Economica in the Chelem mercado

There are numerous restaurants offering a wide variety of tasty food including Yucatecan fare, Italian, Texas Barbeque, burger joints, pizzerias (several) numerous taco stands with local mexican specialties,). There are several local coffee shops and excellent breakfast options. Chelem also has lots of mini marts to get groceries and supplies. There is a liquor store and an ATM as a local Oxxo.

Las Bruhitas restaurant
Las Bruhitas restaurant, excellent for breakfast and lunch.

Further away, but just a 10-15 minute car ride to Progreso, are the main grocery stores: Bodega Aurera and a Soriana both near the entrance to the city of Progreso from the merida road. Super Aki, another grocery store is at Calle 80 (between 29 & 31) in Progreso.

Browse the photos below to explore Chelem Pueblo and the surrounding beaches.

One Reply to “Chelem”

  1. The house is so beautiful and happy. The town so charming and colorful. Sky (Káana) is the perfect name for the house. Paradise should be the name for the place.

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