Chelem, Yucatan. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican experience in a clean, peacefully quaint fishing village that boasts no gigantic hotels, no timeshare mongers and no razzle dazzle, then Chelem is for you.West of Progeso, a few miles from Merida, you can get to Chelem by public transport or rented car. The Main Plaza has an arched Municipal building, church, local marked and lots of seafood restaurants and some good beaches. Chelem is a birdwatchers paradise.Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Cienaga lagoon, Chelem is very popular with snowbirds as private home rentals are cheaper on this side of Progreso.Do the hour long boat ride into the sea to see the flamingos and sea turtles at the fresh water spring. Trips can be arranged with the fishermen captains south of the Main Plaza.You can find great seafood in this part of Yucatan.