Campeche Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and natural wonders of Campeche, Mexico through this comprehensive travel guide. From must-visit attractions to food and drink scene, safety and health tips, and logistics, plan your trip with ease!


Looking for a destination that offers historical and cultural richness along with natural wonders? Look no further than Campeche, a picturesque city located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. This city is known for its historic architecture, well-preserved Mayan ruins, natural reserves, and vibrant festivals. This comprehensive tour guide will walk you through Campeche’s must-visit attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more!

Introduction to Campeche

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Campeche is the capital city of the state of Campeche and is a port city with a rich colonial history dating back to the 1500s. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1540 and is known for its elaborate fortifications. The city was a major target for pirates and thus, boasts a fascinating history of battles between the Spanish and pirates from the Caribbean.

Campeche’s historic downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage site, marked with colorful colonial buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and beautiful gardens. The city’s natural charm is equally impressive, with diverse ecosystems that extend from the coastal region to the wetlands.

List of Places to Visit in Campeche

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Puerta de Tierra: Also known as the Land Gate, it is one of the old city walls that surround the colonial city center. It is a must-visit site to take a stroll and soak in the historic atmosphere of the place.

  • Museo de Arquitectura Maya: This impressive museum displays the best examples of architectural ruins of the Maya civilization.

  • Fuerte San Miguel: It is a fortification that offers a glimpse of the olden times to the visitors. The fortifications are erected in front of the Gulf of Mexico, and it features a museum, as well as a panoramic view of the city.

  • Catedral de San Francisco de Campeche: The grandest church in Campeche is a beautiful 16th-century cathedral that features a picture of a venerated image of the Infant Jesus dating back to the 16th century.

Natural Attractions of Campeche: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Isla Aguada: This white sand beach island, located 40 km from Campeche, offers the scenic view of the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Balamkú Archaeological Zone: An ancient Mayan city named after the jaguar, features one of the best examples of Mesoamerican architecture.

  • Reserva de la Bioesfera de Los Petenes: Located 60 km from Campeche, this reserve is a habitat for various wildlife species like sea turtles and jaguars.

  • Edzna Archaeological site: The Edzna site is a well-preserved Mayan ruin that boasts buildings that date back to the 1st century BC and the 15th century AD.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Campeche

  • Malecón de Campeche: A 3 km long promenade road along the coast, from which you can enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Eco tourism routes: Campeche has various eco-tourism trails that offer a hike/biking experience in the nature reserve area.

  • Historical Downtown: Discover the historic city center, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, by wandering through its charming cobblestone streets.

Best Things to Do in Campeche: Activities and Tours

  • Danza de los Parejones: An explosion of rhythmical drums, songs and dance form, the Danza is performed at the Carnaval de Campeche, a celebration taking place the first week of February.

  • March of Paseo: Performed every Sunday at dusk, this popular event sees locals taking a cycle around the historic downtown.

  • Water sports: The Gulf of Mexico is a water sport paradise; you can swim, dive, jet ski and sail.

Week-Long Itinerary for Campeche

The following itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Campeche:

  • Day 1: Explore the historic downtown of Campeche.
  • Day 2: Visit Fuerte San Miguel and Catedral de San Francisco de Campeche.
  • Day 3: Plan a day trip to Balamkú Archaeological Zone.
  • Day 4: Visit Isla Aguada.
  • Day 5: Take a hike along the Malecón de Campeche or take an eco-tourism trail in the nature reserve.
  • Day 6: Visit the ancient Mayan city of Edzna archaeological site.
  • Day 7: Enjoy the water sports activities at the beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Campeche

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pescado en Tikin-Xik: A typical dish of Campeche that consists of a fish marinated with achiote powder and sour oranges, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over a fire.

  • Panuchos: A small, deep-fried tortilla filled with black beans and shredded chicken.

  • Cochinita Pibil: A dish of slow-roasted pork cooked in a makeshift barbeque grill with sour oranges, spices, and wrapped in banana leaves.

Local Beverages

  • Xtabentun: A regional liquor made from fermented honey and is flavored with an anise plant, unique to the Yucatan Peninsula.

  • Atole: A warm drink produced from maize flour and flavored with cinnamon and sugar.

Where to Stay in Campeche: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Campeche has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hotel Uxul: A luxurious hotel located in the historic district of Campeche.
  • Hacienda Santa Cruz: A beautifully restored hacienda-style hotel, located 9 km southeast of the historic downtown.
  • Hotel Boutique Casa Don Gustavo: The hotel is located in a colonial-style building near the main square of the historic downtown area.

What to Buy in Campeche: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hammocks: Campeche is known for its brightly colored woven hammocks.

  • Mayan handicrafts: You can find the best examples of handmade Mayan jewelry, bags, and clothing.

  • Local sweets: Try the traditional sweets made of coconut, sweet potatoes, tamarind, and more!

Local Culture and Customs of Campeche

Campeche city is famous for its enchanting colonial architecture, vibrant festivals, and lip-smacking local cuisine. The city also hosts various cultural events like the Carnival of Campeche, which takes place in February, and the Fiestas de la Santa Cruz, which takes place in May.

Best Time to Visit Campeche

The best time to visit Campeche is during the dry season, between December and April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer chances of rain.

Do’s and Don’ts of Campeche

Do:

  • Do attend the festivals and events.

  • Do take care of your belongings while you are exploring.

  • Do try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Don’t wander too far out of the city center alone at night.

  • Don’t pick up hitchhikers.

  • Don’t disrespect the culture or traditions of the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Campeche

Campeche is a relatively safe city, but it’s advisable to take precautions such as:

  • Keep your valuables safe, especially in public places.

  • Stay in well-lit areas at night.

  • Do not go out alone at night.

Health in Campeche

Visitors to Campeche are advised to take precautions for mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and Dengue, which are prevalent in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is recommended that you wear mosquito repellent and light-colored clothing that covers your skin.

Getting to Campeche: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Campeche

Campeche International Airport connects the city to other major cities in Mexico like Mexico City, Cancun, Merida, and Tampico.

Bus Stations Near Campeche

The city has four main bus stations, each serving various destinations like Merida, Villahermosa, Mexico City, and Cancun.

Other Options

Campeche can also be reached via car or private taxi from other cities in Mexico.

How to Get Around in Campeche

The historic city of Campeche is easily walkable, and thus the best way to explore the city is on foot. Taxis and rental cars are available to visit the nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Campeche: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Just a short drive from Campeche, there are several other destinations to explore like:

  • Merida: The capital of Yucatan and is famous for its vibrant markets, culinary scene, and colonial architecture.

  • Chichen Itza: The most famous of all Mayan sites and offers a glimpse into the impressive civilization’s past.

  • Izamal: A small, colonial-style town that offers a unique view of the Maya civilization with impressive archaeological sites.

Conclusion

Campeche is a charming colonial city that boasts a rich history, culture, and natural wonders. From the historic city center to the nearby beaches and natural reserves, there are plenty of things to see and experience. With this comprehensive tour guide, you can plan your trip with ease and explore Campeche’s must-visit attractions, food and drink scene, safety and health tips, and logistics. So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Campeche!

St.Joseph church St.Joseph church A view in the historic center A view in the historic center