Campeche is one of the cities that surprised me the most in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a port city on the Gulf of Mexico (located in the state of Campeche) and is known for its baroque colonial buildings in very good condition, its military architecture and its walled historic center.
In this post I tell you the best places to see in Campeche. The city is quick to visit, I recommend you spend at least one night in it, to enjoy it at night, when the streets come alive and it is illuminated, it is beautiful.
WHAT TO SEE IN CAMPECHE, MEXICO
1. Tour the Historic Center of Campeche
In one of the most beautiful historical centers of Mexico. It was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1999. Its colorful colonial architecture and beautiful facades invite you to get lost in its streets and not stop photographing every corner.
One of the places that stands out the most is the cathedral, in the Novohispanic Baroque style, built between 1650 and 1760.
In the historic center you can not miss a visit to Casa 6, La Mansión Carvajal, the Francisco de Paula Toro Theater, the wall and the Municipal Palace.
2. Learn more about its Campeche wall
Campeche is the only walled city in Mexico.
This wall was built as a defense against naval attacks by corsairs and pirates and was more than 2.5 km long, creating a polygon with 4 gates, 8 bastions, towers, watchtowers and battlements. Some 500m of the wall and the Puerta de Mar and Puerta de Tierra on each side of Calle 59 are still preserved in very good condition.
Today you can still visit the fort of San Miguel, which houses the Museum of Mayan Culture, and the fort of San José el Alto, where the Museum of Ships and Weapons is located.
3. Walk down Calle 59, the most photographed street in the city
Calle 59 is one of the most beautiful in the city. It is a corridor that goes from the Puerta de la Tierra to the Puerta del Mar. Here are some of the most emblematic buildings of the city; the house of Teniente Rey, the San Francisquito church, as well as a lot of little shops, bars, restaurants... Its brightly colored facades and good atmosphere make this place one of the best in the city.
Although it is not the only colorful street in the city, there are many streets where you can get lost and enjoy the details and much less busy and visited than 59th Street.
4. Visit the Edzná archaeological zone
Edzná was a religious, administrative and residential center of great relevance. One of the most impressive Mayan vestiges in the state. It is known as the House of the Itzaes and in its architecture you can see great technological advances.
Its inhabitants built an intelligent system of canals that measure up to six kilometers. Likewise, they installed deposits to capture, store and distribute the vital liquid.
Currently, you can visit the site and appreciate several of its main structures such as the main square, the Platform of Knives, the Nohochná and the South Temple. In addition, you can also see remains of the ball game, the Temple of the Masks, the small and the great Acropolis, the North Temple, among several other structures.
It is located about 60 km from the historic center of the city. You can arrive by rental car, book a tour with transport or arrive by taxi (pre-agre the price with the taxi driver).
5. Take an excursion to see Los Petenes
With almost 300,000 hectares, Los Petenes are declared a Biosphere Reserve. Here you will be able to enjoy a landscape formed by a vegetal area of islands and islets where the mangrove swamp reigns. White, black and red mangroves, which create a unique ecosystem.
Here you can do kayaking, boat trips and various activities. There are also some cenotes where you can enjoy a bath. The best way to get there is by taking an organized excursion, where, in addition to transportation, the guide and activities are included.
6. Go through the door to Earth
This is the old entrance to the city, built to defend it from attacks by corsairs.
It is a military construction delimited by a moat. The Puerta de Tierra has a light and sound show called "El lugar del sol" that is presented on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 p.m.
7. Stroll along the Malecón
The Malecón de Campeche is 3.5km long. In it is the Justo Sierra Méndez monument.
It is a perfect area to walk without haste, enjoy the sea breeze and watch the sunset. Also, here are the famous colored letters, so if you are photographing yourself with them in all the towns and cities you visit, you cannot miss them.
8. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Campeche, Fort of San Miguel
In the museum there is a wide exhibition of ceramic utensils, stone tools and various historical items. It also covers Mayan funeral customs. If you want to know a little more about the Mayan culture, you cannot miss making a stop there.
The building where the museum is located is a military building, which was used mainly in the fights in which the city was immersed.
The building was used as a housing unit for the federal army, after which it remained abandoned for more than 10 years.
Later it was rehabilitated to install the Museum of Weapons and Marinery and its collection was replaced giving way to the inauguration of the Museum of Mayan Archeology.
9. Sit in the Plaza de la Independencia and talk to the locals
Another of the most interesting places to visit in Campeche is the Plaza de la Independencia. It is located in the center. It was created at the end of 1540 at the time the Villa de San Francisco de Campeche was founded. Apart from being the cathedral and some buildings that I have already mentioned, right in the center there is a square, where you can sit under the shade of the trees. In the middle of the afternoon, when the sun begins to set, the square fills up with locals. You can listen to music, talk to people, buy something to eat and enjoy the atmosphere. Sit on a bench and contemplate the buildings that surround you, full of colors and with beautiful arcades.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAMPECHE, MEXICO
I recommend you stay in the center. So you can walk everywhere. Campeche is a city that you can visit in one day and one night, and it is best to make the most of your time.
Some great lodging options in Campeche:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Mexico a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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