Sightseeing in Campeche - what to see. Complete travel guide

Campeche is the capital of the State of Campeche. This is a beautiful city on the Gulf of Mexico. Campeche is a charming settlement that is home to more than fifty thousand people. It is worth visiting this place in order to see the colorful city where all houses and buildings are painted in different colors. It looks like you have entered a fairytale town.

Mayan tribes were the first settlers in this area. The Spanish invaded the region in the 16th century. Since that time, Campeche became an important transport center that connected Spain to its colonies. Trading and commerce were developing at a high pace, turning Campeche into a prosperous region. Naturally, it was impossible to hide this fact, and so the town attracted pirates who were trying to plunder it from time to time.

In order to protect Campeche from invaders, the town’s authorities started building a protective wall at the end of the 17th century. A large fortress with eight bastions appeared in the settlement, and four gates safely protected the most important streets of the town. To let everyone know that pirates were approaching, cannons appeared near the gates. The town’s protective buildings were continuously enlarged until the 18th century. Unfortunately, only half of those fortifications have survived until our days. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There is no beach in Campeche despite the fact that this is a coastal town. Do you want to swim and sunbathe? You will have to go to a nearby village in this case. Sabancuy is one of the most famous beaches in this area. During the low tide, tourists can see how birds walk along the shore and search for fish. The village near Sabancuy is small, so don’t expect to find a modern settlement with a well-developed infrastructure. However, if your primary target is to spend time in silence and peace, enjoying untroubled sunbathing under the hot sun rays and swimming in the sea, it is hard to think of a better place.

Campeche is famous for its waterfront, the length of which is eight kilometers. This is a wonderful place to take a stroll, breathing fresh sea air. Do you prefer active recreation? In this case, the waterfront in Campeche is an ideal destination because you can enjoy jogging or speed walking here, as well as cycling and roller-skating. Don’t forget to take a look at the striking sea panorama when you work out. This is a marvelously beautiful place when the sea is calm and the sun is shining brightly.

Plaza de la Independencia is the heart of the city. This is the central square in Campeche. There was a military camp here in the past. Nowadays, this is a popular place to hang out and socialize for residents and guests of the city. The square is particularly crowded on weekends when numerous people gather at Plaza de la Independencia to listen to live music. All major city events, festivals, and celebrations usually take place here. When walking along the rows of souvenir shops and stalls, tourists will notice people dressed in national clothes. There is a small café at the center of the square. If offers delicious Mexican coffee and refreshing cold beer.

The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral or just Campeche Cathedral is one of the main landmarks of the city. The beautiful building was erected in the name of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ. This is a gorgeous church in the Spanish Baroque style that is typical for the 16th and 18th centuries. Two bell towers form the entrance to the building. These towers are made from limestone. There is a crucifixion above the façade, and numerous colorful stained-glass windows decorate this part of the cathedral.

Family Day is the main celebration that Campeche, as well as many other cities in Mexico, is famous for. Starting from 2005, this holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday in March. The main aim of Family Day is to cherish family ties and values. If you manage to visit this grandiose celebration, you will notice how local people love and value their children and elders. This is an event that is full of warmth and care.

This holiday is the traditional time for mass celebrations with various events, concerts, and festivals. Young people can participate in dancing contests, children can join various games, and elders are welcome to try calmer amusements for people of their age. Even pets are not forgotten on this holiday. There are special interesting contests for dogs.

There is an airport in Campeche that accommodates both international and domestic flights. It is also possible to get to this city from other cities in Mexico, such as Merida, Cancun or Palenque. The ride from the latter one will be approximately five hours. When you reach the bus station in Campeche, it is better to get a taxi because the distance to the city center is roughly two and a half kilometers.