A UNESCO-protected colonial city on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, with 16th-century fortified walls, pastel-colored buildings, and easy access to Mayan ruins.
In Campeche, you can walk along 17th-century defensive walls, explore eight military bastions turned into museums, and wander through streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings. This coastal city on Mexico's Gulf Coast remains the country's only fortified colonial city with intact walls. Stop at local seafood restaurants for pan de cazón, visit the pyramids at Edzná, or relax at the calm beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
Walking the Historic City Walls
The defensive walls of Campeche extend for more than 2.5 kilometers around the historic center, built to protect against pirate attacks. Eight bastions remain standing today, each now housing small museums or cultural spaces. Walk sections of the walls for views of both the colonial center and the Gulf of Mexico. Inside the Puerta de Tierra (Land Gate), the main entrance to the old city, you'll find exhibits detailing the city's military past.
Exploring the Colonial Center
The historic center has almost 1,000 protected buildings, their facades painted in soft pastel colors. The Plaza Principal forms the heart of the old town, with the 16th-century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on one side. Streets follow a grid pattern, making it simple to explore on foot. Many of the baroque buildings, from churches to former merchant houses, include interior courtyards typical of Spanish colonial architecture.
Visiting Archaeological Sites
At Edzná, one hour from Campeche, you can climb the 40-meter-high Temple of the Five Stories. The site sees fewer tourists than other Mayan ruins in the Yucatan. Deep in the jungle at Calakmul, you'll find more than 6,500 ancient structures, including Mexico's second-tallest Mayan pyramid. Both sites attract numerous species of birds and monkeys.
Local Food and Markets
Fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico dominates local cooking. Try pan de cazón, a layered tortilla dish with shark meat, at restaurants throughout the city. Browse the local markets for fresh fish and traditional Mayan ingredients. Around the main square, street food vendors sell panuchos (stuffed tortillas) and tamales colados (strained corn tamales). Along the seafront, restaurants serve fresh fish dishes and seafood cocktails.
Festivals and Cultural Events
The city's carnival in February fills the streets with dancers and parade floats, continuing a tradition from 1582. During the Festival del Centro Histórico in November and December, more than 5,000 artists perform and lead workshops throughout the city. Musicians play regional music in the plazas year-round. In March, the Bread Fair celebrates local baking traditions with demonstrations and tastings.
Getting Around and Day Trips
You can fly into Campeche International Airport from major Mexican cities. The compact historic center makes walking the best way to explore. Regular buses run to nearby beaches like Playa Bonita and San Lorenzo. Several Mayan sites, colonial towns, and nature areas lie within day-trip distance of the city.
