Campeche, the beautiful capital of the state that shares the same name, is a perfect example of a vice royal port city of Mexico.
In the surroundings of Campeche, there are lots of interesting places for the tourist to visit, for example: the Mexican haciendas, several archaeological zones and the petenes (islets located on mangrove areas).
The Campeche fort is an impressive beauty, its cobbled streets and the gorgeous colonial buildings, have turned the city into a World Cultural Heritage.
Nowadays Campeche is the proud owner of more than a thousand edifications of immeasurable historic value that have survived as witnesses of the commercial, military and religious purposes that this city had since the 16th century, becoming a link between two worlds: the Old and the New.
The very complete fortification system that can still be found around the whole city of Campeche is an essential example of the astonishing Spanish military architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries, a fundamental part
The more than 300 years that have passed since the construction of the wall and the forts that protect the city, have not left a mark in them, nowadays they are considered to be some of the most important Campeche attractions. The seven bastions that surround the Historic Center of Campeche, eternal stone titans have prevailed unscathed to the passing of time, are now used for several purposes, some have been turned into museums, one of them is now a botanic garden and another one holds a permanent handicraft exposition.
The great mansions of Campeche feature high ceilings and majestic interior arcs that make the rooms fresher. The balconies are decorated with beautiful wrought iron ornaments that delight the sight of the visitors and silently whisper their stories about a past of great economic splendor.
Along its gorgeous streets and alleys you can feel the presence of the Spanish conquerors, the pirate invaders and the civilian fights of the 19th century. The impressive Campeche forts, protective walls and garrisons do not allow people to forget that this city was once inhabited by heroes that defended it from the constant attacks from pirates from France, England and Holland.
In the areas surrounding Campeche, several archeological zones with beautiful Maya constructions can be found.
During your Campeche vacations we strongly recommend you to visit all the surrounding area of this great city!
Its Interesting places, huge constructions with gorgeous masks and patterns used as decorations in honor to the gods, can make your stay in the Yucatan Peninsula unforgettable!
Near Campeche Mexico you will find endless activities to embark into and lots of places to visit, to top everything up, this state's gastronomy is delicious and its people is kind and warm.
And then we have the Petens in Campeche!
The Petenes are islets found among mangroves, they have medium forest vegetation an extension of 130 thousand hectares; they are a great part of Campeche's seaboard.
These ecosystems survive thanks to the fresh water of the surface and the salty water of the bottom of the springs.
The Petenes are a refuge to a great variety of wild and aquatic animals, and they are a part of the Natural Reserve of Campeche and for the Pensinsula de Yucatan.
Thanks to all of this, your Campeche vacations will turn into an unforgettable adventure you can share with your family or friends.
Don't hesitate and come visit Campeche!
Campeche City is a magical piece of history in itself.
Campeche gives the tourist a wide menu of places to visit and activities to embark into. Apart from the forts and garrisons, the beautiful churches and the colonial houses, there are old henequen haciendas, and multiple archaeological zones in the surrounding areas of the city. All Campeche attractions have interesting stories to share. Among real events and legends that have been blended a fantastic past is born, inviting you to know more about this wonderful tourist destination.
San Jose el Alto and San Miguel's Fort
On the hills that nestle the city of Campeche, San Miguel's fort and San Jose el Alto fort can still be appreciated in their entire splendor. San Jose el Alto fort has been turned into a complete and beautiful museum of colonial weapons and scale boats. From here you can enjoy an unsurpassable view of the city, appreciate its architecture and let your imagination transport you to old times when this place played an important roll in the defense of the inhabitants of the city.
San Miguel's fort still has its moat, its lifting bridge, towers and cannons. From here you will have an impressive view to the ocean, inviting you to want to get soaked with the history of the city, the history of the heroes that fought against the pirates in their constant attempts to invade Campeche and take over its wealth. San Miguel's fort keeps an important exposition of pre-Hispanic pieces, among the most important you will find jade masks that where found in the archeological zone of Calakmul.
Campeche Cathedral
One of the most beautiful Campeche attractions is its cathedral, located on the side of the Main Square in the Historic Center. In the beginning it was conceived as a small church with a thatched roof when Francisco de Montejo junior ordered its construction in 1540. Later on, in 1760 the chapel and the sea-side tower were built. Between the years 1849 and 1850 the land side tower was built and finally in 1916 the luminous 4 face clock that is used until today was installed.
Casa 6 (House 6)
Beautiful construction with architecture from the 17th century, it has been restored to represent the lifestyle of the people of Campeche in the 19th century. This place features a restaurant area and a bookstore and it works as an information module. Here you will find several weekly activities for all kinds of public.
Hacienda Tankuche
This is a french-style ex-hacienda that simulates a medieval fortification. Its central patio is ample; to the west you will find the main house, to the south, the machine room. In the left posterior side there is a semi destroyed tower that once was used as a viewpoint. Nowadays, this old henequen production center is almost in ruins, but it is considered one of the most interesting Campeche attractions.
San Fernando's Garrison
This historic colossus has been adapted to modernity; it has a musical interactive fountain that allows unifying the height of the different torrents of water. The design of the fountain evokes the concept of military architecture of the city. This park is complemented by the placement of 21 staffs with their respective flags in red and blue tones, these colors are the ones in Campeche's coat of arms.
The Boardwalk
It features gorgeous viewpoints where some recreation areas have been constructed for families to enjoy the marine breeze and Campeche's sunsets. The boardwalk is constituted by 2 fast lanes and a slow lane, 3 pedestrian walkways a central 6-yard boulevard, a cycling lane and a walking lane, from beginning to end.