Campeche

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Campeche

Information

Description

San Francisco de Campeche, capital city of the state of Campeche, is recognized as the only fortified city in Mexico and one of the few in Latin America. Its walls and bastions, houses with colorful gates and stately windows, and cobblestone streets pulsate with life and legends.

State: Campeche

Coordinates:
19°50'45"N 90°32'12"W

Altitude: 3 meters above sea level

Area:
71 km²

Time Zone: Central Standard Time UTC-6

Population: 220,389 inhabitants (INEGI, 2010)

Area Code: 981

Due to the excellent state of preservation, the Fortified Historical City of Campeche (area of historical monuments of the city of San Francisco de Campeche, home to more than 1,000 buildings of historical value) was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, on December 1, 1999.  

The splendor of this city was during the colonial times as it was designated as one of the most important ports of New Spain. Of course it exported old world products such as honey, cotton, trees used by the Mayans such as dyewood, salt and corn. This prosperity attracted the greed of pirates and privateers so that by the end of the seventeenth century, the vice regal authorities had to take measures to protect the city from constant attacks by pirates and privateers, building a walled enclosure that has stood the test time.  

Besides being a cultural destination, Campeche offers visitors a great culinary tradition, so it is recommended to try their delicious traditional dishes among which are: the seafood cocktail, pickled fish, fish tortillas, and tamales wrapped in banana leaves, to name a few. In each of them you can savor the history of the port.  

An important part of the Campeche culture is its typical dress where influences mingle among the indigenous blouses and Spanish skirts. At the same time, the music and dances of this region of Mexico are composed by: Pregones or the calls of the street vendors, El Zarandeo, El Son del Pavo y el Jarabe Criollo among many more.  On the outskirts of the city of Campeche you will find the archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization such as Edzá and Jaina, and a special area of protection for the flora and fauna, wildlife, and aquatic life, Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve.

  Getting there

San Francisco de Campeche is located in the western part of the Yucatan Peninsula, facing the Gulf of Mexico.  It is 387 km from the city of Villahermosa, heading northwest, and 177 km from Merida due southwest.

  You can reach the city of Campeche by plane, bus, car, or boat.  

By air there is the Engineer Alberto Acuña Ongay International Airport. 

By road you can get there by three main ways:  Highway No. 180 Villahermosa - Campeche.

Federal Highway No. 186 Villahermosa-Escárcega - Chetumal. Federal Highway No. 261 Escárcega - Champotón

By sea: Puerto Lerma is located on Highway Campeche - Lerma.

Distance from San Francisco de Campeche to other cities in Mexico

Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche: 227 km.
Mérida, Yucatán: 279 km.
Villahermosa, Tabasco: 394 km.
Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas: 597 km.
Cancun, Quintana Roo: 598 km.
Veracruz, Veracruz: 862 km.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca: 998 km.
Puebla, Puebla: 1036 km.
Mexico City, D.F.: 1158 km.
Guadalajara, Jalisco: 1696 km.
Monterrey, Nuevo León: 1854 km.

Climate

 The city of Campeche has a warm climate almost all year and is humid during the rainy season from June to October.

From November to February: Minimum of 15°C, maximum 25°C. 

From March to May: Minimum 20°C, Maximum 37°C.

From June to September: Minimum 22°C, Maximum 44°C.

What to pack?

Sunscreen, insect repellent, sandals, light clothing such as shorts, tank tops, flip flops, hat.

If you plan to visit the archaeological sites you must wear sport shoes, a hat, comfortable clothing and a light sweater during the winter season.  

Tourist attractions in the city of Campeche

Stroll through the Historical Center area landmarks (Cultural Heritage of Humanity): Baluarte de San Francisco, Baluarte de Santiago, Baluarte de la Soledad - Mayan Architecture Museum, Baluarte San Carlos - City Museum, Casa del Teniente Rey - Regional Museum of Campeche, Tukulná Artesian House, Fort of San Jose – El Alto San Jose Bastion Historical Museum, Door of the Sea, Door of the Earth.

Campeche boardwalk, Ex Hacienda Nohacal, Cuauhtémoc Building.   

Edzá archaeological site (55km from Campeche) Jaina Archaeological Site, Acanmul Archaeological Site (27 km from Campeche), Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve.