San Francisco de Campeche
Campeche is known for its beautiful walled historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its cobblestone streets, brightly colored colonial houses and ancient fortifications make this city a unique destination in Mexico. San Francisco de Campeche, also known simply as Campeche, is a historic city located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Location
Campeche is located on the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, facing the Gulf of Mexico.
History
The city was founded in 1540 by Francisco Montejo and soon became an important port for New Spain. The walls were built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks, which were frequent at the time.
Significance
Campeche is important for its rich colonial history, its well-preserved architecture and its contribution to Mexican culture. It is a living testimony of the Spanish colonial era in the Americas.
Climate and altitude
The climate is tropical with warm temperatures throughout the year. The average altitude above sea level is low, as the city is at sea level.
Characteristics of the place
The historic center is surrounded by well-preserved walls and fortifications. In addition to the colonial architecture, forts such as the Fort of San Miguel and the Fort of San José el Alto stand out.
Visiting hours
The historic center and main attractions are open daily. Specific hours may vary by location, but generally the historic sites are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission fees
Access to most historical attractions and museums in Campeche is affordable, with fees generally ranging from 50 to 100 Mexican pesos per person.
How to get there from?
From Mexico City: You can fly into Campeche International Airport or take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO).
From Merida: There are regular buses that connect Merida with Campeche, a trip that takes approximately 2-3 hours.
What to do?
Explore the historic center and its walls.
Visit the Museum of Mayan Architecture, the City Museum and the Casa No. 6 Museum.
Visit the main forts and walls such as the Fort of San Miguel and the Bastion of Santiago.
What is most characteristic?
Campeche’s most characteristic features are its cobblestone streets, its brightly colored houses and its tranquil atmosphere that evokes the colonial era. In addition, its local gastronomy is very outstanding, especially the seafood dishes.
Where to stay?
There are a variety of lodging options in Campeche, from boutique hotels in the historic center to beach resorts. Some recommended places are Hotel Socaire, Hotel Plaza Campeche and Hacienda Puerta Campeche, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection chain.
