As part of our recent cruise around the Yucatan Peninsula, we docked for 2 days near Campeche Mexico. We found enough interesting things to do in Campeche to fill up those 2 days.
In addition to a stroll along the malecon described here, you should take a trolley tour of the old city, and walk around the streets within the walls of the city. You also should (or, really, you need) to try the chocolate for which the city is rightly famous.
A Little Campeche History
But before you start your exploration, here’s a little information about Campeche (which is both a state and a city in Mexico). Much of this information is thanks to our guides Hector and Ricardo, muchas gracias!!
Campeche (the state) is part of the Yucatan Peninsula. The peninsula was populated by the Mayan people for centuries before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the 1500s. Campeche became a walled city in order to protect it from pirate attacks (although the bay is actually quite shallow, the pirates would attack via land). It also seems it took them so long to build the wall that pirates were no longer much of a threat. But it created a unique and interesting place. The ocean used to come up to the old city walls on the sea side, but, due to land reclamation projects over the decades, the ocean is now some distance from the walls. The walled old city of San Francisco de Campeche was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage city in December, 1999.
Take the Campeche trolley tour
The trolley tour picks up here at the town square, and costs MXN $100 (USD$5). The presentation is given in both Spanish and English, and talks about various neighborhoods and architectural highlights outside the city walls. It is a perfect start to learn your way around the Campeche neighborhoods and familiarize yourself with the areas inside and outside of the city walls.
After a quick circuit around the town square, the trolley heads outside the city walls for a trip through Barrio San Guadalupe, once home to Campeche’s richest residents, as well as its artists. You will then visit Barrio San Francisco and Barrio San Ramon, as well as driving along the Malecon.
Visit the Centro Cultural Casa Numero 6 Museum
Casa Numero 6 was once lived in by a wealthy merchant family. It is located right on the town square here. Its entrance fee is very reasonable (MXN20 USD$1). The main floor, including a salon, a bedroom, a kitchen and a courtyard have been furnished with period pieces. Placards on the walls describe the lifestyle of wealthy Campeche merchants.
Walk the City Walls
We were able to climb up the (narrow and steep, but not difficult) stairs to the city walls near the Puerta de Tierra (gate of the land). From there we could look all the way through the city down Calle 59 to the Puerta de Mar (sea gate), as well as both directions along the perimeter of the walls.
The views from up there were amazing.
We even met a local sunning himself near an old cannon.
Campeche churches
Campeche is full of churches, both inside and outside of the city walls. There were four in particular which each set a different tone and highlighted a different side of Campeche.
Parroquia San Francisco
San Francisco is the patron saint of Campeche and particularly of the Barrio San Francisco. Barrio San Francisco is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Campeche. The Parroquia San Francisco de Asis church there is a startling shade of red.
San Ramon
The church in Barrio San Ramon, Santuario Diocesano del Cristo Negro Senor de San Ramon (or the Iglesia de San Ramon), has a black Christ, made of ebony. It was almost life-size, and surprisingly elaborate, considering the rather plain facade of the church.
St. Francisquito
A small old church inside the city walls is being restored to serve as more of a museum, and the interior shows the different restorations in process, so is interesting for that alone. It was also interesting that the congregants painted over gold leaf with regular paint to protect it from pirates back in the day when pirates attacked the city regularly.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
You’ll fine the Cathedral in Campeche along the town square. It has an impressive limestone facade. It is next door to the site of the original cathedral, which used to flood during high water. There are processions from the Cathedral throughout the year and off to the side you can see many of relics and processional pieces. The courtyard is also lined with gravestones.
Stroll along the streets
Campeche, especially inside the city walls, seems like it would be hard to get lost in, so take a stroll. Peek in shop windows. Take pictures of the charming colored facades and doors. Say “Buenos Dias” to the people walking along the streets. Find a cafe, sip a cocktail. Relax and enjoy this lovely small Mexican city on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Wandering around could be one of the most interesting things to do in Campeche.
Chocolate
Finally, you simply must try the chocolate. I had it cold and it was delicious. Friends had it hot, and said it was also delicious. Have it ‘con leche’ so it is richer. It is not like American hot chocolate, as it is not very sweet, but it is sooooo good.
I hope you agree that these are some of the interesting things to do in Campeche. Please share your ideas for other interesting things to do in Campeche.
Check out our next stop on the cruise around the Yucatan Peninsula–Progreso, Mexico was our launching pad to explore Uxmal ruins and Merida.
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