Things to
Do in Campeche City
 Campeche
City, is a beautiful destination where you can experience unspoiled
traditional Mexican hospitality. Known as the "Hidden Treasure
of the Yucatan", Campeche blends Spanish influences with the rich history
and culture of the Mayan people, giving travelers an intriguing look
at colonial Mexico architecture and Mayan traditions during their Campeche
vacations.
Today the city of 250,000 has been carefully restored and its historic
downtown is ideal for exploring with its historic hotels, museums, architectural
character, churches and forts. The 3 mile long "malecon" (boardwalk)
along the Gulf coast highlights a beautiful avenue lined with palm trees,
gardens and monuments. This colonial Mexican city blends the old
with the new as you will find many modern buildings and stores mixed
in with colonial architecture and lots of Campeche sightseeing options.
Historic Center (Main
Plaza)
The historic center of Campeche is full of beautiful colors and lovely
architecture. It was built for the people of the community, but was
used by the town elite such as Spanish royalty and political authorities
for parties and ceremonies.
Today the Campeche historic center is used as the main business center
as well as for cultural and tourist activities. The former City
Hall was recently restored and now serves as Campeche's Library.
Los Portales, is another structure with beautifully arched passageways
and now home to restaurants and shops.
The Main Plaza is a great starting point as here you will find tourism
offices which offer tours. If your looking for a coffee and a
snack, the gazebo located in the center also has a cafe.
 Campeche
Trolley: In the Main Square visitors can take a tour of the
city daily at 9:00am, 6pm and 8 pm. The trolley holds 40 passengers
and departs from the Main Plaza where you may also buy tickets. The
guided tour visits the Historic Center as well the boardwalk and the
neighborhoods of San Francisco and San Roman. Sometimes the tour is
given by a bilingual guide, but even if you don't understand Spanish
well, it's a great way to see the city and its beautiful charm.
 Cathedral
Located in the Main Square, one of the most beautiful attractions is
the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception. It is one of the oldest
Christian churches on the Yucatan Peninsula and was constructed between
1540 and 1705.
 Land
Gate (Puerta de Tierra)
The original entrance to the city, here visitors experience how the
forts and walls protected the city. For 10 pesos (about $1 US) you can
take a tour on top of the stone walls offering a nice view of the city.
Below is a museum with pictures, letters, guns and ammunition of the
period and the pirates that once visited the city.
Sound and Light Show: Each Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday evening at 8:30 visitors can go back in time with a show of
lights, music and drama. The 30-minute show tells of the romance and
tragedy of the Indians, pirates and Spaniards. Whether it is historically
accurate or not, for $3 US admission, it is worth attending.
 Musical
Fountains
Located next to the Library in the World Patrimony Park, each evening
at 7, 8 and 9pm one can enjoy a water fountain show synchronized with
music and lights.
Casa #6 (House 6)
Located in the Main Square, Casa 6 is a fully-furnished replica of a
typical colonial style house. The entrance is free and has a restaurant
and a bookstore and is also used as a Campeche information center.
Fort San Jose
Located to the north of the city, Fort San Jose el Alto is one of two
forts built to protect the city, complete with cannons and rifle slits.
The fort is also home to the Ships and Weapons Museum displaying colonial
weapons and boats and items traded during the pirate era. From
here you may take in a beautiful view of the city. Tuesdays -
Sundays.
Fort San Miguel
 Located
2.5 kms southwest of town, this 18th-century fort includes a moat and
a drawbridge. General Santa Ana captured it when he attacked Campeche
City in 1842. Inside is Campeche's archaeological museum, also known
as the Mayan Culture Museum.
San Miguel's fort still has its moat, lifting
bridge, towers and cannons. It contains ceramics, jade masks found
in the archaeological zone of Calakmul, as well as rooms depicting Maya
astrology, war and Gods. Learn some history of the heroes that
fought against the pirates in the constant attempts to invade Campeche
and take over its wealth.
To get to the fort, drive south along the coastal road towards the fishing
village of Lerma and follow the signs. Tuesdays - Sundays.
 Boardwalk
(Malecon)
Inaugurated in 2000, this 3.5 km road along the waterfront is a beautiful
place for families to spend time together, to see the sunset and enjoy
the tranquility of the Gulf of Mexico. There are driving roads as well
as biking and walking lanes and areas to sit and view the Bay of Campeche.
The sunsets from here are amazing. Bring your camera!
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