//
City in the Mexican state of Campeche
Photo: HJPD, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Calkini is a small city in the Yucatan Peninsula state of Campeche. It is a scenic colonial town with bright pastel colored buildings and a beautiful town plaza. With a location midway between Merida and Campeche. It is an enjoyable stopover, or it can make a great base for exploring natural areas like Isla Arena, Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve, or the Celestun Biosphere Reserve.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Zocalo
Beautiful town square with immaculate sidewalks, manicured gardens that include maguey and tropical plants, a large wooden bandstand, and plenty of park benches to relax as the pigeons come over to befriend you. The plaza faces the church of San Luis Obispo and the Palacio Municipal. There are often vendors selling snacks.
Built by the Franciscans in 1549, the church was built over the remains of a Maya temple. Built of stone, the church has a rather austere facade with a conch shell balcony over the main entrance and a single bell tower. Inside, the church has two side chapels and an elaborately ornate altar.
Regional cuisine in an open, spacious palapa restaurant. Popular stop for travelers between Merida and Campeche. Cash only (no credit cards).
Tourist restaurant with tables on a patio set around swimming pools (this is a thing in Calkini). Traditional Mexican cuisine, cold beers.
Combination waterpark and tourist restaurant with tables on a patio set around swimming pools. Traditional Mexican cuisine, tacos, shrimp cocktails, drinks.
Friendly hotel with clean, spacious, comfortable rooms with cold air conditioning. No restaurant on site.
Moderate hotel with clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service. Air conditioning and WiFi work great. Off-street parking available. Hammocks available.
Basic hotel that could use some updates, but rooms are clean and spacious. Hammocks available. Parking available.
Traditional Mexican marketplace with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables plus local Mayan women preparing regional dishes just the way they have for generations. Great place to get an authentic taste of Campeche traditions.
By train
Calkini is a stop on the Tren Maya intercity railway that loops through the Yucatan Peninsula, connecting major airports, cities, and archaeological sites.
Calkini is a small, compact city but there are always taxis (especially moto taxis) around. They have a sitio near the Zocalo. There are also combis with stops along Calle 20 offering frequent service to Hecelchakán.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Mérida · International · MID
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Calkini and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.