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City in the Mexican state of Campeche
Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hecelchakán is a small city of about 10,000 people (2010) in the state of Campeche in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. A historically Maya area with an interesting colonial past, several less-known archaeological sites are close by. The city is a good base for nature trips (particularly birdwatching) to the Petenes Biosphere Reserve and the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve.
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The town square is a large, attractive park in the heart of the city, with the historic town hall (Palacio Municipal) at one corner. It's a good place to relax and hang out on one of the benches, although there's little shade and the afternoon sun can be brutal. Strolling vendors sell snacks and knick-knacks for kids.
St Francis of Asisi Church
The town's main church was built of stone by Franciscan missionaries in the late 16th century. Architecturally, it's typical of Yucatan churches of this period with little of the ornamentation that graces churches in Central Mexico of the period. The church features two large bell towers and buttresses along the side walls. The interior is likewise relatively austere but has an impressive altar with flaming hearts alongside the crucifix and several statues of saints. The church is usually open for a few hours in the afternoon and for scheduled masses.
Archaeology Museum
Regional history museum operated by INAH. Housed in a large historic colonial home in the center of town, the museum focuses on Mayan artifacts discovered at nearby archaeological sites. In late 2023 the museum temporarily closed for renovations and expansion as part of the government's increased focus on improving tourism infrastructure in the region. The museum's exhibits are expected to re-open to visitors in 2024.
Interesting 1,400-year old site that was at its peak in the 8th century and in decline by the 10th. The site is known for having a large number of architectural elements (doorways, lintels, columns) with clearly readable hieroglyphs. Linguists have been able to piece together a story told by these engravings. They tell a tale of city rulers between the years 720 and 760.
One of the only places to eat in town, and fortunately, fairly good. The menu is traditional Mexican with a smatter of regional dishes. Cold beer.
Best restaurant in town and the only one serving 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. The menu is regional Yucatan fare (Mayan cooking). The house specialty is Poc Chuc and the Cochinita Pibil is also very good.
Historic hacienda built in 1588, renovated, restored, and now being operated as a bed and breakfast hotel. Rooms are comfortable, clean, air conditioned and WiFi is available, but there are no TVs in the room. A swimming pool is available but there are limited activities on-site. The hacienda was the site of two historic battles, one during the Caste Wars of the early years of Post-Independence Mexico, and another during the Mexican Revolution.
Basic budget hotel with small rooms and minimal amenities. Dated rooms but low prices.
The town's main traditional marketplace is an orgasm of the senses where mountains of fresh fruits and vegetables vie for the attention of local shoppers. Many unusual ingredients that are typical of regional cuisine and traditional Maya dishes can be found here. Prepared foods are often the most authentic regional and indigenous dishes you can buy. Local specialties that are emblematic of the region include panuchos, salbutes, garnachas, empanadas, mondongo and more. Be adventurous and ask questions: the locals are friendly and love to see travelers show an interest in their culture.
By combi
Combis are used extensively in Campeche and go between the city of Campeche and Hecelchakán every 15 minutes during the day (last combi leaves Campeche at 20:00). The fare is M$40 for the 1-hour trip.
By bus
From the bus station in Campeche, you can take buses operated by Autobuses Sur Mexico or Autobuses ATS. Choose whichever company has the next bus leaving.
By train
Hecelchakán is a station for the new Tren Maya intercity railway that loops through the five states of the Yucatan Peninsula. Hecelchakán lies between Merida and Campeche.
Hecelchakán is a small, compact city with most touristic sites within easy walking distance of each other. Just about every street is a numbered calle: even numbers run north-south, odd numbers run east-west.
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Campeche · Regional · CPE
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