//
City in Campeche, Mexico
Photo: HAKEBRY1, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Campeche is the capital and largest city in the state of Campeche, Mexico. It has a population around 250,000 people and growing. It sits in the northwestern area of the state. Historically it has long been the second city of the Yucatán Peninsula after Merida roughly 155 km to the north, the capital of the neighboring state of Yucatán. Campeche a port city on the Gulf of Mexico, with relaxed atmosphere and a charming Colonial old town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campeche is one of only two cities in North America (the other being Quebec City in Canada) to have its city walls still intact.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
It was built in the 18th century. It houses the botanical garden "X'much-haltún".
The roof of the bastion offers a panoramic view of the city.
This old fort of Campeche, once used to bombard approaching pirates, is now used as a historical museum to display =Mayan artifacts found in different sites around the Yucatan peninsula, including Calakmul, Edzna and Xpujil. Overall a good small museum with information in English.
Earth door
It is very well preserved. The Land Gate provides the backdrop for a spectacular light and sound show that evoke tales of pirates, sea battles, and other events.
It is a unique structure that was part of the big wall.
Built in the 17th century, it houses a museum with archeological, ethnographical and historical pieces.
Sea Door
It has a simple facade, in the big door there is a galleon carved in stone.
House built in the 17th century with Moorish decoration.
Built in the 19th century, first it was a school and then a prison.
Antique and beautiful remodeled house where Campeche's varied handicrafts are exhibited and sold.
It is a tour around the bay and you can listen the narrative about the history of Campeche.
By day you could walk by and not think it was anything worth taking note of, but come back in the evening and for one magical hour, the fountain is turned on with bright colored lights and an impressive spray to delight the crowds.
Modern small baseball stadium that is home field for the Piratas de Campeche, a professional baseball team in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. The Piratas play a 114-game season each year between April and September. The stadium is very modern with a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Clean sight lines guarantee that there's not a bad seat in the house. Affordable ticket prices, tasty food, and cheap cold beer make for a great evening in the ballpark.
For a good vegan/vegetarian option
For local specialities
Also a very good choice for local specialities.
Built as a luxury hotel in 1960, it's seen better days, but still offers a convenient location and rooms with a good view of the Gulf.
The hotel in the historic centre of the city and port of Campeche, in front of San Marttins Park, located in the tourist, cultural and commercial area where every activity of the city is performed.
Located one block from the central plaza in the Centro Histórico; includes continental breakfast and wireless internet.
Pretty ochre colonial building fits into the historic center well and features a continental breakfast, wifi, and bathtub pool.
Cobalt blue exterior colored hotel here, with inner courtyard lined with porticoes, wrought iron railings, and shiny marble floors. Small pool and wifi. Breakfast might be a little spartan though.
It has a really authentic colonial appearance, even more than the others, if that were possible. Pool, wifi, restaurant that serves breakfast attached.
It's more or less a homestay that includes breakfast.
By bus
From the ADO "centro histórico" bus station in Mérida, buses leave almost every 30 minutes for the two and a half-hour drive to Campeche, which costs between M$190 (2nd class but comfortable) and…
By train
Tren Maya is a new intercity rail system that covers five states in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Campeche.
Because Campeche is still a small city, it can be easy to navigate on foot, although the oppressive heat and humidity that dominates most of the year may make this impossible.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Campeche · Regional · CPE
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Campeche 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.
7 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.