Things To Do
in Campeche
Campeche is the charming, walled colonial capital on Mexico's Gulf coast known for its colorful facades, restored fortifications and relaxed pace. The UNESCO-listed Centro Histórico features tree‑lined plazas, baroque churches and coastal views along a scenic malecón. Seafood and Yucatecan flavors dominate the local cuisine, while easy access to nearby Mayan ruins and biosphere reserves adds adventure.
Campeche is quieter than other tourist hubs, making it ideal for slow cultural exploration and photography of historic streets at golden hour.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional dishes like huevos a la mexicana. Afterward, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the historic center, admiring the colorful colonial architecture. Make sure to visit the iconic San Francisco de Campeche Church, soaking in its rich history and breathtaking façade.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at a seafood restaurant where you can savor the day's catch, perhaps trying the local ceviche. Post-lunch, visit the Campeche Museum to learn about the region's fascinating history and heritage, including its days of pirate attacks. Take a leisurely walk along the malecón, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Gulf of Mexico.
As the sun sets, dine at a rooftop restaurant, indulging in authentic Campechano tacos while enjoying panoramic views of the historic center. After dinner, consider taking a guided night tour of the city’s historic walls, illuminated beautifully at night. Conclude your day with a stroll through the vibrant Plaza de la Independencia, where you can enjoy live music and local performances.
Begin your day with breakfast at a quaint café, fueling up for a day of exploration. Head to the Fort of San Miguel, where you can delve into the history of Campeche's defenses against pirates while enjoying stunning views of the sea. Spend time wandering through the fort's museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that narrate the city’s storied past.
For lunch, try a traditional dish at a nearby restaurant, such as pan de cazón, a local layered fish casserole. Afterward, visit the Fort of San José, another well-preserved fortification, where you can appreciate its architecture and the beautiful landscape surrounding it. Spend some time relaxing in the nearby park, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
As night falls, enjoy dinner at a local bistro, sampling regional specialties paired with a refreshing drink. Following your meal, take a leisurely walk back to the historic center, where street vendors and musicians create a lively ambiance. End your evening with a visit to a local bar, enjoying a cocktail or craft beer while mingling with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $1.50-3 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, well-preserved colonial center and fortifications (UNESCO site)
- Excellent fresh seafood and distinctive regional dishes
- Laid-back, less touristy than nearby Riviera Maya or Mérida
- Easy access to Mayan ruins and important natural reserves like Laguna de Términos
- Hot and humid weather in summer with hurricane risk during the rainy season
- Limited international flight options and fewer tourist services than larger hubs
- Nightlife and late-night dining options are modest compared to bigger cities
- Some remote natural sites require long drives and guide arrangements
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Campeche
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant, well-preserved colonial streets with colorful houses, carved doors, wrought-iron balconies and shady plazas perfect for morning and golden-hour shots.
Historic fortifications and watchtowers offer dramatic perspectives of the city, the Gulf, and great sunrise/sunset compositions.
A long promenade with sea vistas, fishing boats, and lively vendors — excellent for candid street scenes and sunset photography.
Mayan ruins with expansive pyramid platforms and jungle backdrops; best photographed in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.
Wetlands, mangroves and wildlife (including birds and dolphins) provide nature and wildlife photography opportunities by boat.
Food in Campeche
Campeche Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Campeche specialty made with layers of tortilla, shredded shark (or fish) and black beans in a tomato-based sauce; you'll find it in family restaurants and seafood eateries in town.
Must-Try!
A tangy mixture of shrimp, fish and shellfish with tomato, onion and lime — widely available at malecón stalls and cevicherías.
Grilled, citrus-marinated pork of Yucatecan origin served with pickled onions — common at local fondas and mid-range restaurants.
Traditional Yucatecan dishes found across Campeche's menus; rellen o negro uses blackened chilies and spices, cochinita is slow-roasted pork in achiote.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample fresh juices, tacos, local seafood, and buy spices and sweets; try small stalls for authentic street flavors.
Outdoor vendors and small seafood stands along the waterfront serving ceviche, campechanas and grilled fish — great for sunset views with your meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings like 'Buenos días' and a handshake for first meetings; address older people as 'señor/señora' unless invited to use first names.
Be respectful at churches, plazas and archaeological sites — dress modestly for church visits and follow signage at ruins (no climbing where prohibited).
Ask permission before photographing people, especially older residents and market vendors; a smile and a brief '¿Puedo tomar su foto?' goes a long way.
Campechenos appreciate a relaxed, friendly approach — avoid rushing people, and be patient in shops and restaurants.
Safety
Tipping in Campeche
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: around 10–15% in restaurants if service charge isn't included, small tips for hotel staff and porters, and a few pesos for restroom attendants. Taxi drivers are not always tipped, but rounding up is appreciated.
Mexican pesos are preferred; credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants in the Centro Histórico, but smaller vendors and markets are cash-only. ATMs are available in town — notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant, relatively dry and cooler nights make this the most comfortable season for exploring; ideal for walking and outdoor activities.
Temperatures rise and humidity increases; expect hot afternoons especially in April–May — good time for early starts and coastal breezes.
Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon showers and occasional tropical storms; hurricane season runs June–November, with highest risk Aug–Oct.
Late October and early November can offer a balance of fewer crowds and improved weather after the peak rainy months — still check forecasts during hurricane season.
Campeche at Night
Hiking in Campeche
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Jungle hikes around the Calakmul ruins offer wildlife spotting (monkeys, birds), canopy views and exploration of a vast, remote archaeological site; guided trips are recommended.
Short walks around the Edzná archaeological zone provide a mix of lowland forest and ancient structures with easier access from Campeche city.
Boardwalks and guided nature trails around the lagoon and mangrove edges for birdwatching and short hikes — bring insect repellent.
Gentle coastal walks and lookout points for spotting waders, shorebirds and scenic views over the Gulf.
Airports
How to reach Campeche by plane.
The city’s airport with domestic flights to Mexico City, and connections via regional carriers; short taxi or shuttle ride to the Centro Histórico.
About 2.5–3 hours by road — larger airport with more national and some international connections; good option if flying in from abroad or renting a car for regional travel.
Located further southeast (around 4–5 hours drive), useful if combining Campeche with journeys in Tabasco and the Gulf coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents identify as mestizo (mixed indigenous and European ancestry), reflecting Mexico's broader demographic makeup.
The state has significant Maya-speaking communities, particularly outside the city — their language, traditions and crafts influence local culture.
Small coastal towns and fishing villages around Campeche preserve maritime livelihoods and culinary traditions centered on seafood.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is very popular in Campeche and the wider Gulf region, with local teams and lively community support for games.
As across Mexico, soccer is widely played and followed at amateur and professional levels.
Recreational and sport fishing along the coast and in Laguna de Términos is a common pastime and tourist activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Campeche.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common — ask for dishes based on beans, queso fresco, nopales, yuca and vegetable preparations. Many restaurants will adapt dishes if you explain your needs; carry a Spanish phrase (e.g., "Soy vegetariano/a") to clarify.
Vegan and gluten-free options are limited outside higher-end places. Fresh fruit, salads and some corn‑based dishes can work; confirm ingredients for sauces (many contain lard or wheat thickeners).
Seafood is central to local cuisine—always inform restaurants of shellfish or fish allergies and consider choosing poultry or pork dishes as safer alternatives.