Campeche

The state of Campeche is the part of the Yucatán Peninsula bordering on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also the name of one of the municipalities in the region and the capital city of the same region, which does make it a bit confusing.

Campeche is less well-known than the part of the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, but it does have some spectacular Mayan ruins, a beautiful colonial capital city, and pretty landscape of relatively flat woods and cenote-dotted tropical rainforest. It also has some rather lovely beaches and the huge draw of being less-visited, yet extremely welcoming.

Campeche city is where you’ll find most of the best places to stay in Campeche. A beautifully preserved pastel fairyland of a colonial old town, this state capital is so well restored that it feels almost like a living museum. Even the traditional market and fishing docks remain. Alongside the graceful mansions built by Spanish inhabitants in the 18th and 19th centuries there are two forts and a very impressive architectural museum.

Campeche’s ruins include the collection of Ruta Río Bec, which are several Maya towns and cities all laid out around each other. This is a really interesting site as it shows how closely some of these centres were located - even in a remote region of the jungle. While the group at Ruta Río Bec are not well restored at the moment, the Edzná ruins, which are about an hour out of Campeche city, have been beautifully restored. Calakmul has impressively tall structures, and you’re just across the state border from Uxmal in Yucatán.

With less hotel options than its more touristy neighbours the best places to stay in Campeche can often get booked up in advance so we advise you plan well ahead.

What Not To Miss

• If you're interested in the area's history then wander around the Edzna or Calakmul Archeological Zones.
• Alternatively, you can also visit the Becan Ruins.
• Head off on long hikes around the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.
• Culture-vultures should visit El Palacio Centro Cultural.
• The Old City Wall and Campeche Cathedral are also noteworthy spots.

The Best Places to Stay in Campeche

• A glorious combination of mustard ruins and chic contemporary design, the Hacienda Uayamon is a tranquil, 12 room colonial escape. Rooms have high ceilings, black and white tiled floors, four-poster beds and wonderful old ceiling fans. There’s also a superb spa and an atmospheric restaurant.

For an apartment

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• You can’t fly direct to Campeche from the UK - you have to go via Mexico City. From there you can keep flying or take a charter service to Cancun and then catch the coach across the Yucatán - it takes six hours but you’ll see a lot.
• Campeche’s weather doesn’t change too much throughout the year. It’s always pretty hot, with the temperature ranging from 24-30ºC.
• May, June, and July are the hottest months, whilst October to January and April to July are the rainy months.
• If you want to visit the surrounding area then consider hiring a car with Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Yucatán Peninsula.
• Consider the best places to stay in Yucatán.
• Or the best places to stay in Quintana Roo.
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Campeche