Login

Campeche

Today
22°C

Photo of Campeche

About 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?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Campeche

Best Hotels in Campeche

  • Casa Don Gustavo Campeche 10 rooms from £96

    Local exploring  -  Set in the historical heart of the city and within walking distance of many of its main attraction and cultural landmarks
    Sights nearby  -  Admire the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site bastions and ramparts
    Kayaking  -  Spend an afternoon kayaking in the nearby mangrove forest
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool in the courtyard open year round
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    An 18th-century colonial mansion set on a pretty cobbled street in the heart of historic Campeche. The ten suites have been lovingly restored yet still keep their original charm; filled with antiques and decorated in warm hues. Meals take place in the elegant courtyard and the garden houses a pool. See More

    Check Availability
  • Hacienda Uayamon Campeche 12 rooms from £273

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Full of character
    Spa
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A glorious combination of mustard yellow ruins and chic contemporary design all set in utterly tranquil surrounds. Traditional rooms are colonial in style with high beamed ceilings, black and white tiled floors, four-posters and whirring fans. A superb spa and atmospheric restaurant. Bliss. See More

    Check Availability
  • Hacienda Puerta Campeche Campeche 15 rooms from £300

    Hideaway  -  This hotel feels like a secret oasis; hidden inside the walls of historic haciendas, escape here on your next trip to Mexico
    Total relaxation  -  With beautifully appointed rooms, quiet terraces and a stand-out restaurant, this hotel promises guests total relaxation
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic feel of this hotel; book a couples' massage at the hotel's laberinthine spa
    Great walks  -  Walk along the popular Malecón de Campeche, a 7km-long waterfront promenade which is popular with locals
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    This luxury hotel consists of a series of restored 17th-century haciendas in downtown Campeche, Mexico. Entering through heavy wooden double doors, discover original chequered tiles on the tropical terrace. High ceilings and exposed beams make for elegant guestrooms, completing the Old World charm. See More

    Check Availability