Campeche, the colorful colonial capital on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, is a gem for travelers seeking history, sea views, and fewer crowds than Quintana Roo. Hotels here suit every style: charming boutique stays inside the walled old town for culture lovers, family-friendly resorts near the quiet beaches, or sleek design and luxury options along the waterfront for a romantic break. If you’re on a budget, head inland where affordable stays put you close to Mayan ruins and rainforest adventures.

Campeche feels like a city frozen in time, with pastel-colored facades, cobbled streets, and elegant colonial mansions that make wandering its historic center a delight. Life spills out from lively markets and fishing docks, while the old city walls, grand cathedral, and forts remind you of its storied past. Step into El Palacio Centro Cultural or the architectural museum for a dose of culture, and you’ll quickly see why the city feels like a living museum. Beyond Campeche, the jungle holds echoes of an even older world. The Maya ruins of Edzná, just an hour away, show off beautifully restored plazas and temples, while Calakmul rises dramatically from the forest deep inside the biosphere reserve—perfect for adventurous hikes. Smaller sites like Becan and the clustered ruins along the Ruta Río Bec add to the sense of discovery, and even Uxmal, just over the state line, is within reach if you’re hungry for more monumental history.