A Wonderful Weekend in Campeche: Exploring Mexico’s Most Underrated City

From where to eat, where to stay, and why to go, consider this your ultimate guide to a perfect weekend in Campeche city.

Campeche city is the incredible capital of its namesake state, Campeche, in Mexico. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s surprising that the city still lives in relative international anonymity. Campeche is right on the gulf of Mexico and only two hours from Merida. A weekend in Campeche provides the perfect setting to relax and soak up some culture, if you’re in the area.

I had absolutely no idea Campeche existed until I was looking at Airbnb options for a few months in Merida. Just a bit further off the map, I noticed some beautiful and affordable accommodation options in Campeche. So the research began and a few months later, I found myself experiencing a beautiful weekend in Campeche.

If you like fantastic seafood, gorgeous sunsets, walking along the ocean, colorful streets and exploring ancient ruins, then chances are, you’ll enjoy Campeche.

With it’s slower pace, I found it the ideal spot for a short trip, but Campeche boasts everything you’d need for a longer term stay if that’s what your heart desires. If you have more time, it’s worth checking out the surrounding beaches, nature and archeological sites, like the amazing Edzna ruins.

For the purpose of this article however, I’ll be covering everything you need to know to have the perfect weekend in Campeche.

How to Get to Campeche

Your best bet is to drive if you’re coming from Merida, or Quintana Roo. Plus you can make a road trip out of it. You can also take the ADO bus directly there for around $20-$40 USD one way.

Alternatively, Campeche does have an airport, albeit quite small so the flight prices will be up there.

Where to Stay in Campeche

The centro is the best location hands down to stay for a weekend in Campeche. If you stay within the walled city itself, you’ll pay a little bit more. However, the options just outside, and on the gorgeous malecon, are typically more spacious, affordable and nicer. I recommend staying in an Airbnb, but there are many hotel options as well.

If you choose anything in or around the center, you’ll be walking distance from most activities. We stayed in a cute craftsman right on the malecon and behind Iglesia San Roman, which was perfect.

What to Do During a Weekend in Campeche:

Walk Along the Malecon

The malecon is absolutely perfect. Sleek, always freshly painted, and expansive. It’s the perfect place for sunrise or sunset walks, biking, running, rollerblading. Heck, even fishing, as we saw many locals doing. It’s the only place in town to enjoy the ocean.

Explore the Walled City at Dawn and at Dusk

The walled city, which is the entire historic center of Campeche, is one of the biggest attractions here. I recommend getting lost throughout the colorful streets at all different times of day. This way, you can experience different lighting, restaurants, and a whole different vibe.

At dawn you’ll have the streets to yourself and it’s so peaceful. At dusk, you’ll have the vibrant energy of the people, music from various restaurants and bars and shops to explore. Don’t forget to walk along the wall itself, which only opens after 9 am.

Check out the famous Beaches in Campeche

While there is no beach to access within the city center, it’s worth a quick drive to Playa Bonita to enjoy an afternoon on the beach. You can also check out the Casa Club de Playa below for a day pass to their man made beach.

The other beaches in Campeche are absolutely worth visiting, but quite a bit further. If you have more time or want to explore more of Campeche, check out Ciudad Del Carmen or Sabancuy.

Enjoy a Sunset at the Casa Club de Playa

This place is absolutely stunning. A quick 10 minute drive from the city center is the luxurious Casa Club, a beach club by Campeche country club. With a man made beach, ocean front pool and most importantly, a very secluded environment, it’s the perfect place for a stunning sunset.

The restaurant, Ronsel, has incredible seafood and various balconies where you can sip a cocktail while watching the sun fade into the ocean.

If you want to come for the day, the pool and beach are available to use for a day pass of $590 mxn. Another recommendation for the day, if you’re a golf lover, is to check out the Delfin, their incredible golf course just down the road.

Drink and Eat Your Way Down Calle 59

This is the main walking street in the centro. You’ll find restaurant after restaurant filling the street with tables for fantastic al fresco dining and drinking. Some of the best eats can be found here and it’s the liveliest place in the city.

Best Photo Spots and Notable Sites in Campeche:

I mean, these are the same thing right?! While the whole city center is incredibly photogenic, there are certain places that stand out to get that awesome instagram shot:

• Calle 59
• Malecon de Campeche
• Parque de Moch Couoh
• Ex-Templo de San Jose
• Puerta de Mar
• Independence Square
• Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral
• Baluarte de San Francisco
• Iglesia San Roman
• Fort San Miguel

---