Campeche, Mexico - Travel Guide

Campeche offers a vibrant blend of colonial charm and coastal beauty. Its walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts colorful architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and those seeking authentic Mexican culture.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$70/day

Luxury$350/day

Known For

Campeche CitySan Francisco de CampecheGulf of MexicoYucatán Peninsula

🇲🇽 Country Information: Mexico

CapitalCiudad de México

CurrencyMexican peso ($)

LanguageSpanish, English (in tourist areas), Indigenous languages

Phone Code+52

Electricity127V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Restaurants: 10
15% of the bill, especially if service charge is not included
Taxis: Tipping is not customary for short rides, but you can round up the fare or tip a small amount for longer rides or good service
Bellhops/Porters: 10
20 pesos per bag
Tour guides: 10
20% of the tour cost
Housekeeping: 20
50 pesos per night

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities and tourist areas, but fees may apply
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments, but cash is preferred in smaller towns and markets
It's advisable to carry a mix of cash for smaller purchases and credit cards
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or small towns
Politeness and greetings are highly valued; always say "Hola" and "Gracias"
Punctuality is more relaxed than in some Western cultures, especially for social gatherings
It's customary to shake hands or give a light kiss on the cheek (between women, or a woman and a man) as a greeting
Avoid public displays of affection that are overly passionate
When eating, keep hands visible on the table, but don't rest elbows on the table

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights have advanced significantly in Mexico, with same-sex marriage legal nationwide and broad anti-discrimination laws. However, attitudes may vary by region, and discrimination can still occur.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, even for small amounts of marijuana; possession can lead to severe penalties and imprisonment

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
Carrying a valid ID (passport or driver's license) is recommended
Be aware of potential scams and pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Good morningBuenos días (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs)

Good afternoonBuenas tardes (BWEH-nahs TAR-dehs)

Good evening/nightBuenas noches (BWEH-nahs NOH-chehs)

Climate

Campeche's climate is largely uniform, characterized by a tropical savanna climate.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov
Hot season: Apr
Oct

Getting There

Fly into Campeche International Airport (CPE) with connections from Mexico City (MEX)
ADO buses offer connections from major Mexican cities like Cancun, Merida, and Mexico City
Driving is also an option via well
maintained highways

Getting Around

Taxis are readily available and affordable
Local buses (combis) cover routes within the city
Ride
sharing apps like Uber or Didi are available in major cities but might be less prevalent or reliable in Campeche itself
Walking is a good option for exploring the historic center

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio) should be up to date
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are often recommended
Rabies vaccine may be considered for high
risk travelers
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be helpful for digestive health
Malaria risk is generally low in urban areas of Campeche but consult a travel doctor for specific recommendations

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available in Mexico
Major providers like Telcel, AT\&T Mexico, and Movistar support eSIMs
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers often work well in Mexico

Local Cuisine

Pan de Cazón must_try

This signature Campeche dish, translating to 'dogfish bread', is a layered casserole of soft tortillas filled with dogfish shark meat, smothered in a

Coconut Shrimps (Camarones al Coco) regional_speciality

Jumbo shrimp are coated in a sweet coconut batter and deep-fried, offering a unique twist on breaded shrimp that is specific to Campeche's coastal cui

Panuchos street_food

These are small, thick corn tortillas stuffed with black beans and then deep-fried, often split open and filled with various stews. In Campeche, the f

Brazo de la Reina regional_speciality

Known as 'the arm of the queen', this is a large, savory tamal made with chaya leaves and stuffed with a mixture of chopped hard-cooked eggs and groun

Sopa de Lima regional_speciality

A flavorful and aromatic lime soup, popular throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, that features a clear chicken broth base. The soup is filled with shredd

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation in the Historic Center (Walled City) Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

The walled city has limited accommodation options, and booking early, especially for weekends or peak season, secures the best locations and prices.

Day Trip Tour to Calakmul Ancient Ruins tour_or_activity

Book 2–8 weeks in advance

Calakmul is a major highlight, and tours, especially those including transport from Campeche, can have limited capacity, particularly during high season.

Fun Facts

1. Campeche is the only walled city in Mexico, surrounded by massive fortifications built between 1686 and 1704 to defend against frequent pirate attacks, which totaled over 21 major raids during the colonial era.
2. The city's street numbering is unique for Mexico, with north-south streets having odd numbers and east-west streets having even numbers.
3. Campeche is home to Mexico's oldest carnival, a two-week-long festivity that includes music, dancing, and the election of an honorary king and queen.
4. The city's original Maya name, "Can Pech," which existed when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, translates to "Place of Serpents with Ticks."

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