Things to do in Campeche

Activities, attractions and tours

Ciudad del Carmen which includes tropical scenes, a sunset and signage
Campeche
Campeche
Hopelchen showing heritage elements, a church or cathedral and road cycling
Ciudad del Carmen

Top places to visit

1. Bonita Beach

Its name means “Pretty Beach,” and Bonita Beach certainly lives up to its title. Warm, gentle waters lap against the sand and a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere prevails. Don’t expect to have the beach completely to yourself, however, as its proximity to the downtown area means it is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Come on a weekday afternoon for a relatively peaceful experience, or enjoy the upbeat vibe at the weekend, when the beach comes alive with a jovial summer buzz.
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Bonita Beach featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

2. Campeche Cathedral

Campeche Cathedral is one of the most important and historic buildings in Campeche’s old town. Its two towers rise high above the cobbled colonial streets. It has been the center of religious and cultural life in the city since its founding over 300 years ago. Make the cathedral your starting point for exploring Campeche’s historic district and marvel at its beautiful architecture.
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Campeche Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

3. Bastion of San Francisco

The Baluarte de San Francisco is the largest bastion in Campeche’s once-formidable defensive wall. Visit it to enjoy the phenomenal Puerta de Tierra sound and light show and to imagine the thousands who have walked through the main Puerta de Tierra city gate before you.
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Baluarte de San Francisco showing heritage elements and a sunset

4. Our Lady of Carmen Church

Our Lady of Carmen Church is a charming religious building with a bright yellow colonial façade. The 18th-century structure is known for the ornate works of religious art that decorate its interior. Chat with the local worshippers and clergy for a glimpse into the religious traditions of Ciudad del Carmen.
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Our Lady of Carmen Church which includes a sunset, a church or cathedral and a garden

5. Edzná Ruins

The Edzná Ruins are a remarkable collection of archaeological sites on the Yucatán Peninsula. Translating to “House of the Itzás,” the complex was formerly an ancient Mayan city that housed as many as 25,000 people. Walk amid the ruins of the temple complex and imagine the ancient civilization that once thrived here. Stroll around the grounds and find towering platforms that radiate out from a spacious plaza, as well as a ball court, temples and spiritual sites. You might see the resemblance to the layout of Teotihuacán near Mexico City.
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Edzna Ruins showing heritage architecture

6. Puerta de Tierra

Puerta de Tierra is one of the four gateways to Campeche’s old city. Translating to “the Land Gate,” Puerta de Tierra was built in 1732 as an entry into the 16th-century walled city. In the 17th century, the Old City Wall protected Campeche’s townspeople from marauding pirates. Today they provide a great vantage point for views across the city. Come to the Puerta de Tierra part of the wall in the evening to discover the vivid history of the old city through a multimedia show.
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Puerta de Tierra which includes a park and heritage elements

7. El Zacatal Bridge

El Zacatal Bridge is a vast structure linking the Isla del Carmen to the Atasta peninsula, on the Mexican mainland. This concrete beam bridge is an impressive architectural feat and was the longest of its kind in the country at the time of its construction in the 1990s. Stand at the beginning of the bridge and snap photos of its long and winding trajectory.
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El Zacatal Bridge showing a bridge, general coastal views and a sunset

8. Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda

The Sculpture of Pedro Sáinz de Baranda is dedicated to the local hero who helped liberate Mexico from Spanish colonialists. Representing a key figure in the country’s independence battle, the bronze figure stands on a white pedestal and appears to face the sea. Read the Spanish poem on the plaque adorning the front of the statue.
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Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda featuring a sunset and a statue or sculpture

What to do in Campeche

Popular places to visit

Bonita Beach featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Bonita Beach

Take a break from sightseeing and while away the afternoon on the closest beach to Campeche, where gentle surf and plenty of facilities make for a great experience.

Bonita Beach
Campeche Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

Campeche Cathedral

Join Campeche’s devout residents as they attend Mass at this grand place of worship, which takes pride of place in the heart of the old town.

Campeche Cathedral
Baluarte de San Francisco showing heritage elements and a sunset

Bastion of San Francisco

Learn the history of Campeche as you explore one of its last remaining bastions and be wowed by the vast sound and light show which plays out on its walls.

Bastion of San Francisco
Our Lady of Carmen Church which includes a sunset, a church or cathedral and a garden

Our Lady of Carmen Church

Attend Mass beneath the impressive mahogany wood ceiling of this colonial church and check out the intriguing works of art that adorn its walls.

Our Lady of Carmen Church
Edzna Ruins showing heritage architecture

Edzná Ruins

Take a trip to the ruins of an ancient Mayan temple complex and walk around palace grounds and structures designed to greet the morning sun.

Edzná Ruins
Puerta de Tierra which includes a park and heritage elements

Puerta de Tierra

Get a glimpse of what Campeche was like in centuries gone by when you visit this 18th-century city gate, now the site of a dramatic light-and-sound show.

Puerta de Tierra
El Zacatal Bridge showing a bridge, general coastal views and a sunset

El Zacatal Bridge

Enjoy the scenery as you look out from the longest bridge in the state of Campeche. It’s particularly pretty at dawn and dusk.

El Zacatal Bridge
Puerta de Tierra featuring heritage elements as well as an individual male

Calle 59

You can learn about the history of Campeche when you stop by Calle 59. Stroll along this culturally rich area's seaside or simply enjoy its cafes.

Calle 59
Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda featuring a sunset and a statue or sculpture

Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda

4/5(1 review)

Sword at the ready and face turned seaward, this statue depicts the heroic figure at the center of the Mexican fight for independence.

Sculpture of Pedro Sainz de Baranda

Areas of Campeche

Campeche featuring heritage elements and night scenes

Zona Centro

5/5(2 area reviews)

Historical sites, seaside views and coffee shops are just a few things travellers enjoy about Zona Centro. Check out Calle 59 or Puerta de Tierra while you're exploring the area.

Zona Centro
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Playa Norte

Travellers enjoy Playa Norte for its beaches and zoo. Consider checking out Norte Beach while you're in the area.

Playa Norte
Our Lady of Carmen Church which includes a sunset, a church or cathedral and a garden

Ciudad del Carmen City-Centre

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Ciudad del Carmen City-Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Our Lady of Carmen Church or Zaragoza Park.

Ciudad del Carmen City-Centre
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Las Palomas

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Las Palomas and surrounding area, you can visit Champoton Theater and Parque de Las Americas.

Las Palomas
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Area Ah

If you're spending some time in Area Ah, Novia del Mar Monument and Galerías Campeche are top sights worth seeing.

Area Ah
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Santa Margarita

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Santa Margarita and surrounding area, you can visit Our Lady of Carmen Church and Church of Our Lady of Fatima.

Santa Margarita
Paseo de Montejo which includes night scenes and a monument

Mérida

Isla de Aguada showing a bay or harbour and general coastal views

Isla Aguada

Calkini

Calkini