Discover Campeche
Discover Campeche
The exotic woodland of Campeche is a silent protector of spectacular Mayan places like Calakmul, Chicanná, Becán, Edzná, Xpujil, Hormiguero, and Balamkú, among others, which, as the years pass, continue to leave its visitors astonished and marveled.
In this adventure, you will visit the World Heritage site of Campeche City, encounter dolphins at Isla Aguada, visit the Magic Town of Candelaria, and visit amazing secluded archaeological sites.
Campeche International Airport
Trip may include activities like walks.
Start your Discover Campeche adventure with a cultural city tour in Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Your first stop is the Museo de Estelas Mayas, where you’ll admire ancient Mayan stelae and regional art within the historic San Pedro Bulwark. Next, head to the Puerta de Tierra, welcomed by an 18th-century bronze cannon. Climb the ramparts to view the city’s churches and landmarks. Continue the tour by visiting the Bastions of San Francisco and San Juan, which house a small museum dedicated to the fascinating history of piracy.
As you walk along Calle 59, also known as Casas de Colores, the colorful houses, colonial doors, and windows will transport you back in time. You’ll explore art galleries, churches, handicraft stores, and iconic landmarks such as Parque de la Independencia and the Cathedral. Enjoy the spectacular light and sound show at La Puerta de Tierra in the evening, followed by a leisurely walk through the Historic Center’s cobblestone streets. You can also take in the beauty of the 3.5-km boardwalk that leads to parks and a tourist walkway.
On Day 3 of the Discover Campeche tour, take a morning transfer to Isla Aguada, a hidden gem with stunning beaches that stretch between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna de Terminos. Here, you’ll enjoy a boat tour through mangroves and the Island of Birds, where you can spot dolphins in their natural habitat. After the boat tour, transfer to Candelaria, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
After this tour full of nature and wildlife you will continue with the trip to Candelaria (2 hours)
2 nights of lodging at Candelaria.
Morning departure from your hotel, first you will visit El Tigre Archaeological site (1 hour)
banks of the Candelaria River was known.
Due to the imposing construction and the size of the area, El Tigre is thought to correspond to the Itzamkanac from historical sources, the capital of the Acalanes, and the place where Hernán Cortés murdered Cuauhtémoc. In the ceremonial center today, vestiges are sought that indicate the dedication of the temples, presumably consecrated to deities of chontal origin such as Ixchel and Itzamná. The latter was the god most adored by the ruling classes, who may have attempted to establish monotheism.
The site of Itzamkanac or El Tigre sits on a hill next to the Candelaria River, with a long sequence of occupation that goes from the Middle Preclassic (600-300 BC) to the Protohistoric (ca. 1557 AD). Comprised of 6 architectural groups, the central area of the site has not shown a defined style. One of the squares is surrounded by pyramidal foundations and anthropomorphic masks from the Preclassic. The settlement has several architectural styles: Petén, Río Bec, and Tardío.
On the way back to Candelaria you will stop at Pedro Baranda Springs, the place has a light rustic pier but what is worth it to see the vast expanse of the spring, you can swin in the middle of the forest.
Afternoon transfer back to Candelaria.
Transfer to Hotel Puerta Calakmul in the morning. On the way, stop at Balamku to see the famous stucco frieze depicting Mayan kings and celestial monsters. Later, visit the Bats Cave, home to over two million bats from nine species. Witness the awe-inspiring moment as these bats fill the sky at sunset before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Enjoy a full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Calakmul. As one of the most important Maya cities, Calakmul offers an extraordinary glimpse into the political and cultural history of the Classic Maya period. With its grand pyramids, ceremonial plazas, and extensive stelae, Calakmul is a highlight of the Discover Campeche tour.
Spend a full day exploring the Rio Bec architectural wonders. Start with Chicanna, known for its intricate carvings of serpent mouths on temple facades. Next, visit Becan, a significant urban center from the Late Preclassic period. Conclude with Xpujil, where you’ll explore the unique architectural designs that made this city famous.
On Day 8 of the Discover Campeche tour, embark on a 4×4 adventure to the remote Maya site of Oxpemul, strategically located between the regions of Río Bec and Calakmul. Afterward, visit Nadzca’an for a nighttime experience under the stars, immersing yourself in the mysteries of ancient Maya astronomy.
