The Best Campeche Travel Guide – Campeche, in the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful capitals in the country. It has 17 archaeological sites including Calakmul, the largest Mayan city that has ever been discovered. If you’re looking to escape from the tourist crowd, its Pacific beaches are for you. Campeche has charming corners that you’ll love including the beautiful colonial port, various Mayan ceremonial centers and majestic nature reserves.
When you visit Campeche you have to take a stroll along the Fort of San Miguel, San José el Alto, and the Door of the Earth; their buildings will carry you and will tell the story of this beautiful city. Our Campeche Vacations guide will give you everything you need to plan your beach vacation now. For more information on the wonderful beaches of Campeche and the Yucatan Peninsula, visit here. Also learn more about the Yucatan Peninsula here.
Campeche Weather – When to Visit
In Campeche, the wet season is oppressive and mostly cloudy, the dry season is muggy and mostly clear, and it is hot year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 65°F to 93°F and is rarely below 57°F or above 100°F. The best time of year to visit Campeche for warm-weather activities is from late November to mid March. The hot season lasts for 4.3 months, from April 10 to August 20, with an average daily high temperature above 91°F. The hottest day of the year is May 10, with an average high of 93°F and low of 75°F. The cool season lasts for 2.6 months, from November 23 to February 11, with an average daily high temperature below 84°F. The coldest day of the year is January 15, with an average low of 65°F and high of 82°F.
Best Campeche Area Beaches
Playa Punta San Julian
Playa Punta San JulianThere is lots of room on the beach, some large groups of coworkers or family go for get-togethers and in places you will see people drive cars and motorcycles right to the water’s edge! However the road in from the highway is pretty rough and gets worse after a rainfall.
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Bahamitas Beach
Bahamitas BeachFishermen, water-skiers, swimmers and windsurfers will love this beach. The sea is clear and you can hide from the sun under the palms.
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Isla Arena (Isla del Sabalo)
Isla Arena (Isla del Sabalo)This picturesque fishing village is clean, and offers good birding, with many flamingos, gulls, terns, pelicans, and the like. It is tranquil and quiet.
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Playa Bonita
Playa BonitaPlaya Bonita is the closest real beach to Campeche. Don’t expect an isolated paradise though – this is a gated, developed resort with gritty sand and sandbagged swimming areas (to keep sand from washing away). Still, it’s not unpleasant – plenty of palapas provide shade (M$50 to M$100) and there’s a restaurant and fútbol pitch. Come on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
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Seybaplaya
SeybaplayaStroll leisurely along the beach that flanks the port town. Paddle along the placid water in a kayak that you can rent from operators on the beach. Other watersports equipment is also available. Go snorkeling in the calm sea to spot the array of colorful fish.
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Best Campeche Restaurants
La Pigua $31 – 60
Located on the Malecón, La Pigua serves a selection of seafood dishes and is a very popular spot with both locals and visitors. Along with the menu rich in fish and seafood, the restaurant is known for its signature coconut cake that is the perfect end to any meal. Telephone: 52-981-811-3365 Web: La Pigua.
Marganzo $11 – 30
A great place to try local dishes and soak up the Campeche culture, Marganzo is a popular choice. The menu is well stocked with favorites of the regional cuisine, however the restaurant is popular with big tour groups so if that is not your thing you may need to time your visit to avoid the tours. Telephone: 52-981-811-3899 Web: Marganzo
Luz de Luna $11 – 30
With tables set out on Calle 59 and a colorful and fun décor you might write Luz de Luna off as just an average tourist spot. However, the food is great quality with good portions and fresh ingredients. It is a wonderful place to enjoy local favorites, as well as a number of other dishes from across Mexico and its local is just perfect. Telephone: 52-981-811-0624 Web: Luz de Luna
Mercado 59 $11 – 30
Set in a cool, stylish courtyard, this restaurant has a youthful vibe and serves fresh, unique and creative dishes alongside tasty cocktails. Loud music pumps through the courtyard, but those who prefer a quieter ambience can enjoy their meal in the interior dining room. Telephone: 52-981-811-6990 Web: Mercado 59.
Best Campeche Nightlife
Café Peón Contreras
The café-bar at Mérida’s landmark 1908 theater is one of the most happening nightspots in town. Tables spill onto the street, where locals gather to hear balladeers singing romantic and politically-inspired songs. The drinks are expensive and the food is nothing special, so only go if you want culture, live music, and an opportunity to splurge. Telephone: 52-993-924-7003 Web: Café Peón Contreras
La Parrilla
Location, location, location is the allure of this loud and colorful drinking establishment. Right in the heart of Plaza Grande—but with branches around the city—the tourist magnet offers live music and drinks served in plastic yard glasses. It’s one of the best spots to grab a beer and watch Mérida in action. Check the website for weekly promotions. Telephone: 52-981-127-1162 Web: La Parrilla.
Mayan Pub
A pleasant atmosphere, flowing beer, and live music are what make this bar one of Mérida’s best-kept secrets (you might want to pass on the food). Grab a spot in the beer garden where you can listen to live reggae, rock, or jazz. A rather worn billiard table and occasional entertainment—such as belly dancers and fire spinners—draw in a decent crowd. Telephone: 52-999-968-7341 Web: Mayan Pub.
Best Campeche Hotels
I have never heard of Campeche but it sounds mesmerizing! I want to go, its now on my list to visit.
You did such a great job convincing me with the detail, the sites and the guide on what to do when you’re there. I am convinced!
Where is your next trip?
I am still doing digital vacations to Mexico at the moment 🙂 Not sure where I will go next. But in all of Mexico (the safe parts), I think Campeche has it all. I really believe it is the best destination spot, plus you will skip the hustle bustle and party scene (which I don’t want). I am glad you enjoyed learning about Campeche. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com.
Thanks for sharing a great article about Campeche city, I would love to visit it one day, hoping it will happen soon.
I might visit Cancun this Summer and it might be a good idea to visit this city too for a couple of days.
It’s good to know it’s a safe city to visit and I can do many things there as you share there’s a few places of interest to visit.
I guess there will no problem to find a nice place to stay and good restaurants to visit.
You will love it in Campeche. It has so much to offer with the Mayan Ruins and the beautiful beaches. Definitely worth a visit if you are heading to Cancun. Thanks for reading Campeche Vacations!
Wow, this is an amazing tour guide about Campeche city. I never knew that this city is so awesome as far as tourism is concerned and best thing is that it also has airport so its really easy for foreigners to come and enjoy at this beautiful tourist destination. I am so glad to read this review of yours about Campeche, I will consider this place for my next vacation.
You’ll love it Sarah! I am glad you enjoyed reading and learning about a great Mexican beach destination, Campeche! Thanks for reading!
I really like seeing the Mayan ruins I might just have to make this a destination I go too. Everything about Campeche looks wonderful. To have great beaches and the ruins in one visit is nice.
The Mayan Ruins are wonderful. I love beach vacations, probably the only kind of vacation I take. But, I don’t just like to lounge on the beach everyday. So having other things to do, like seeing the Mayan Ruins is a huge plus! Thanks for reading about Campeche Vacations!
Wow, thank you for sharing such an informative post about holidays on beaches. I love beaches, its s o peaceful the sound of sea waves and serenity. Thank you once again for this great read.
You are very welcome Sarah and glad you enjoyed learning about the wonderful beach destination in Mexicio, Campeche. Thank you for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
Oh my God, I was thinking about going to any vacation point and here I came across this amazing article, What a great ideas, places and information. You have shared really great place and I am thankful to you for making my job easier, Now I can go according to this amazing read.Keep up the good work.
Great Sarah, glad I could help 🙂 Please let me know if you need any help with your vacation planning. Thanks for visiting Campeche Vacations.
Campeche sounds like a place I would like to go for the archaeological sites. It looks there are many interesting places to explore. Thanks for your recommendation. I wouldn’t have known about this place if not for your site.
I am glad you have found this wonderful beach destination while visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com. Thanks for visiting Yvonne!
A beautiful place and plenty of history. Would be nice to see the Mayan sites and the wall to prevent pirates from plundering the city. Of course, the best part of Campeche must be the beaches. I’ve known people that have gone to Tulum and Cancun. Do you think Campeche is a better place to stay?
I think that Campeche is as nice as Tulum and Cancun. It will be less crowded and maybe a hair cheaper. If you don’t like the crowds, head to Campeche. All the history is a bonus with the beautiful Campeche beaches. Thanks for reading!
I have never traveled to the Pacific side of Mexico. I can only imagine that it is a relaxing destination, and yet far different from its Atlantic counterparts. How long would you say a trip here would need to last to be able to take in all that it has to offer?
Hi Aly, it really depends on what all you want to see. I would spend at least a week in Campeche. To visit other areas close to Campeche, then stay at least 2 weeks. Either way, you will see a lot, and can enjoy the beautiful beaches as well.
Thanks for the great review. I am not in particular a beach person, and am very glad you have listed alternative activities other than laying on the beach. I am very interested in visting the Mayan ruins and such. Is it relatively easy to book these tours locally, or is it poossible to arrange the visits yourself?
Hi Brad, and thank you for reading about Campeche Vacations! Yes, you can book the tours locally. Some hotels can provide this for you as well. You definitely want to see the Mayan ruins. They are definitely worth a visit.
I really like the look of your website and enjoyed reading your post about Campeche Vacations. It looks like a great place to go to, for anyone who enjoys beach holidays.
Were talking about visiting Mexico this year as we’ve always wanted to go, so your website was very helpful in giving us ideas and tips. Many Thanks
You are very welcome Steven, everyone needs to experience Mexico. It is a wonderful place. Thanks for reading about Campeche Vacations!
Beautiful post! I loved the details about the trips one can make to Campeche, makes me want to book a holiday now 🙂
Great Camille, I am glad you liked my post on Campeche Vacations. You would really love the area. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
I love going to Mexico, it’s my favorite vacation spot. I’ve been to many places down there, but not Campeche, it looks amazing! I know a lot of people are afraid to go, but I’ve never had any problems and always have a great time. Enjoy seeing the Mayan ruins. Thank you for writing about this. I need to make a trip to Campeche to check it out.
Yes, you do Tammy. I do believe that you will love the area. Campeche has so much to offer. Thanks for reading about Campeche Vacations!