Discover Campeche
Discover Campeche Tour Package
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, an encounter with dolphins at Isla Aguada, the Magic Town of Candelaria, and unique secluded archaeological sites.
Duration:10 Days, 9 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: Minimum 2
Comfort Level: Standard to Luxury
Pick up / Drop off locations
Transportation
Campeche International Airport
Minibus
Physical demand
Trips may include activities like walks.
Destination
- Campeche
- Isla Aguada
- Candelaria
- El Tigre
- Pedro Baranda Springs
- Balamku
- Calakmul
- Chicanna
- Xpujil
- Oxpemul
- Nadzcaan
Highlights
- Culture & History
- Archaeology
- Nature
- Birdwatching
Discover Campeche Tour Plan
This itinerary idea can be customized to suit your and your family’s interests. Contact us; we are pleased to hear your comments, wishes, and expectations and are ready to design the trip to suit you.
Day 1: Arrival – Campeche International Airport
Our team will greet you at Campeche International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Campeche City Tour
Discovering the Museo de Estelas Mayas
This morning, embark on a cultural city tour of Campeche, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Begin your journey at the Museo de Estelas Mayas, where you’ll find a remarkable collection of Mayan stelae and regional art on display within the historic San Pedro Bulwark.
Stepping into History at Puerta de Tierra
Next, visit the iconic Puerta de Tierra, where an 18th-century bronze cannon adorned with royal insignia awaits. Climb to the top of the ramparts for a panoramic view of Campeche’s church domes. Within the same complex, explore the Bastions of San Francisco and San Juan, home to a small museum dedicated to the area’s fascinating pirate history.
Strolling Through Calle 59 and Casas de Colores
Afterward, take a leisurely walk down Calle 59, Casas de Colores. This vibrant street has brightly painted houses, colonial doors, and windows. Discover local art galleries, shops selling handcrafted goods, and notable landmarks such as the Campechano Institute, Parque de la Independencia, and the historic Cathedral.
Experiencing the Light and Sound Show at La Puerta de Tierra
As evening falls, don’t miss the mesmerizing light and sound show at La Puerta de Tierra, which brings Campeche’s rich history to life. After the show, stroll through the Historic Center’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll find various stores, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Relaxing Along Campeche’s Boardwalk
To end your day, walk along the stunning 3.5-km boardwalk. This picturesque path leads you to a scenic tourist walkway, parks, and a dedicated bicycle track—perfect for soaking in the coastal beauty of Campeche.
Day 3: Isla Aguada – Candelaria
Morning Transfer to Isla Aguada (2 hours)
Isla Aguada is a beach that has been kept very hidden in Campeche. Although its name says it, it is not an island but a bar that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna de Terminos. This place’s privileged location gives it all the charm since on one side you have the sandy areas of the sea and on the other the beaches of the lagoon.
Discover the Hidden Gem of Isla Aguada in Campeche
It’s a small town where fishermen set out early to work, and the sea, with its myriad shades of blue, creates a captivating visual spectacle that’s a must-see.
Boat Tour at Laguna de Terminos: Dolphin Spotting and Mangrove Exploration
Here, you will have a boat tour at Laguna de Terminos to spot dolphins in their natural sanctuary, a tour through mangroves, and a visit to the Island of Birds.
Continue Your Adventure with a Scenic Transfer to Candelaria (2 hours)
After this tour, which is full of nature and wildlife, you will continue with the trip to Candelaria.
Two Nights Stay in Candelaria: Relax and Recharge
Two nights of lodging at Candelaria.
Day 4: El Tigre archaeological Site – Pedro Baranda Springs
Morning Departure to El Tigre Archaeological Site
Explore the Historical Significance of El Tigre and Itzamkanac
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.
Uncover Ancient Temples and Deities of the Chontal Culture
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.
Stop at Pedro Baranda Springs: A Natural Oasis
On the return journey to Candelaria, a stop at the Pedro Baranda Springs is a must. The site boasts a charming rustic pier, but the real highlight is the expansive spring, set amidst a picturesque forest. Visitors can even take a refreshing dip in the spring.
Afternoon Transfer Back to Candelaria
Day 5: Balamku & Bats Cave – Hotel Puerta Calakmul
Morning Transfer to Hotel Puerta Calakmul
Discover the Unique Stucco Frieze at Balamku Archaeological Site
On route, you will stop at Balamku; here, there is a stucco frieze modeled and painted unique in the Mayan area, which was made between 550 and 600 AD. C. The frieze displays four ascension scenarios alternated with three jaguars. Each one includes an animal with its head flipped back, seated at the front slit of the Earth Monster figurehead; his mouth gives way to a king on his throne.
Explore Mayan Symbolism: The Earth Monster and the Sun’s Cycle
Along with showing complementary facets of the underworld in-depth, the set reveals that the dynastic period is compared with the solar cycle. The king represents the access throne, emerging from the jaws of a terrestrial monster when the sun rises from the mouth of the Earth.
The king’s death is seen as a sunset when it falls into the mouth of the Earth Monster.
Visit the Bats Cave: A Sunset Spectacle of Over 2 Million Bats
After sunset, you will visit the Bats Cave; this cave is inhabited by over 2 million bats divided into nine species.
Evening Return to Hotel Puerta Calakmul
Day 6: Calakmul Full Day
Full-Day Exploration of Calakmul Archaeological Site
Today, you will have a full day to enjoy Calakmul Archaeological Site, a World Heritage Site declared by Unesco in 2002.
Discover the Meaning Behind Calakmul: “Two Adjacent Mounds”
Calakmul means “Two adjacent mounds” in Mayan (Ca dos, adjacent Lak, Mul artificial mound or pyramid), a name that refers to the two magnificent structures that dominate the jungle.
Uncovering the Rich History of Calakmul
Calakmul was discovered in the early 30s of the last century. Still, it was not until the 80s that systematic research permitted the discovery of the town’s essence among the most significant in the Classic Maya. The most recent surveys have concluded that Calakmul is the most important city of the Classic Maya, and together with Tikal and Palenque, they headed the political organization of the highlands. Hieroglyphic studies have revealed a history of wars between Calakmul and Tikal for almost a century, which speaks to the political rivalry of these cities.
Unique Urban Planning and Iconographic Discoveries
Unique urban planning is observed, with large ceremonial squares and residential complexes. It is also the site where the most considerable quantity of stelae has been discovered within the Mayan region, most of them from the Late Preclassic period (400 BC).
Reconstructing the Political and Dynastic History of Calakmul
These constitute the main object of epigraphic and iconographic study, which has made possible the reconstruction of this city’s political and dynastic history. Calakmul presents a settlement pattern that was adapted to the geography of its surroundings, and its nuclear area is represented by five architectural groups connected by squares.
Day 7: Chicanna, Becan & Xpujil
Full-Day Archaeological Adventure: Explore the Rio Bec Style Cities
First Stop: Chicanna – The “House of the Serpent’s Mouth”
Today, we have a full-day archaeological adventure, visiting three cities of the Rio Bec architectural style. The first stop is Chicanna, located just 35 minutes from the hotel. Chicanna is known as the “House of the serpents’ mouth,” which refers to the huge head figure at the central façade of Structure II. According to archeologists, the head figure represents the “Itzamna” reptile personification of their divinity.
Discover the Elegance and Rich History of Chicanna
Due to its elegance and decorative richness, it is thought that Chicanná was a place for the “privileged.” Due to its location during the late Classic and classic terminal periods (300-800 AC), it must have been part of the commercial route that crossed the Mexican Gulf until reaching the southern coast.
The earliest sign of occupation of the site dates back to the pre-classical period (300 BC—250 AC), and it was inhabited until the end of the Classical and Post-classical periods (800-1100).
Next Stop: Becan – A Journey Through Time
Then, we move to Becan, an urban settlement whose development encompassed from the Late Pre-classic (100-250 BC), the period in which it was built, until its peak, which took place during the Late Classic period between 550 and 830 of our era.
Final Stop: Xpujil – An Expansive Ancient Settlement
The last site to visit is Xpujil, which was occupied from 300 B.C. until 1200 of our era. It is a grouping of approximately 17 architectonic groups and numerous platforms of a housing type dispersed on a surface of about 5 square kms, but only four buildings can be visited.
Day 8: Oxpemul – Nadzcaan
Embark on a 4×4 Adventure to the Oxpemul Archaeological Site.
Today, you will have a 4X4 adventure and visit the archaeological site of Oxpemul.
Discover Oxpemul: A Strategic Mayan Site Near Calakmul
Oxpemul is located approximately 30 km northeast of Calakmul. Its geographical location makes it a strategic site, as it is close to the limits of two regional states from the Classic period: Río Bec to the north and Calakmul to the south. However, according to the model of territorial organization of the southern Maya Lowlands, established by Flannery, Marcus, and Adams, Oxpemul is listed as a tributary city of Calakmul during the Late Classic.
Experience Nadzca’an at Night: A Mayan Site Under the Stars
You will conclude your day visiting Nadzca’an to have a nighttime experience inside the Mayan site, including a star’s garden.
Day 9: Campeche
Morning transfer back to Campeche (3.5 hours) or beach extension, recommended Mahahual in Quintana Roo area (6 hours’ drive from Hotel Puerta Calakmul).
Day 10: Back home
Transfer to Campeche International Airport on time to catch your international flight back home.
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