|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
   |
 |
|
The city of CAMPECHE
The city of Campeche takes its name from the original Mayan Canpech, which means 'tick serpent'.
The wall that 'snakes' around it is a reminder of the movement of its first inhabitants; its is
harmonized by the cadence of the sea and the epic narration between joy and surprise remains as a
contrast with its bellicose past.
Due to the cultural wealth of the place, the city offers us a tour between the sea and the jungle,
and the edifications representing the different moments in its history.
The visitor approaches Campeche by its walls; an irregular polygon of which six sides, seven bastions
and two accesses remain as echoes of the pirate attacks of the 16th. Century.
We enter through the Gate of the Sea and Campeche meets us with its colorful houses.
The bastions currently function as public buildings and museums that tell the historical content and
the complexity of the area: Nuestra señora de la Soledad is now the Museum of Mayan Steles, and it
exhibits antiquities and objects of daily use during the colonial period.
|
|
|
|
|
Further on, in the Baluarte Santiago we find the Botanical
Garden Xmuch Haltún, displaying a beautiful patio with fountains amongst 250 tropical species. San
Carlos is the museum of Graphics of the city; San Pedro is an arts and crafts shop which display,
in micro-cosmos, the production, handling of materials, the ingenuity, the inspiration and the
coloring characteristic of the artisans of the region. Santa Rosa is an information center for
tourists.
In Canpech not only the military architecture is important; the Mansion Carbajal was the city residence
of Fernando Carvajal (one of the most important businessman and former owner of the Hacienda Uayamón)
and it currently allows us to know the style and décor of 'Porfirian era' in Campeche, in combination
with the arches and the design of Mozarabic influence.
The Plaza de la Independencia is the heart of the city; from here we can appreciate the edifices that
were the home of wealthy residents in former centuries, and currently serve as businesses and government
buildings. On one side is the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción, showing the
religious architecture that is also an important trademark in the development of the Serpent city.
12th. Street takes us by beautiful buildings now converted into art schools, and it is not unlikely to
run into musicians and dancers offering their work, providing an interesting festive touch to the place.
Through the same route we find other religious edifices: the Instituto Campechano, an old monastery and
characteristic religious space showing the sobriety of its patios and arches; The Church of San
Francisquito or Convent of San Juan Roque, a true gem of the colonial baroque.
The Museo de San Miguel is located towards The Gate of Land, and contains important pieces of
Pre-Hispanic art, from the different archeological sites in the area, among these is the Mask of Jade of
Calakmul, one of the most beautiful pieces of the Mayan tradition.
Following in the same direction is the Fort of San José el Alto, currently the Museum of Arms and
Mining, surrounded by an impressive natural vista, from where you can enjoy the sunset in the
'campechano' sea.
The daily life goes on in the 'barrios' bearing the names of their holy patrons, where you enjoy
the traditional kindness of the people, the food, and the quotidianity of a city that sings and dances
its culture.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Becal
Buy the well known Panama hats made from the jipi japa palm, as well as
other palm woven articles characteristic of the local arts and crafts.
Calakmul
This enigmatic urban center immersed in the jungle, in the Campechan Peten, is an impressive
Pre-Hispanic city that during its times of splendor rivaled the grandeur of Tikal. Due to its extension,
this is the fourth protected area in Mexico. This is an important visit for those interested in
archeology and nature. Balamkú is another site of archeological interest.
Calkiní
Devoted to arts and crafts production. The famous Jipi-japa hats are manufactured here. Its natural
attractions include: El Remate and Isla Arena; as well as the characteristic colonial architecture
of the area, and Tankuche.
Candelaria
Some experts claim that this is the place where Hernán Cortés sacrificed Cuahutemoc, the last
Mexica (Aztec) emperor. It is
|
|
 |
|
|
|
located in the southern part of the state, near the archeological
sites of El Tigre, Cerro de los muertos and Salto Grande. An area of abundant and beautiful natural resources,
ideal to practice Eco-tourism.
Champotón
We find this city 65 km. away from Campeche; it was founded by the Itzaés, one of the Mayan groups of
warrior lineage. It was fiercely defended from the Spaniards in 1517, by its leader Moch Couoh during a
long battle that gave it the name of 'Bay of the bad battle'. In it we find impressive edifices both of
indigenous and colonial origin, such as the beautiful Church of the Candelaria, built during the 19th.
Century. In addition to its important natural attractions, the Champotón River is sailed by small
tourist boats. The community celebrates important religious festivities such as Our Lady of la
Candelaria , and the Dolorosa, San Isidro Labrador, and the Immaculate Conception. The traditional dance
is called Cabeza de Cochino (Pig's Head) and the characteristic accompaniment is 'la jarana'.
The Chenes cities
Characterized by the great masks and bass relieves covering the walls of its palaces and temples are
true works of art and, through their iconography, rich testimonies of the Mayan beliefs. Also, visit
the Caves of X'tamcumbilxunaam, housing interesting lighted formations and the water deposits that
John L. Stephens made known in his engravings.
The Campeche Coast
Visit the coastline to admire its pleasant panoramas such as the turtle refuge in San Lorenzo or
Seybaplaya.
Edzná
Characterized by the Great Acropolis, the Five-Floor Edifice holding 27 rooms and the masks in the
Small Acropolis. The mysteries of the set of buildings of the Old Sorceress in the midst of jungle
and the complex waterworks of the city will fascinate you. This tour may be complemented with the
visit to one of the evoking haciendas: Hobomo, San Luis Carpizo or San Jose Carpizo.
Escárcega
Important producer of chewing gum (the gum extracted from the Chicozapote tree used to make chewing gum)
during the 20th. century. The importance of its festivities makes this an ideal place to visit during
Carnival; the festivity of Our Lady of Fátima, and the 'Posada' held in the month of December.
Additionally, it has a botanical garden with more than 350 species in a 1000 hectares park.
Hecelchakán
It has a large indigenous population. It is located halfway on the route to Merida, Capital City of the
State of Yucatán. It has an important archeological site called Xcalumkin, famous for its Palace of the
Cylinders. From the city we can see the island of Jaina, which houses a Mayan adoratory 1500 years old.
Hopelchén
It is a small village located 84 km. from the city of Campeche. Its beautiful Church of San Antonio
(16th. century) has an impressive altar to the Virgin Mary. Also of interest are the caves of
Xtacumbilxunaan, considered the longest and deepest in the area. Additionally, the municipality also has
three archeological sites: Xtampack, Hochop and Tahcok.
Ojos de Agua and the ecological Reserve of the Petenes
Going north, Campeche offers several options: the natural reserve of Hampolol, near Tenabo, or the
Ecological Reserve of the Petenes, from where you can go by boat to Celestún, a flamingo refuge. Don't
miss the Petrified Forest.
Palizada
This region produces woods of extraordinary quality, and was an important trading point with Europe
since the start of the Spanish invasion during the 16th. Century. It is currently an important tourist
attraction and has a replica of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Its most important festivity is held
in honor of San Joaquín, between August 15 and 31; it is a harvesting festivity, with traditional music
and dances, gastronomy, fireworks and sports competitions.
The Villages of Campeche and the Old Camino Real
See the local architecture of Pomuch and taste its famous bread; also the sobriety of the village of
Hecelchakán, visit the Archeological Museum of the Camino Real, and admire the charm of the church and
convent of San Luis Obispo in Calkiní.
Tenabo
Located 36 km. from Campeche, it is known for its production of arts and crafts, embroideries and
'campechana' blouses of beautiful colors. The region of Kanki is very close by and dates back to
500-600 AD, as well as the Hacienda Dos Ríos, a 19th. Century palace where Empress Carlota
(wife of Maximilian, emperors of Mexico during the French intervention) stayed once.
There are numerous archeological sites very near the city of Campeche; these are: Calkmul, Edzná,
Balamkú, Chicanná, Bacán, Santa Rosa Xtampak, Xpuhil, Dzibilnocac, Hochob, Tabasqueño, and El Tigre.
There also the following beaches: Bonita, Seybaplaya, Sihoplaya, Punta Xen, Sabancuy, Playa del Norte,
Caracol and Bahamitas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
