Best of Campeche

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Campeche
On the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche looms large among Mexico’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Imposing 17th-century fortifications surround a photogenic core of cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial mansions in Mexico’s only intact walled city. Walking the lamplit lanes of this historic settlement is like stepping back in time.  

Delve deeper into the past on specialized tours of the city and surrounding region. On walking tours through the old center, previous kimkim travelers have gained insight into Campeche’s role in the Spanish conquest of the Yucatan, pirate attacks in the 17th century and other tumultuous episodes. The archaeological site of Edzná takes you back to the pre-conquest days, with an in-depth look at the fascinating Mayan temples built over 1000 years ago. Other memorable excursions include boat trips to the virgin white sand beach of Xpicob, and culture and gastronomy tours in traditional villages like Hecelchakán, Bécal and Pomuch.
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Take the kids to see the ancient pyramids of Uxmal
Map of Family Trip to Chiapas & the Yucatán Peninsula - 14 Days
Family Trip to Chiapas & the Yucatán Peninsula - 14 Days

The beaches and jungles of southern Mexico beckon on this adventurous, two-week family vacation. Start in Chiapas with the kids in tow to explore lost Maya cities, paddle across jungle lagoons, and join in the crafts and rituals of the native Lacandon people. Then it's on to the Yucatán Peninsula to cool off in turquoise swimming holes and tour colorful colonial cities before ending your trip on the white sands of Holbox Island.

The archaeological site of Palenque in the state of Chiapas
Map of Archaeology & Culture in Mexico - 15 Days
Archaeology & Culture in Mexico - 15 Days

Discover Mexico, a country home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (35) than any other nation in the Americas. Over 15 days, you'll tour many of these archeological marvels, like the ancient cities of Teotihuacán, Palenque, Chichén Itzá, and more. Beyond that, you'll visit natural highlights like the majestic Sumidero Canyon, the waterfalls at Agua Azul, and the marine reserve at Puerto Morelos.

Agua Azul Waterfall
Map of Family Trip to Chiapas & the Riviera Maya - 14 Days
Family Trip to Chiapas & the Riviera Maya - 14 Days

On this family-friendly two-week itinerary, you'll discover the diverse state of Chiapas, with its jungle waterfalls, colonial cities, and Mayan communities. Then you'll pick up a rental car and drive yourself around the Yucatán Peninsula, stopping to relax on the beach, swim in cenotes, and visit archaeological ruins perched high above the Caribbean Sea.

Exploring the Cenotes
Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 18 Days

Take eighteen relaxing days to drive through the Yucatan Peninsula as you explore the best that Mexico has to offer: colonial cities, indigenous communities, white-sand beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. Start the trip in Tulum for a dip into a turquoise cenote, then head to Bacalar for a sail on the lagoon. End in Valladolid and Holbox Island for sunrise at Chichen Itza and a couple days on the beach.

Puerto Morelos
Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 19 Days

Drive from city to beach on this nineteen-day immersive trip through the Yucatan Peninsula. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, you'll explore the best that the region has to offer. Tour historic sites, sample local fare, relax on beaches, and more as you make your way through the jungles and roads of the area.

Scuba diving in the Yucatan
Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 21 Days

Fully immerse yourself into Mexican history and culture on this comprehensive three-week trip. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichen Itza, this trip covers millennia of history and leaves room for relaxation and food. End the trip on Holbox Island for some of Mexico's loveliest beaches and plenty of sunshine

Ancient Maya ruins of Ek'Balam
Map of Highlights of Southern Mexico: Chiapas &  Yucatán - 12 Days
Highlights of Southern Mexico: Chiapas & Yucatán - 12 Days

This family-friendly itinerary of southern Mexico combines cultural activities with plenty of natural exploration. The first half of your trip will see you exploring Chiapas' Sumidero Canyon, el Chiflón and Misol-Ha waterfalls, and the impressive ruins of Palenque. From there, you will head to colonial-era Campeche where you will pick up your rental car and tour the Yucatán: from modern Mayan communities to ancient ruins, from refreshing cenotes to the white sands of Holbox Island.

Tulum, Mexico
Map of Mayan Discovery:  Sumidero Canyon, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Cancun - 11 days
Mayan Discovery: Sumidero Canyon, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Cancun - 11 days

Get a full dose of sun and sea while learning about Mexico's rich Mayan history as you travel from the beaches of Tulum to the wonders of Chichén Itzá pyramid. This journey through a few regions of Mexico will give you ample time to relax while experiencing the country's mystical, handicraft, and culinary traditions, and seeing its significant architectural monuments.

Join a boat tour through captivating Sumidero Canyon
Map of Highlights of Chiapas & Yucatán - 13 Days
Highlights of Chiapas & Yucatán - 13 Days

This 13-day adventure covers the highlights of two of southern Mexico's most historic and naturally beautiful states: Chiapas & Yucatán. In the former, you'll tour natural wonders like Sumidero Canyon and the Agua Azul waterfalls. In the latter, you'll visit its most famous archeological sites, like Palenque and Uxmal, while also enjoying the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island and Playa del Carmen.

Maya Temple
Map of Mexico's Maya Roads: Temples, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days
Mexico's Maya Roads: Temples, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure blends ancient Maya sites with stunning secluded scenery for an off-the-beaten-path journey through Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula. Venture through the Sumidero Canyon to the colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, then take a raft along Lake Montebello to see incredible wildlife. Explore the Maya cities of Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak, get your hands into clay during a pottery class near Nahá, and cool off along the way in hidden waterfalls and turquoise lagoons.

Other popular travel destinations in Mexico
Yucatán Peninsula · Mexico City · Tulum · Valladolid · Oaxaca · Holbox · Puerto Morelos · Chiapas · Mérida · San Cristobal de las Casas · Cancún · Palenque · Cholula · Playa del Carmen · Bacalar · Puebla · Chunhuhub · Uxmal · Calakmul · Guadalajara · La Paz · San Miguel de Allende · Morelia · Querétaro · Guanajuato · Cabo San Lucas · Pisté · Los Cabos