Culture and Nature: Two Unforgettable Stops Along the Same Route from Campeche

While Campeche City charms its visitors within the fortress walls, the surroundings hold a rich artisanal heritage and genuine natural wonders. Two of these destinations sit conveniently along the same route and can be visited, unhurried, in a single day. The Ich Ha Lol Xaan springs are barely half an hour from the city; Becal is about an hour away. Together, they make the perfect escape for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Becal: the heart of Panama hat craftsmanship

Becal is a small town where generations of artisans have perfected the ancient art of weaving Panama hats inside underground caves. This UNESCO-recognized craft transforms humble palm fibers into the elegant headwear known the world over. The natural humidity of the limestone caves creates perfect conditions for working with jipi palm, allowing weaves so fine and flexible they would be impossible to achieve above ground.

In Becal's cool, quiet workshops you can watch master weavers at work. These subterranean spaces, carved from limestone bedrock, hold a constant temperature and humidity year-round. Local families open their caves to visitors and share stories passed down through generations while demonstrating techniques that have remained unchanged for more than a century. Here you witness the entire process, from raw palm preparation to the final shaping of each hat.

Ich Ha Lol Xaan Springs: crystal-clear waters and eco-adventure

Within the Reserva Ecológica de Hampolol, the Ich Ha Lol Xaan springs form a natural paradise surrounded by lush jungle vegetation — a place once visited by Empress Carlota. Sacred to the Maya, its name means water that falls from flowers, and it offers far more than swimming: you can kayak through the springs and river, soar through the vegetation on zip lines, rappel down specially equipped areas, cross suspension bridges over the flowing water, and explore guided or self-guided trails while observing birds and local wildlife.

The area weaves together wetlands and a stream that meets the sea. It is home to various species of reptiles, amphibians, ornamental birds and mammals that compose a diverse, living ecosystem.

Tours to both Ich Ha Lol Xaan and Becal's caves are easily arranged from Campeche City. Whether shopping for authentic handicrafts in the family workshops or floating in the sacred waters of the springs, you return to the historic center with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the region.