Ten Reasons to Visit Campeche, the Undiscovered Jewel of the Yucatán Peninsula

Far from the busiest spots of the Yucatán Peninsula lies a quiet, almost undiscovered town where the unhurried air of the provinces can still be felt. Here are ten reasons to visit.

1. Its peaceful pace, friendly people and traditional atmosphere create a reminiscence of old-time Mexico.
2. It is a charming instance of colonial architecture, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets and an authentic pueblo culture: each barrio has its own church, saint, festival and street food. It is a delight to wander among parks, old churches and pedestrian streets lined with cafés and small shops.
3. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is enclosed by very well-preserved walls. Each side is guarded by fortresses on the hills, with views of the sea and the city, which house important museums of Mayan archaeology and architecture.
4. It is rich in pre-Hispanic and colonial history, and in anecdotes from the pirate invasions. One of its museums keeps one of the most emblematic pieces of the Mayan world: the Calakmul jade mask.
5. The center is small, so you can see most of its barrios on foot and stroll unhurried along picturesque, well-kept streets.
6. Overlooking the sea, Campeche has old fishing docks and a long boardwalk, perfect for an evening walk, a jog or a bike ride. Its market is a genuine open-air affair, with a colorful array of fresh produce and local goods.
7. It has a culinary scene of its own, abundant in fresh seafood, Caribbean flavors and dishes shared with Yucatán, discovered in iconic restaurants, pedestrian streets, street-food stalls, cantinas, taquerías, cafés and markets.
8. It is rich in original crafts, thanks to its living Mayan culture: pieces of jipi palm, bull horn and shell, carved wood, black-and-white embroidery or work on natural fabrics, and hand-woven hammocks.
9. The archaeological zone of Edzná is an hour from the city: it is worth climbing its Five-Story Pyramid and enjoying a site with few visitors. As a complement, Hacienda Uayamón offers gardens, a pool and a good restaurant.
10. There are nearby natural places to visit in a day, such as Bajo de Xpicob, for kayaking or swimming in clear waters, or the Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve, a network of mangroves home to hundreds of birds and wildlife.