Mexico – Campeche 20/11/16 – 23/11/16

Another bus journey and we arrived at Campeche. This time the ticket for the bus stated 5 ½ hours and that’s exactly how long it took us. The cost was MXN 450, that’s around NZ $40 pp so again very reasonably priced, and mostly a coastal journey through some small quaint fishing villages. We’re staying at the Hotel El Navegante next to the walled city for 4 nights. It’s a very pleasant hotel, again not too plush, but still quite nice. We have a twin room (with 2 double beds) and ensuite, with an enormous powerful shower. For this we paid MXN 3,210, that’s around NZ $210 so reasonably priced.
Lonely Planet describes Campeche as: “like a colonial fairyland. The walled city centre is a tight enclave of perfectly restored pastel coloured buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, fortified ramparts and well preserved mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries”. So on our first walk around I had these descriptions in my head, and wow it was all true. As its the weekend of festivities for Mexico’s Revolution Day, we came across a large open area by the sea, and there appeared to be a collection of military bands playing. What a great sound they were making, mostly drumming bands, and their noise was so loud, it must have reached the furthest corners of Mexico. A further walk and we came across the Zocalo, (central square). A beautiful area enclosed with the colonial mansions as described by Lonely Planet. Every colour you could imagine, blues, yellows, pinks, greens all again as described in pastel shades. This seaside town is beautiful.
Campeche has also got a wonderful Malecon (promenade) and on a day like today’s, beautiful cloudless sun soaked sky, you can see for miles. A lovely walk which we took and at the end is a huge shopping mall, where we spent a couple of hours achieving retail therapy. The Malecon separates the walled edge of the sea from a busy highway, by means of a walkway and cycle path, very pleasant. Although it’s next to the sea there’s no beach here, but the Malecon makes up for it.
The city is quite large, and so is the walled city where were staying. It follows a grid system, where streets aren’t named but numbered. Even numbers go from North to South and odd numbers from East to West, and all are 1 way. Follow the arrows on odd numbers and you’ll eventually come to the Zocalo. All streets are identical with their many pastel coloured buildings so getting to grips with its numbers is the only way to get around. The main restaurant/bars are located on Calle (road) 59, although there are many others scattered around town. The main shops are on Calle 10, running alongside and just beyond the Zacolo. The city’s wall circumnavigates around the outside of the numbered streets, and access to the Malecon are at the start of the even numbers. Get this system in your memory bank and you won’t get lost!!!!! (T – it’s a maze, I have not had a clue where I am on any day).
We’re here mid November and the temperature is a pleasant 28’(ish) during the day with very little humidity. There’s a slight breeze blowing coming in from the Gulf of Mexico sea, and virtually a cloudless blue sky. When the sun sets, the temperature remains the same, the breeze dispenses and as the streets are made of cobbled stones, the heat from the day radiates upwards, so no jackets required. This city really is lovely, there’s plenty to do within it and there’s also several trips beyond its boarders to Mayan sites etc. We chose to stay put in the city as we’ve made arrangements to visit alternative archaeological sites from other cities within Mexico. We’ve been busy enough walking it’s streets and frequenting it’s may bars and restaurants. In all 4 nights has been enough to chill out and relax and see its many sights.