For more than 2,000 years, until the Spanish Conquest, Mayans occupied the Campeche area, building sophisticated cities. As the Mayan civilization grew, so did the size of their cities, their knowledge of science and astronomy, their abilities as architects and urban planners. What remains of these cities and religious centers can be visited today. Calakmul, the largest Mayan city ever uncovered lies southeast of the state of Campeche, 180 miles from Campeche City and covers an area of 27 square miles. Another stunning site, located only a 45-minute drive from Campeche City is Edzna, an ancient Mayan regional capital.
It was the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo who founded Campeche in 1540, on the spot that was previously a Mayan port called Ah Kin Pech. The historical center of Campeche is undoubtedly one of the best preserved examples of Colonial and Viceregal architecture in the New World. Each of the approximately 600 historical buildings has been restored and given a fresh coat of paint. The Campechanos, as the people are called, are proud that their historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city's fortifications, built at the turn of the 19th century, are comprised of a series of bulwarks connected to each other by fortified walls. These fortifications served to ward off pirate attacks, and a total of five gates were built as passageways into the city. Though sections of the wall have been damaged, these fortifications still mark the boundaries of the city's historical center, and visitors can visit the eight different bulwarks, some of which contain historical artifacts. Additionally, two forts were built to enhance the city's fortifications, Fort San Miguel and Fort San Jose. In the former one will find original artillery pieces, coats of arms and model ships, and in the latter one will encounter the Mayan Art Museum as well as stunning views of the city and bay.
Campeche, rich in natural resources, specialized in the production of chicle, corn, sugar cane, rice, salt and lumber in the 19th century. Cattle farming also became lucrative and wealthy landowners built country mansions, called haciendas. These vast ranches also produced to henequen, a plant used to make rope and twine. Many of these ranches, such as the Hacienda Uayamon y Blanca, were abandoned after the Mexican revolution, in the age of agricultural reforms. Over the last 20 years or so, they have been restored to their original splendor and turned into exquisite boutique hotels.
At the hacienda restaurantes, groupsl have the opportunity to try local dishes which includes a lot of fish and seafood. There might be the chance to try local game, including venison and even armadillo. The shrimp in Campeche are considered to be some of the best in Mexico.