|
 |
Campeche Mexico |
The State of Campeche is a state in the south-east
region of the Mexican Republic. It is bordered by the
Mexican states of Yucatán to the north east,
Quintana Roo to the east, and Tabasco to the south west.
To the south it is bordered by the Petén department
of Guatemala and to the west by the Gulf of Mexico.
The area of Campeche is 56,798 square kilometers (21,929.8
sq mi), and the population was only 754,730 inhabitants
at the 2005 census. This makes Campeche one of the states
with the lowest population densities in Mexico (fifth
behind Baja California Sur, Durango, Sonora, and Chihuahua).
The capital city of the state is the city of San Francisco
de Campeche, which was declared a World Heritage Site
by UNESCO.
In addition to the city of Campeche, the state of Campeche
includes the cities of Champotón, Ciudad del
Carmen, and Escárcega, the towns of Bolonchén,
Calkiní, Dzitbalché, Hecelchakán,
Hopelchén, Lerma, Tenabo, and Sabancuy, and many
ruins of the Maya civilization such as Becán,
Calakmul, Silvituc, Dzibilnocac, Edzná, Hocchob,
Holactún, Rio Bec, Uxul, Xicalango, Xpujil, and
Xtampak.
Campeche derives from the name of the Mayan city of
Kan pech, which became today's San Francisco de Campeche.
Source: Wikipedia
Campeche has a population around 300,000 people and
is growing rapidly. It sits in the northwestern area
of the state, roughly 155 kilometres from Merida in
Yucatan. The city is still relatively compact and easy
to get around, although as the city grows even bigger,
that is slowly changing. Campeche was founded in the
early 16th century at the site of a Mayan village called
Ah Kim Pech (roughly, "place of the ticks").
The center of the city has been designated a UNESCO
World Heritage site for its meticulously preserved walls
which were built in the 16th century to guard against
frequent pirate attacks. The rest of the city is a fairly
laid back place and feels more like a small town than
a fast growing city.
Campeche City has an airport, although it only has
daily flights to Mexico City. Ciudad del Carmen, two
hours to the south, has flights to Mexico City as well
as to Houston Texas. Neither are cheap. The best bet
is to fly into Mérida, Yucatan and bus to Campeche.
This can also be done from Cancún, although it
may take an extra day just to get to the state.
From the Autobuses del Oriente (ADO) station in Mérida,
buses leave almost every hour for the two hour drive
to Campeche, which costs roughly 100 pesos (US$10).
Since it is a short run, second class buses can also
be taken, although this offers only small savings (10
or 20 MXM).
From Ciudad del Carmen, buses to Campeche are also
very frequent and cost roughly 130 pesos (US$13). The
trip is about two hours and three quarters, longer by
second class bus.
From Cancun, the trip to Campeche takes six hours and
a half to complete and costs roughly 300 pesos (US$30).
There are four buses to Campeche every day.
From Mexico City, Campeche is a lengthy 17 hour drive
and this trip costs from 800 to 950 pesos (US$80-US$95).
A first class bus is recommended.
Source: Wikitravel |
