Campeche Highways

The state of Campeche was a territory ocupied by the Ancient Maya civilization and so it has many very important archaeological sites of ancient cities as Edzna and Calakmul, which is located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. As you travel the highways in the state you may find yourself wondering about exploring the area in mountain bike or hiking and make a photo safari. In the Capital city, also named Campeche, you will find that is quite unique because while the colony the city often came under the attack of pirates and privateers and so it became a walled city, where you can see the forts, bulwarks and gates that once protected the residents from invasions. Because of this and many of it's interesting buildings was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

Population: 700,000
Size: 22,020 square miles
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, eastern Mexico
Borders: states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Tabasco, the Gulf of Mexico and Guatemala
Important cities/sites within the state: Campeche (capital), Ruta Rio Bec, Becán and Edzná archeological zones
Time zone: Central Standard Time


Once in Campeche, you'll experience tropical driving through lush forests and a diversity of landscape and architecture. Enjoy beautiful rivers, stunning beaches and historic archaeological sites.

Highway #180 from Villahermosa to the City of Campeche, provides excellent coastal RV driving, however when you see the turn off for State Highway #188, a half hour outside of Campeche City, make sure to take the detour to the Edzna Ruins. Other ruins can be found along State Highway #186, from Villahermosa City to Chetumal City. The Calakmul archaeological site, is just a 1.2 hour off the main highway in the Reserva De La Biosfera Calakmul. Drive back in time, as you enjoy the history and the diverse jungle wilderness.

Set aside time for a generous visit to historic Campeche City . As one of the best-preserved historic centers in Mexico, it was was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Founded in 1540 as the first Spanish settlement of the Yucatan Peninsula. In 1686, an enormous wall was constructed to protect the city's wealth against pirate attacks. Ralls and forts, giving it a truly distinctive appearance.