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Campeche & Around

Why Go? ...... 196 Tucked into the southwestern corner of the Yucatán Penin- Hecelchakán ...... 205 sula, Campeche state is home to serene villages, vast stretch- es of tangled jungle, bird-dotted mangroves and lagoons, Bécal ...... 206 and some of the region’s most imposing Maya ruins – many Hopelchén ...... 207 of which you might have all to yourself. On deserted beaches Chenes Sites ...... 208 endangered turtles lay their eggs, while offshore playful dol- Edzná ...... 209 phins frolic in the surf. The walled capital city of Campeche Champotón ...... 211 is the region’s cultural epicenter, providing a great jumping- off point for your adventures into this offbeat hinterland. Sabancuy ...... 211 Campeche is the least visited of the Yucatán’s states, laced Isla Aguada ...... 212 through with lonely back roads, friendly people, quiet coast- Ciudad del Carmen . . .212 lines and a provincial, lost-land charm. It makes a welcome ...... 215 break from the tourist hordes that descend around the pe- ninsula’s more popular destinations; here you’ll find peace Chicanná & Becán . . . .217 and surprising attractions. ...... 218.

When to Go ¨¨Visit Campeche city any time of year, though high season is Best Places to from mid-December to Easter. Hotel prices are at their peak Eat during this time, but there are also some merry festivities – especially Carnaval (late February to early March). ¨¨Río Bec Dreams Restaurant (p218) ¨¨The dry months of November through March are most pleasant for visiting Calakmul and its nearby sites. Also, ¨¨Luz de Luna (p203) during the rainy season access is often limited because of ¨¨La Fuente (p213) muddy roads. ¨¨To set turtle hatchlings free in Sabancuy, be there from April to October (peak June to August). Best Places to Stay ¨¨Hotel López (p202) ¨¨Río Bec Dreams (p218) ¨¨Hacienda Puerta Campeche (p202) )

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