Travel Guide CIUDAD DEL CARMEN Contents

DISCOVER CIUDAD DEL CARMEN 01

CIUDAD DEL CARMEN PROFILE 02

CIUDAD DEL CARMEN ATTRACTIONS 03

CIUDAD DEL CARMEN DINING 06

CIUDAD DEL CARMEN SHOPPING 08

CIUDAD DEL CARMEN NIGHTLIFE 10

THINGS TO DO IN CIUDAD DEL CARMEN 11 DISCOVER CIUDAD DEL CARMEN

Ciudad del Carmen was once used as a refuge for pirates who sought to raid Spanish galleons and attack the port of Campeche. It was named after the Virgin of Carmen when it was reclaimed by the colonists on July 16, 1717, a day that is now celebrated in honor of the city’s Patron Saint.

Currently, Ciudad del Carmen is a business leader and a pillar of the national economy as it is the home of the country’s most important oil fields. It’s also the perfect starting point for entering the mystical Mayan world in the southern area of the Yucatan Peninsula, where you’ll find stunning natural sites like mangroves, estuaries and semi-virgin beaches. OIL CITY

Oil was discovered off the coast of the island in 1971, greatly affecting the entire population. After a long history of fishing, Ciudad del Carmen refocused its efforts on the extraction of crude oil. PEMEX established their plants in the Bay of Campeche, where most of the nation’s oil is produced as well as a great percentage of Mexico’s natural gas.

Uniformed workers can often be seen returning from the platform, yet as you walk the streets you can still enjoy the atmosphere of a small, traditional city that has retained the natural beauty of its coastline. This unique combination of features makes Ciudad del Carmen the perfect destination for business travelers who also wish to relax and unwind during their leisure hours.

1 CIUDAD DEL CARMEN PROFILE

Headquarters of Mexico’s most productive petroleum plants.

One of the highest revenue generating municipalities in the country.

An important business destination in Mexico.

Inhabited by people from all over Mexico who are seeking better job opportunities.

Beautiful beaches in the northern area.

Home of the Unidad and El Zacatal bridges, which offer beautiful ocean views.

The city is surrounded by splendid natural scenery and archeological sites.

2 CIUDAD DEL CARMEN ATTRACTIONS

Beautiful beaches, water sports and fun activities in the mangroves that surround the Terminos Lagoon all await you in Ciudad del Carmen. This destination also offers lovely jungle terrain and the chance to explore the mysterious world of the Mayans.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF CARMEN

The Church of Our Lady of Carmen was built with wood, sascab (a kind of limestone) and stone and is the most significant religious structure in the city. Located across from Zaragoza Park, it’s famous for its simple architecture, stained glass windows and the marble accents featured on the altar.

TERMINOS LAGOON

This protected natural area is the home of various birds along with jaguars, ocelots and white-tailed deer as well as many other creatures. The jungle area offers ecotourism activities like hiking, mountain biking, horse- back riding and bird watching. With coastal dunes, marshes, mangroves, flooded scrublands and lowlands, jungle and lush vegetation, there are plenty of opportunities to take remarkable photos during your visit.

BOARDWALK

Offering a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico and the ships that travel its waters, the Ciudad del Carmen boardwalk is often a favorite place for walking, running, roller skating or to simply relax and admire the sights.

3 ISLA AGUADA

This tranquil village is often preferred by tourists seeking natural surroundings and an escape from the crowds. It is home to semi-virgin beaches and a small boardwalk as well as seafood and fish restaurants. During your visit, be sure to take a tour of the Terminos Lagoon, where if you look closely, you may spot dolphins in their natural habitat. The lookout point is the perfect place to admire the landscape and the beautiful sunsets this area is known for.

JUAREZ PARK

Known for its beauty and wonderfully preserved colonial era buildings, this park is home to the Church of Jesus, which was often visited by Empress Carlota, the wife of Maximilian. At night exquisite lighting and fountains create a completely different view of the park.

PLAYA BAHAMITAS

In the crystal clear waters found alongside this beautiful sandy beach and its lush trees you’ll see snails, clams, starfish and shells. This beach is perfect for swimming and water sports like scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and fishing.

PLAYA CARACOL

4 ZACATAL BRIDGE

Connecting Villahermosa to Ciudad del Carmen, the Zacatal Bridge is one of the main routes that link the Yucatan Peninsula to the rest of Mexico. The bridge is more than 10,000 feet in length and has been named the longest bridge of its kind in Latin America. At night, tourists can enjoy an incredible display of lights, which are easily seen from the boardwalk. PLAYA NORTE

This beach is approximately three miles long and has average waves. It is surrounded by fantastic restaurants and offers a variety of tourist services. This is the largest and most popular beach in the area and is also the home of the Fiesta del Mar and the July Fair, two very important celebrations in Ciudad del Carmen. PUERTO REAL

This calm beach with emerald green waters is located near the road that connects Ciudad del Carmen with Isla Aguada. Visitors to the beach can admire beautifully colored sunsets and spectacular views of the Puente de La Unidad bridge. SABANCUY

Sabancuy is one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. When you visit this beach, home to an abundant population of shrimp, scallops and fish, enjoy clear shallow waters, fine sand, gentle waves and a gradual slope into the sea. Approximately 50 miles away from Ciudad del Carmen, it’s located across from the estuary of the same name. XICALANGO

Xicalango is a fascinating archeological site that is just a few miles away from Ciudad del Carmen. During pre-Columbian times, this was a major commercial port and was the main trade center for the Mayan, Olmec and Aztec cultures.

5 CIUDAD DEL CARMEN DINING

As with all islands, Ciudad del Carmen is known for its seafood. Traditional dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, as this destination has retained its fishing village roots even with the oil boom. Pampano is often poached, fried or served with green salsa. Other types of fish are served fried, with broth or as tikin-xic (grilled with an achiote marinade).

Shrimp lovers can savor their favorite crustacean in many ways, including breaded, in a cocktail or with garlic sauce. A unique dish that is very popular with tourists is chile relleno (stuffed chili pepper) with shrimp. Octopus is another main ingredient in the cuisine of the city, usually served in its ink or in a ceviche.

6 Influenced by the rest of Campeche and Yucatan, the local cuisine includes tamales colados (strained corn dough tamales), escabeche (poached or fried fish), queso relleno (stuffed cheese) and jamon claveteado (ham prepared with brandy and wine). Pan de cazon and kibi de pescado are also popular dishes for those visiting the area.

7 CIUDAD DEL CARMEN SHOPPING

TEXTILE CRAFTS

Some of the most charming things found in the state of Campeche are the creations of the indigenous people. Skilled women hand-embroider beautiful and brightly colored figures on blouses, dresses, huipils and many types of household items.

WOODWORK

Imaginative craftsmen make impressive wooden figures and combine these works of art with fabrics and shells, producing delightful creations that make the perfect souvenir of your visit to Ciudad del Carmen.

8 CERAMICS

Although the ceramics industry has changed over time, the Mayan roots of Campeche have been preserved in beautifully designed dinnerware, planters, pots and other creative pieces.

ZENTRALIA

Zentralia is a modern shopping mall where you can find clothes, cafes, restaurants, major department stores and cinemas. This fashionable mall is located near the airport and Avenida Concordia.

9 CIUDAD DEL CARMEN NIGHTLIFE

Although it’s just a small city, Ciudad del Carmen offers plenty of fun things to do once the sun goes down. You can stroll along the boardwalk and admire the lights on the Zacatal Bridge, or take a tour of Juarez Park and see the wonderfully preserved buildings that are beautifully illuminated at night.

Ciudad del Carmen also has several places that are open until the early hours of the morning. Head to the North Beach area, where you’ll find lots of great bars and nightclubs that fit all budgets. If you prefer quieter entertainment, you can visit one of the numerous local and international restaurants located on Avenida Concordia. No matter how you choose to spend your nights out in Ciudad del Carmen, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to enjoy.

10 THINGS TO DO IN CIUDAD DEL CARMEN

Spend a day at the beaches located near or in the city and admire beautiful sunsets.

Take a stroll along the boardwalk and discover what the city has to offer throughout the day and night.

Watch the light show at the Zacatal Bridge.

Try the delicious fish and seafood dishes prepared at the local restaurants.

Take a tour of Isla Aguada and admire natural surroundings as well as the dolphins that frequently visit this area.

Try some of the eco-tourism activities offered at the Terminos Lagoon.

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