Hopelchen in Campeche
Located in the northeast of the state of Campeche, Hopelchen in Campeche is a very picturesque town. It reflects the relaxed way of life of the southerners. This, with its high-ceilinged houses and facades painted in the most vibrant colors.
Hopelchén is very close to the border between Campeche and Yucatán. It is near municipalities of Calakmul, Champotón, Tenabo and Hecelchakán. Hopelchén is a combination of Mayan words. In Spanish, they mean “Place of the five wells”. There were five wells which supplied the first settlers of the area with fresh water.
Hopelchen in Campeche: what to expect
Hopelchén is a small and very quiet town that is very easy to get around on foot. This is the best way to get to know its streets and discover the colonial constructions that have survived several historical conflicts.
Touring the Chenes Region in southern Mexico is like food for the memory and the soul, as its landscapes steal the heart of everyone who is in front of them. These lands of blue skies, fluffy clouds and hot weather saw the birth of cities like Hopelchén.
What to do
Hopelchen in Campeche has a kiosk in its center and around it there are benches to sit and breathe fresh air. Also, to take cover under the shade of a leafy tree from the sun that shelters the area practically all year round.
In front of this postcard is the Temple and Convent of San Andrés de Padua, built in 1677 by the Franciscans who settled in the region to evangelize its settlers.
During one of the breaks in your tour, refresh yourself with a traditional pozol or enjoy a cochinita pibil, panuchos or codzitos. These are Yucatecan specialties that will make you not want to go back home.
Visit the Haciendas
The Ex-Hacienda San Antonio Yaxché: Located in the town of the same name, it was built in 1894 with stone, wood, iron and dirt. It has two entrances, one main and the other for service, as well as two wells or norias, which are still in operation. The Ex-hacienda Dzibalchén dates from 1905 and was built of stone, brick and wood. The Ex-Hacienda San Bernardo Huechil is a construction dating from the beginning of this century. At the entrance of which you can still see the church and two basins where water is still stored.
For a change of scenery, head to the Xtacumbilxunaan Caves. Descend the stairs and walk about 200 meters (600 ft) through the cave tunnels. This, to see a variety of fascinating geological features. See the stalactites and stalagmites and try to make out the figures in the rock formations. Learn about the legend of the daughter who took the form of a woman and child, and then turned to stone.
Hopelchen in Campeche: how to get there
By road it is an hour and a half from Campeche, the state capital. It is two and a half hours from Merida, Yucatan. It is also 5 hours and 45 minutes from Cancun, Quintana Roo. The nearest airport is in Campeche, where you can rent a car or take a bus to this quiet community.
The city is near the Gulf of Mexico, in the northeast corner of the state of Campeche. Indeed, it is near the border with the state of Yucatan. Take a flight to Campeche International Airport and drive 90 kilometers (56 mi) east to get here in about 90 minutes.
