Gamma Campeche Malecon

Campeche, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Campeche, is one of the 31 states which, with Mexico City, make up the 32 federal entities of Mexico. Located in southeast Mexico, it is bordered by the states of Tabasco to the southwest, Yucatán to the northeast, Quintana Roo to the east, by the Petén department of Guatemala to the south, and by the Orange Walk District of Belize to the southeast. It has a coastline to the west with the Gulf of Mexico. The state capital, also called Campeche, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1997. The formation of the state began with the city, which was founded in 1540 as the Spanish began the conquest of the Yucatán Peninsula. The city was a rich and important port during the colonial period, but declined after Mexico's independence. Campeche was part of the province of Yucatán, but split off in the mid-19th century, mostly due to political friction with the city of Mérida. Much of the state's recent economic revival is due to the discovery of petroleum offshore in the 1970s, which has made the coastal cities of Campeche and Ciudad del Carmen important economic centers. The state has important Mayan and colonial sites; however, these are not as well-known or visited as much as others in the Yucatán.

As you explore Campeche, you will find that it is a place of contrasts, where ancient Mayan ruins meet modern architecture. The city of Campeche is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's easy to see why. The city is surrounded by walls that were built to protect it from pirates in the 17th century. These walls are now part of the charm of the city and offer a unique perspective on its history.

One of the highlights of Campeche is the food. The cuisine of the Yucatan Peninsula is a fusion of Mayan and Spanish influences, and it is truly delicious. You can't visit Campeche without trying the local specialty, cochinita pibil. This dish is made with slow-roasted pork that is marinated in achiote paste and served with pickled onions.