Campeche is bordered by the Mexican states of Yucatán to the north
east, Quintana Roo to the east, and Tabasco to the south west. To the
south it is bordered by the Petén department of Guatemala, to the south
east by Belize, and to the west by the Gulf of Mexico. The area of Campeche is
56,798 km², SE Mexico on the Gulf of Campeche. The city of Campeche is the capital. Comprising
most of the western half of the YucatAn peninsula, much of the state lies in
hot, humid, and unhealthy lowlands. Rainfall in the southwestern sector is
heavy.
The state had extensive forests, and logwood (campeche in Spanish)
has been one of the chief exports. Agriculture and stock raising are important
in the more arid northeastern sector. Using Campeche as a base, the Spanish
explorer Francisco de Montejo led (1531–35) expeditions against the Maya. The
coast was a haunt of pirates from the 17th cent. to the 19th cent. The principal
ports are Campeche and Carmen, a small town on an island at the entrance to the
Laguna de TErminos.
Campeche's land differs dramatically, depending on where you are visiting. In the north,
the land is dry and arid with little water. The southern areas are covered with
thick rainforests, rivers and lakes. The coast has several harbors that were
important during colonial times. The port at Campeche, which prospered during
the colonial years, endured attacks from European pirates who destroyed the city
several times. To fend off these attacks, residents built a thick stone wall
around the city, with only four gates to permit access. This wall still stands
today, encapsulating the older part of Campeche and adding to its charm and
antiquity.
Air Tickets Online -
