Explore eerie caves and visit the churches and museums in this town with a name that translates to “Place of Five Wells.”
Hopelchén is an intriguing town filled with buildings of colonial design. Its rich history stretches from pre-Hispanic times to 16th-century Catholic churches. Wander along the quaint alleys for a sense of the fascinating past of this town. Venture just beyond the town to see a remarkable network of caves.
Gather and meet friends around the main square, which contains a grassy central area with benches and trees. Enjoy these peaceful surroundings and watch people go by. Have a few drinks at one of the bars and cafés surrounding the plaza.
In the northeastern corner of the square is the 17th-century San Antonio de Padua Convent and Temple. Admire the church’s dark yellow façade and climb the external steps to reach its portal. Walk through the nave and marvel at the various ecclesiastical works of art. The Baroque altarpiece is among the oldest of its kind in the region. See the reconstructed convent building adjacent to the church. Get a sense of the area’s indigenous history with a trip to the six buildings of the Tohcok Maya site.
For a change of scenery, make your way to the Xtacumbilxunaan Caves. Descend the ladder and trek through about 660 feet (200 meters) of cave tunnels to encounter the variety of fascinating geologic features. Inspect the stalactites and stalagmites and try to make out the figures from the rock formations. Listen to the legend of the daughter who took the form of a woman and child turned to stone.
The town is located a little inland from the Gulf of Mexico in the northeastern corner of Campeche state. It is near the border with the state of Yucatán. Arrive at Campeche International Airport in the state’s namesake city and drive east for 56 miles (90 kilometers) to get here within about 90 minutes.
Expect a tropical climate here, with a dry season running from December through April and wet weather the rest of the year. The temperature remains warm year-round.
