Museo Arqueológico de Campeche & Fuerte de San Miguel

The Museo Arqueológico de Campeche and Fuerte de San Miguel translate as the Archaeological Museum of Campeche and the Fort of San Miguel. These two impressive historic attractions are rolled into one. Spend half a day at the colonial fort overlooking the sea and browsing the interesting exhibits in the museum housed inside it.

The Fuerte de San Miguel is located around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southwest of Campeche’s city center. The building once formed part of the extensive defenses that were designed to prevent the devastating pirate attacks of the colonial era. Visit today to see the great fort, the largest in all of Campeche, painstakingly restored to its former glory. Stand alongside replica cannons atop the sturdy walls as you keep watch for marauding pirates.

Leave plenty of time to explore the two levels of the sprawling 10-hall museum, which contains some of Campeche’s most significant archaeological remains. The museum focuses mostly on pre-Hispanic collections. See the life and culture of the Mayan people brought vividly to life here.

Wander through the different halls to see a range of artifacts, which include the likes of ceramic utensils, stone tools and funerary items. The jade masks found inside a tomb at the archaeological site of Calakmul are among the most famous and are particularly worth seeking out. See other finds from sites such as Edzná and Isla de Jaina, a nearby island once used as a cemetery for Mayan aristocracy. The astrological stelae are interesting pieces too, and all are accompanied by explanatory information.

The Museo Arqueologico de Campeche and Fuerte de San Miguel are located outside of the city center of Campeche. Take one of the buses or “combis” (minibuses) that stop at the entrance to the access road, which is a short walk from the fort. Hop in a taxi if you’re short on time. The site is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday and there is an entry fee.