Culture and Nature: Two Unforgettable Spots Along the Route from Campeche City.

While Campeche City charms visitors within its fortress walls, the surroundings hold great artisanal heritage and natural wonders. These two destinations are conveniently located along the same route, making it easy to visit both in a single day trip. Manantiales Ich Ha Lol Xaan is just half an hour from Campeche City, while Becal is an hour away, offering the perfect escape for travelers seeking authentic Mexican experiences.

Becal: The Heart of Panama Hat Craftsmanship

Becal is a small town where generations of artisans have perfected the ancient art of weaving Panama hats in underground caves. This UNESCO-recognized craft transforms humble palm fibers into the elegant headwear known worldwide. The natural humidity of the limestone caves creates perfect conditions for working with jipi palm, allowing craftspeople to create incredibly fine and flexible weaves that would be impossible above ground.

Watch master weavers work in the cool, mysterious caves. These subterranean workshops, carved from limestone bedrock, maintain constant temperature and humidity year-round. Local families open their caves to visitors, sharing stories passed down through generations while demonstrating techniques that remain unchanged. Witness the entire process from raw palm preparation to the final shaping of each unique hat.

Reserva Ich Ha Lol Xaan: Crystal- Clear Waters and Eco-Adventure

Escape to the crystal-clear cenotes of Manantiales Ich Ha Lol Xaan, located within the Reserva Ecológica de Hampolol, where ancient Mayan springs create a natural adventure paradise surrounded by lush jungle vegetation. 

These sacred waters, whose name means "water that falls from flowers”, offer far more than just swimming. Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking through the springs and river, soar through the vegetation on zip lines, rappel down specially equipped areas, and cross suspension bridges over the flowing river. You can also explore guided or self-guided hiking trails, observe diverse bird species in this biodiversity-rich environment, and encounter local wildlife including turtles, alligator gar, iguanas, fish, and native birds.

Tours to both the Reserva and Becal's underground caves are easily available from Campeche City. Whether you're shopping for authentic handicrafts in Becal's family workshops or floating in the sacred waters of Ich Ha Lol Xaan, you'll return to Campeche with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the region.