Letras Campeche

The vibrant and iconic art installation "Campeche Letters" (Letras Campeche) is one of the main modern symbols of the city of Campeche. Located on the scenic Costera del Golfo waterfront, this monument consists of large, multi-colored letters spelling out the city's name and serves as the perfect backdrop for memorable photos overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

This popular attraction sits on the edge of the historic center, which Mexico carefully preserves as a World Heritage site. The installation blends harmoniously with the look of the walled city, neighboring ancient fortifications and the Baroque architecture that tourists from all over the world value so highly.

The high rating of the site confirms its status as a must-visit location: travelers come here not only for "Instagrammable" shots but also for the stunning marine panoramas. The Campeche Letters have become an important point of attraction, uniting the cultural heritage of the past with modern tourism aesthetics.

For general tourist information about the region, you can use these official resources.

The main reason hundreds of guests visit every day is for panoramic photography. The giant letters against the azure sea look striking at any time, but it is at sunset, when the sky turns purple, that a truly magical atmosphere is created for selfies and professional photo shoots.

After getting the perfect shot, it's worth taking a walk along the Malecón waterfront. Here you can breathe in the sea breeze, watch the ships in the bay, or browse the small souvenir market near the Sea Gate (Puerta de Mar). At the market, artisans offer unique handmade items crafted in Mayan and colonial traditions.

Within walking distance is the Baluarte de la Soledad, which houses a museum of Mayan architecture—an excellent opportunity to combine outdoor relaxation with cultural discovery. In the evening, the area is transformed: decorative lighting comes on, and live music often fills the nearby Zócalo square, inviting you to end the day at one of the cozy seafood restaurants.

Getting to the installation is easy, as it is located in the heart of the tourist zone on the Carr. Costera del Golfo waterfront. If you are staying in the historic city center, the walk from the central square, Parque Principal, will take only 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer transport, a taxi ride from the main bus station (Terminal ADO) will take about 10–15 minutes and cost between 20–50 pesos. City buses also regularly run along the waterfront. From Campeche Airport (CPE), located 15 km away, you can reach the site by taxi in 20–30 minutes.

A very charming way to reach the letters is to take the tourist vintage tram that departs from the Zócalo square. Its route runs along the waterfront and the city's main bastions, allowing you to comfortably see the sights before hopping off at the photo zone.

The spot where the colorful letters stand today is steeped in centuries of history. The city emerged on the foundations of an ancient Mayan settlement called Kin Pech. After the Spanish landing in the early 16th century, San Francisco de Campeche was founded here, becoming the wealthiest port on the Yucatán Peninsula, its prosperity fueled by trade with Europe.

The city's wealth attracted pirates, whose raids forced the Spanish crown to turn Campeche into a true fortress. In 1686, construction began on a massive hexagonal wall with eight bastions. The installation is located very close to the legendary Sea Gate (Puerta de Mar), which was once the only entrance to the city from the gulf.

The unique preservation of colonial architecture and fortifications led to the city's historic center being included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999. The modern "Campeche Letters" serve as a link between the fortified city's grand past and its vibrant tourist present.

To simply take a few good photos against the backdrop of the sign and the sea, you will need about 15–20 minutes. However, most travelers prefer to linger here longer to walk along the picturesque promenade, so it is better to budget 30 to 60 minutes for this stop.

If you plan to combine the photo session with a visit to the neighboring museum in the Baluarte de la Soledad and some souvenir shopping at the local market by the Sea Gate, your stay in this part of the city could extend to 2 hours. This is an ideal option for a leisurely pre-evening stroll.

The landmark is accessible for visiting 24/7. You can come here early in the morning to catch the sunrise in silence, or late in the evening when the letters are illuminated, creating a special atmosphere.

Opening hours by day of the week:

• Monday — Sunday: 24 hours

Viewing the photogenic letters is just the beginning of your acquaintance with this charming port city. A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the colonial era and enjoy the seascapes.